On September 25th, John Smyth,class of 1968 and former President of the Blackrock College Union, attended a prestigious MEP Kangaroo Group meeting at the European Parliament, hosted by David Doyle, a distinguished member of the class of 1970. The Kangaroo Group, known for fostering cooperation between the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, provided an excellent platform for exchanging insights on significant EU regulatory matters. Doyle, a highly respected expert on EU financial services regulations and Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to UNESCO, facilitated the discussions, making it an invaluable experience for Smyth.

During the meeting, Smyth had the opportunity to hear directly from influential MEP Committee chairs and CEOs from some of Europe’s leading banking associations. Their perspectives on the anticipated regulatory challenges for 2025 were both insightful and forward-thinking, offering a rare glimpse into the future of financial governance within the European Union. The discussions highlighted key regulatory developments, with a focus on the evolving needs of the European banking sector in light of digital innovation, sustainable finance, and the impact of global economic shifts.

For Smyth, it was a remarkable experience to be part of such high-level dialogue. The expertise and strategic insights shared by Doyle and other participants underscored the complex and ever-changing nature of financial regulation within the EU. The meeting not only deepened Smyth's understanding of the regulatory landscape but also showcased the critical role that thought leaders like David Doyle play in shaping the future of Europe’s financial services sector.

John’s Governance Digest podcast with David is now available at www.governancepodcast.com