Birmingham, UK – Owen James Events has officially launched the Festival of Finance, a new flagship event designed exclusively for senior leaders across the UK's financial advice and wealth management sector.

Taking place on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the Festival of Finance brings together principals, partners, directors, wealth managers and industry leaders for a day focused on practical insight, strategic discussion and meaningful industry connections.

The Festival will utilise skills and expertise from businesses across Owen James’s parent company, Fintel, including Defaqto, Simplybiz, threesixty, and VouchedFor, leveraging its extensive insight to create a more intelligent and targeted event experience for delegates. Complimentary tickets to the Festival are available to firms using the services of threesixty and Simplybiz.

The event will be structured across five dedicated zones – the Strategy Studio, Innovation Zone, Wealth Way (exhibition area), CPD-focused Academy, and Wellness Hub – enabling attendees to tailor their experience whilst engaging with the issues shaping the future of advice and wealth management.

Owen James has announced global investment manager Invesco as its first headline sponsor, with keynote sessions from former Sainsbury’s CEO, Justin King CBE, who steered the retailer through the internet revolution, and former England cricket captain, Sir Alastair Cook, alongside a platform presentation from the FCA.

James Goad, Managing Director of Owen James Events, said:

"In our industry, there are many events to choose from, but only a few are genuinely worth a full day out of the business. This is one of them. The Festival of Finance blends Q&A-led sessions, interviews and curated discussions. Less lecture, more conversation so you leave with practical insight you can act on."

Alex Whitson, CEO of Fintel Services, added:

“By combining pioneering speakers, data-driven networking, and an immersive event experience, the Festival of Finance sets out to not just reflect the changing needs of the sector, but actively help shape its future.”

Built specifically for decision-makers across the advice and wealth management community, the Festival focuses on business growth, regulation, operational efficiency, technology, innovation and the evolving needs of clients.

The event has already generated significant interest across the industry and marks the latest addition to our (Owen James Events') portfolio of market-leading financial services events, building on more than two decades of bringing together the sector's most influential professionals.

Registration for the Festival of Finance is now open.

Festival of Finance in the Media

Financial Planning Today - With article here.
IFA Magazine - With article here.
The Intermediary - With article here.

About Owen James Events

Owen James Events has been delivering market-leading events for the UK financial services sector for over 20 years. Through flagship events including A Meeting of Minds and the Festival of Finance, the business brings together senior leaders, regulators, providers and advisers to share insight, foster collaboration and support the future of the industry.