This IoD Emerging Leaders event brings together senior investment professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of finance and investment strategy.
Investing in intelligence: AI and the future of finance will examine how AI-driven technologies are influencing markets, portfolio construction, and investment decision-making as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond. Designed for experienced managers, directors, and senior leaders, the discussion will focus on the strategic implications of AI, emerging opportunities, and the practical realities of investing in an increasingly intelligent ecosystem.
Through open discussion, the panel will consider the evolving AI market landscape, including where innovation is creating value, where risks are emerging, and how investors can respond with confidence. Topics will include the role of AI in investment processes, the rise of emerging technologies such as Agentic AI, and how leaders can position portfolios and organisations for long-term resilience in a fast-changing environment.
The session offers a valuable opportunity to gain insight from professionals working at the forefront of investment strategy, while engaging in informed discussion with peers navigating similar challenges across finance and leadership roles.
Panellists
Julien Lafargue
Chief Market Strategist, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management
Julien is responsible for shaping the investment views of Barclays Private Bank, leading market strategy across discretionary and advisory portfolios. His work focuses on translating global macro trends into thematic and opportunistic investment ideas, while contributing to portfolio construction and asset allocation decisions. Prior to joining Barclays in 2019, Julien spent over a decade at J.P. Morgan Private Bank as an Equity Strategist covering EMEA markets.
Nour Khalifeh
Private Markets Distribution, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management
Nour is a Director within the Private Markets team at Barclays, where she leads the distribution of private markets investment opportunities. Since joining the firm in 2011, she has held roles across business development, portfolio management, and relationship management in Geneva, Hong Kong, and London. Prior to her current role, Nour worked as a Private Banker and played a key role in developing the firm’s independent asset manager offering in the UK. She holds advanced qualifications in private markets investing and management.
James Pao
Head of Jersey Discretionary Portfolio Management, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management
James joined Barclays in 2012 and relocated to Jersey in 2017 as a Portfolio Manager. He now leads discretionary portfolio management for the Jersey business, bringing experience across investment management and portfolio construction. James holds a Master’s degree from Imperial College London, is a CFA Charterholder, and also holds the Certificate in ESG Investing.
Tickets are free for IoD members and non-members and can be booked here.
Tickets are free for IoD members and non-members and can be booked here.
Event details
Date: Thursday 12 February
Time: 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Location: Alba