DEBATE: Does London have to transform to maintain its success?
Does London have to transform to maintain its success as an international business hub?
Brad Goodall, an entrepreneur, says YES.
London is an incredible place. Already, we have leading talent, infrastructure, and regulation. We must maintain this, but we must also do more.
Tomorrows business will be led by tech – and we are falling behind. San Franciscos kid geniuses have an entire support network – ours battle barriers.
Grey suits make investments, often in other grey suits. Business leadership is pale, male, stale. As one consequence, watch Londons banks drift out of touch. Their outdated products ignore todays digital consumer, who will leave for emerging alternatives from elsewhere. The fallout could be huge – and nor is banking the only industry blunted by ageing conservatism.
We must develop a funding ecosystem that has the capital and understanding to give tech dynamos the backing they deserve. We must make it easier for younger, more diverse talent to make it to board level, rather than slave on corporate ladders. We must stop being so old, so grey.
We must transform for tomorrow
Read more: Financial services bosses back the City to remain Europe's hub after Brexit
Monique Melis, managing director and global head of regulatory consulting at Duff & Phelps, says NO.
London isnt pining for its former glory – its a city at the top of its game. Not just because were home to many of the top global institutions, but because we offer the ideal infrastructure, expertise, and culture for businesses setting up here.
Brexit hasnt changed that. If anything, its placed Londons global significance firmly back in the spotlight.
We have an advisory community with a deep understanding of capital markets; a trusted legal system, making us Europes leading centre in countless areas of finance; and regulators that seek to be transparent and accountable. And crucially, London remains a truly exciting and diverse place to work.
The attitude that the system here is somehow broken is perhaps the greatest danger facing the capital. It threatens to drive business abroad, enact damaging taxes with limited accountability, and jeopardise the citys uniquely welcoming environment.
Fundamentally, the key to Londons continued success will be building on what we already have.
Read more: What Facebooks downfall will mean for the future of fintech
[contf] [contfnew] 
CityAM
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
