Former MI5 head to discuss digital threats at Jersey Finance conference

Monday 09 April 2018

The former head of national security agency MI5 will discuss rising digital threats to the economy at the Jersey Finance flagship conference this month.

Jonathan Evans will be joined by world-leading AI commentator Nick Bostrom, who has also been announced as a speaker at the conference, which will be held at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London on 24 and 25 April.

Focusing on the funds sector set against a backdrop of major geopolitical shifts, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology on private wealth, the conferences aim to provide a source of Jersey-focused information, while bringing together London and Jersey-based professionals.

Mr Bostrom's book, ‘Superintelligence', has been praised by some of the most respected voices in technology and science and has been cited by the likes of Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk and Bill Gates in the debate over AI. He will be joined by a host of experts from the private wealth and funds industries to speak at the conference.

The first day of the conference - entitled ‘A Future Focus' - will concentrate on the impact of changes in the geopolitical landscape on Jersey’s funds industry in relation to Britain and the EU, now and in the post-Brexit future. Invest Europe CEO, Michael Collins, and CVC Capital Partners Partner, Marc St John, have also been announced as speakers.

The following day, ‘An Open World’ will explore how developments in AI and other technologies are affecting family office structures globally and across generations. 

Pictured: AI commentator Nick Bostrom.

The private wealth event will also include an interview with Jonathan Evans, former Head of MI5, who will offer insights on the rising threat of digital infiltration and the risk it poses to national security, infrastructure and the economy.

A panel will look at trends in investor behaviours and wealth distribution, in particular, diversification and alternative asset classes, with a lively debate on the relative merits of ‘emotive’ assets such as classic cars, art and wine.

Geoff Cook, CEO Jersey Finance, explained: “Taking the Jersey message to London sets us apart as a forward-thinking IFC. London is a strong ally in both the funds and private wealth arenas, so it’s important that we work together to do this. London-based practitioners may be asking how Jersey differentiates itself through digital innovations and whether we are a future-proof jurisdiction despite Brexit. I am certain that our flagship conferences will provide clarity, address these questions, and more.”