The Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England, Sir Jon Cunliffe, has today been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his contribution to the UK’s financial services sector.

In addition to his specific responsibility for financial stability, Sir Jon, who has held the post since November 2013, leads on the supervision and oversight of financial market infrastructures and payment systems.

Sir Jon is a member of the Bank’s Financial Policy and Monetary Policy Committees; the Bank’s Court of Directors; the Prudential Regulatory Committee; and a member of the G20 Financial Stability Board Steering Committee. 

Sir Jon, who was nominated for his Freedom award by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, and the City Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, attended his ceremony at Guildhall today with invited guests.

Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons said:

"We thank Sir Jon Cunliffe for his exceptional contribution to the financial services sector and more widely, to the UK, as a global finance centre.

“Through decades of service to this country, Sir Jon has been a key figure in driving financial stability and robust regulation. I am delighted to support his nomination, which is richly deserved."

City Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said:

“I have great admiration for Sir Jon Cunliffe, and for his commitment to the City.

“His expertise in financial stability and development are valuable assets to the Square Mile. His service to the City of London and the wider national economy is legendary, and it is fitting that he should be honoured as a Freeman of the City of London.”

Speaking after today’s ceremony, Sir Jon Cunliffe said:

“I am very honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London, and I am most grateful to Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons, Policy Chairman Chris Hayward, and the City of London Corporation.

“I have worked closely with the City Corporation for over 30 years in many capacities and I have always been impressed by the role that it plays domestically and globally, and have valued its commitment to work closely with government and regulators for the public good.

“This ancient honour is rooted in the history of this most dynamic and innovative global financial centre, and I am very proud to receive it.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent high-profile recipients include singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran; theatrical impresario, Sir Cameron Mackintosh; LGBTQ+ activist and London Night Czar, Amy Lamé; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk