AFI PRIVATE MARKETS
WEALTH AND Innovation Summit
Benchmarking excellence
across the ecosystem
Returning in 2027! Register for official event updates
What is the AFI pRIVATE MARKETS INNOVAtion Summit?
- An exclusive gathering bringing together senior executives from private asset GPs and LPs for focused networking, analysis of key future trends and best practice benchmarking in the heart of Mayfair.
- An afternoon designed to reflect the sector’s priorities, featuring speakers and participants from leading firms (check out the AFI Private Markets Podcast for a taste).
- Topics include: Private capital strategy development; Fund structures (rise of the evergreen structure) and fundraising; Best-in-class data/technology; AI innovation; Private wealth expansion; Operational resilience; Regulatory outlook; The sustainability agenda; Democratising access – an update on new regulatory initiatives; COO in-tray; How data can bring drive efficiencies; Portfolio construction priorities and shared perspectives.
- Content is interspersed with networking breaks enabling the sector to forge connections, spark ideas and drive business. Chatham House rules facilitate open discussion.
- For more information about AFI events: view the gallery for the AFI Hedge Fund Innovation Summit 2025; check out our 2026 event schedule.
AGENDA
1.00pm
Registration opens; arrivals and networking prior to start of content.
1.25pm
Introduction from chair – Will Wainewright, founder, AFI. Main stage content in Library commences. (Networking continues in Council Suite; private rooms available for work and private calls).
1.30pm
Driving innovation: Which themes, latest practices and new innovations are driving change in private markets – setting the scene with a detailed discussion across strategy evolution, technology, AI, market themes and fresh approaches in structuring; featuring Ainun Ayub, global product head for private markets, Citco.
1.50pm
FCA fireside: Private market priorities and buyside regulatory outlook: A conversation with the Financial Conduct Authority‘s Christopher Davis (Head of the Alternatives Department, Buyside Directorate) and Katharine Fullam (Manager, Asset Management Sector Team) on how the regulator is focused on maintaining good governance and responsible practices in private markets, while also ensuring a focus on growth and competitiveness, and other key priorities in 2026. The UK is Europe’s largest private markets hub and this fireside conversation, followed by Q&A, will provide insights into the regulator’s approach and foster dialogue with industry.
2.30pm
Niche appeal: An exploration of Alternative Debt Strategies. An expert panel bringing together diverse perspectives from across the niche private credit landscape moderated by Anu Chhabra-Coulter, founder, Women in Finance Group. Panelists: Shurong (Sharon) Li, investments and structuring, Gemcorp Capital; Kathryn Robinson, portfolio manager, Genera Capital.
3.00pm
Networking coffee break.
3.30pm
Innovation in private markets: A fireside conversation with Francesco Filia, CEO of $6bn alts manager, Fasanara Capital, on how technology is redefining private markets investing. Drawing on Fasanara’s experience across digital credit, quantitative investing and digital assets, the discussion will explore how next-generation alternative asset managers are increasingly combining fintech infrastructure, AI-driven analytics and systematic portfolio construction into scalable institutional investment platforms. Interviewed by Will Wainewright, AFI.
4.00pm
Macro outlook. Zoom out from private markets with a big-picture look at global trends, geopolitics and macroeconomics with senior financial journalist Simon Nixon (author, Wealth of Nations newsletter and former Europe columnist, Wall Street Journal).
4.30pm
AFI Private Markets Wealth and Innovation Summit Networking drinks hour in the Council Room.
5.30pm
Event close.
What the industry says about afi
“The benchmark for serious alternative investment discussions. Great interviews and up-to-date market topics.”
Roberto Botero, Sciens Capital Management
“Well attended… Panels covered all relevant topics from AI over operational set up to business development.”
Stefan Guetter, Markovtech Capital
“The AFI Summit was excellent… it provided very forensic analysis.”
Donald Pepper, co-CEO, Trium Capital
confirmed SpEAKERS include
Francesco Filia
Founder and CEO, Fasanara Capital
Anu Chhabra-Coulter
Founder, Women in Finance Group
Simon Nixon
Founder, Wealth of Nations newsletter, ex-chief Europe commentator, WSJ
Christopher Davis
Head of Alts, Buyside Directorate, FCA
Katharine Fullum
Manager, Asset Management Sector Team, FCA
Kathryn Robinson
Portfolio manager, Genera Capital
Shurong (Sharon) Li
Investments and structuring, Gemcorp Capital
Will Wainewright
Founder, AFI
SponsorS
AFI partners with hand-picked providers which support the event and gain direct access to our high-calibre GP and LP attendees. Networking continues throughout the event in the Council Room, adjacent to the main Library event space.
The Library at the Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.
The Council Room at the Royal Society of Chemistry.
private markets partners
INDUSTRY PARTNERs 2026
VENUE INFORMATION
Royal Society of Chemistry
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BA.
Burlington House is on the north side of Piccadilly. After entering the gates, you will find the Royal Society of Chemistry at the far right of the courtyard. Disabled access is available.
Register
Attendance is free to qualifying LPs and GPs involved in private markets strategies. Please register below.
Service provider attendance is restricted to sponsoring firms (enquire for details) and ticket-holders (£500 + VAT). Contact AFI by email or fill in the form below to book your place, and we will get back to you.
Attendees must have their registrations approved in advance. We will respond quickly to your registration to confirm your place.