London Stock Exchange CEO receives City of London Freedom

The Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange, Julia Hoggett, has today been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of her remarkable career in the UK financial services industry and her promotion of women's contributions to the City.

In addition to her role as CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Julia is also Head of Digital & Securities Markets for the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Chair of the Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT), a group of leading organisations from across the financial markets ecosystem which aims to drive forward the development of the UK’s capital markets.

Previously, Julia was Director of Market Oversight at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). She joined the FCA in 2014 to run the Wholesale Banking Supervision Department.

Beginning her career at JP Morgan, Julia later became a Board Member and CEO of DEPFA ACS BANK in Ireland and then Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Julia holds a degree in Social and Political Sciences from Newnham College, Cambridge University and undertook a research scholarship at Kings College, Cambridge University on public policy in East Africa.

She has been named in Financial News’s 100 Most Influential Women in Europe’s Financial Markets six times and has been an active speaker on Diversity and Inclusion in the City for two decades.

Julia was nominated for her Freedom award by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, and City Corporation elected Member, Florence Keelson-Anfu, who attended her ceremony at Mansion House with invited guests.

Speaking after today’s ceremony, Julia Hoggett, said:

“It is a huge honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London and I am humbled by the recognition. I am immensely grateful to the City of London Corporation, and the Lord Mayor, Nicholas Lyons.

“London is unique across the world in having such a long-standing and stalwart advocate for our financial services ecosystem in the City of London Corporation and the Lord Mayor. Having that remarkable history provides a platform for the evolution of our industry to ensure we continue to serve the wider economy and through that positively impact the lives of people up and down the country. I remain committed to working closely with the City of London Corporation in the years ahead in service of that vital objective.”

Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons said:

"Julia’s exceptional career in the financial services industry, her leadership at the London Stock Exchange, and her commitment to diversity and inclusion make her a deserving recipient of the Freedom of the City of London. We recognise and honour her outstanding contributions to the City and the financial sector."

City Corporation elected Member, Florence Keelson-Anfu said:

“Julia’s dedication to promoting the invaluable role of women in the City is truly inspiring. Her accomplishments and advocacy for diversity and inclusion serve as a remarkable example for the financial industry and beyond. We are pleased to celebrate her achievements with this well-deserved recognition."

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 theatrical legend, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, LGBTQ+ activist and London Night Czar, Amy Lamé; Bank of England Deputy Governor, Sir Jon Cunliffe; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.