While our working environment has changed significantly in recent years – remote working being common practice at least once or twice a week for many – one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for human interaction. It is what connects us as human beings.
This industry has long recognised the importance of that in-person experience. Our trading floors may have closed (for the most part) but we love to come together, forming common bonds with friends, colleagues and competitors alike – in other words, networking.
Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the charitable endeavours we take every opportunity to participate in, especially at this time of year. Next week sees FIA’s hosting of the annual IDX Gala Dinner, held in aid of the industry foundation, Futures for Kids. Since its inception in 2008, FFK has raised around £3.5 million for charities improving the lives of children and young people around the world. With a number of firms sponsoring the event and others hosting tables, individuals will also be digging deep into their pockets to buy raffle tickets, bid in the silent and live auctions, or donating to the phenomenal fundraising of SGX’s Rama Pillai, who is the current Kilt Challenge wearer and has already raised over £58,000.
FFK knows all too well that networking and coming together in person is the best way to raise funds. Recently, a number of firms had teams participating in the FFK Fun Run, and next month, members of the London community will be participating in the annual FFK 4 July Golf Day.
Beyond FFK, the Chicago community has long supported the Greater Chicago Food Depository as well as the work of the Greenwood Project. Meanwhile, A Leg To Stand On (ALTSO) has been bringing markets people together for over a decade through events such as Rocktober Fest to raise funds to bring life-changing mobility solutions to children living with limb disabilities around the world.
Many of these organisations are supported by unsung heroes who quietly support charities, volunteer, run marathons or go for long cycle rides. One such individual is Dave Setters, former MD of FOW and well known to many industry people around the world. Dave was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND – also known as ALS in the US) 12 years ago. Since then, he has been a leading light in the campaign to raise awareness about the disease and funding for research into improving the life chances for those afflicted by this relentless, debilitating and life-shortening condition.
Seven years ago, some industry friends and former colleagues came together to start a cricket tournament where teams compete for the David Setters Trophy. This year’s tournament will help the event reach a total of more than £150,000 for the charity MND Association since 2017.
Teams from ABN AMRO, ICE, KRM22, London Metal Exchange, StoneX and Trading Technologies will be taking part in this year’s tournament on Friday 14 June at an especially poignant time. The recent passing of rugby league star Rob Burrow was a stark reminder of the dreadfulness of this disease.
If you happen to be in London ahead of IDX next week, you are encouraged to come along to the Blackheath Cricket Club Kent for the annual City Against MND cricket day to support the work of Dave Setters and MNDA.
Supporting charities allows this industry to set aside its differences to focus on the greater good. It is one of the things we do well.
