Does the market serve society?

Much as a fireplace poker stirs a fire to flame up, the new Poker Club is established to discuss and debate the true purpose of financial markets, as we face a century of increasing societal and environmental challenges. 

The original Poker Club was one of several clubs at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment where many associated with that movement met and exchanged views in a convivial atmosphere. Hume founded the club to be a welcome relief from sceptical depression. Something we could all benefit from.

The new version of this club retains the ethos of open and spirited debate, but differs in an important regard. It is not run on a restricted membership basis; it welcomes diversity of thought and gender and is open for all to attend - free of charge.

Join us on 23 March 2023 at 6pm for Does the market serve society? Please purchase tickets through this link.

Clare Wood (First Sentier) and Brian Henderson (Mercer) discuss the true purpose of financial markets in a time of increasingly complex and pressing societal and environmental problems.

About our Speakers 

Clare Wood

Clare Wood is a Portfolio Specialist with Stewart Investors, a separately branded investment team within First Sentier Investors (FSI), responsible for representing the investment team and its sustainable investment approach to clients.

Clare joined FSI in August 2014 as Global Head of Investment Assurance and was the Global Head of Product between August 2018 and October 2022. During that time she spent 3 years as director on FSI’s Irish and UK fund boards and as a trustee of the company pension scheme.

Prior to joining FSI, Clare spent four years as the Head of Portfolio Risk Management at Aegon Asset Management. Before this she established an investment risk function at a Fund of Hedge Funds covering hedge fund strategies. She started her career as a quantitative analyst and portfolio manager at an equity long/short hedge fund and has worked in finance for 22 years.

Clare has a PhD in mathematical modelling from the University of Sheffield in the UK and is a CFA, FRM and CAIA charterholder.

Brian Henderson

Information on Tickets 

We are operating this event series on the principles of the dana economy. The dana economy is a gift economy, or an economy rooted in generosity and reciprocity. Anyone who wishes to attend this event and future events is welcome, no matter what their current financial situation may be.

In this spirit, tickets for this event can be purchased for free. If you are able to, you can purchase a full price ticket for £35.00. There is also an option to give a donation when you purchase your ticket (an amount you choose). Finally, you can choose 'buy one, give one' and give a ticket to someone else (full price ticket amount).

Thank you to Dhanakosa and Eco Dharma for the inspiration behind this decision.

Purchase tickets.

Information on Food & Drinks 

We will serving canapés from Cooks & Co. There will be vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available. We will also be serving wine and soft drinks.