This forum is focused mostly on banking and finance in the UK but I believe that it is important for people who want to work in the financial industry to have a global mindset. There is a ranking called The Global Financial Centres Index that is published every year and shows the most powerful financial cities in the world. The 2023 ranking shows that most of the top 20 financial cities are located in the US, China and Germany - 30% are in the US, 20% in China and 10% in Germany. London has consistently been ranked 2nd just behind New York in the last few years. Young professionals should take into account this ranking given that 95% of the top 20 financial centers are located outside of the UK. It is true that London is one of the most important cities but one could apply for jobs/internships outside of the UK as well.

Here are a few questions that can help to start the conversion on the topic. 1. What are your thoughts on this topic? 2. How do you expect this ranking to change in the future? 3. What is more likely to happen in the near future - London to move to the first or third position? 4. Can you share any interesting experiences in financial centers other than London ? 5. Which locations do you prefer? 6. Do you agree or disagree with this ranking? Why?