Retreat, Recalibrate or Revitalise?

Global financial leaders, policymakers, academics and practitioners once again gathered in Edinburgh for Ethical Finance Global on Thursday 18 June 2026.

With ESG at a crossroad, the 2026 edition was framed around the theme “Retreat, Recalibrate, or Revitalise?”, examining whether recalibration represents a loss of ambition or a necessary evolution, and what genuine revitalisation looks like in practice. Through high-level keynotes, critical debate and technical sessions, the programme focused on how finance can retain credibility, competitiveness and purpose while navigating this more contested, higher-stakes phase of the transition.

Set against this backdrop, 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. GEFI used the summit to launch a new line of enquiry that goes beyond commemoration, re-examining Smith through a 21st-century, post-hegemonic lens.

  • Invite-only summit
  • Senior representatives from across finance
  • Open, frank and challenging discussions
  • Ample networking opportunities

For the first time, Ethical Finance Global was by invite-only, with attendance offered through a register of interest process.

Agenda

  • 25+ contributors

  • 6 keynote insights

  • 8 interactive panels & firesides

  • A focused agenda designed for enhanced audience interaction and frank debate

  • Scottish Government-hosted networking reception to enjoy the evening

Access the full agenda

Confirmed Speakers

Partners


SDG Hive - Wednesday 17 June

In partnership with: 

By invitation only, the SDG Hive programme held a series of private roundtables where senior FS professionals and policy leads join for interactive discussions on key industry challenges.

Time: 12:00-14:40

Venue: Edinburgh Futures Institute

Sessions:

  • Navigating Fracturing Multilateralism and What Next for the SDGs?
  • Moral Markets: Social Rights and Returns
Visit the SDG Hive website

EF Global 2026 featured as one of the flagship summits of the Edinburgh Finance Festival.

Watch this space for updates on confirmed speakers and agenda for EF Global 2027.In the meantime, follow us on LinkedIn

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