Business Leaders Gather to Discuss Market Shifts at Georgetown Majlis

Prominent members of the financial and scholarly community in Qatar gathered at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) this week to discuss the impact of recent and upcoming events on global markets.

Dr. Alexis Antoniades, Director of Economics at GU-Q, welcomed industry leaders, colleagues, and students to his majlis to exchange views on current geopolitical and economic developments. Attendees included H.E. the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Qatar, Ajay Sharma, and Charles Carlson, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, as well as a number of CEOs, bankers, investment fund managers, risk managers, and academics from a range of institutions.

“The informal majlis setting provided an excellent opportunity for people engaged in the global financial system to meet and share their thoughts,” said Dr. Antoniades. “It brought scholars together with members of the financial and business communities, where they were able to assess from distinct vantage points the key events which may affect international markets in 2017.”

The event was the first gathering of its kind this year, and attendees discussed a range of developments which are expected to unfold in the coming months. These included effect of populism, the potential impact of the upcoming French elections on global markets, the impact of Brexit, oil prices, the strong dollar, and the potential shifts that could follow the inauguration of the new president of the United States.

In upcoming meetings, Dr. Antoniades aims to discuss topics with his guests including innovation in the financial sector, geopolitical risks to business in the Gulf, and women in business.