TheCityUK is a leading industry body representing the UK-based financial and related professional services sector, with a strong focus on promoting the industry’s global competitiveness and shaping regulatory and policy frameworks at the national, European, and international levels. Established in 2010 following recommendations from senior industry and government figures, TheCityUK was designed to provide a unified, independent voice for the sector, distinct from government but closely networked with policymakers and regulators. It was officially registered with the EU Transparency Register on August 6, 2013 (ID: 237922911665-25).
TheCityUK’s remit includes lobbying on a broad range of issues, such as clearing and settlement, capital requirements, accounting standards, tax rules, retail banking, consumer credit, financial inclusion, education, collective redress, and supervision of credit institutions. Its advocacy is evidence-based, relying on research and economic insight to demonstrate the sector’s contribution to society and sustainable economic growth. The organization works closely with its members—comprising major banks, insurers, law firms, and other financial institutions—to identify priority areas and develop coordinated lobbying strategies.
A key feature of TheCityUK’s approach is its engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders, particularly through its Europe Market Advisory Group (EMAG), which advises on EU relations and regulatory engagement. The group is chaired by industry leaders and brings together subject matter experts to guide the organization’s European advocacy. TheCityUK also collaborates with UK government departments (such as HM Treasury), regulators (FCA, Bank of England), and international partners to influence policy outcomes.
TheCityUK is known for its high-level networking, including frequent meetings with senior EU officials, UK government representatives, and industry regulators. Its International Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG) includes observer members from the Treasury and Financial Services Authority, and the organization’s advisory council features senior figures from across the financial sector and government. TheCityUK’s lobbying activities are supported by significant financial backing, notably from the City of London Corporation, and its sponsor members are guaranteed access to senior policymakers.
Financially, TheCityUK’s declared EU lobbying expenditure for the most recent year (April 2023 – March 2024) was between €200,000 and €299,999, with a full-time equivalent (FTE) lobbying staff of 5 out of 13 declared lobbyists. The organization has held at least 35 high-level meetings with EU Commission officials since its registration. Its influence and reach are further extended through memberships in international networks such as the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC) and the European Services Forum
