Owen James unveils flagship ‘Festival of Finance’ with Sir Alistair Cook and Justin King amongst line up

26 May 2026

Owen James Events has announced the launch of the Festival of Finance, a new flagship event designed to bring together the UK’s financial advice and wealth management community for a data- and insight-driven, festival-style experience.

Taking place on Tuesday 29 September at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the one-day event will connect around 500 senior advisers, wealth managers, and industry leaders, offering a blend of insight, innovation, and meaningful connection across the sector.

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, commented:

“There has never been a more exciting time to bring financial advisers and wealth managers together. The Festival of Finance is a landmark event which captures that excitement – from the inspiring space in which it takes place and innovative structure of the event, to the live music and entertainment at the reception, everything about the Festival will be celebratory.

“In this event, we’ve created a high-energy environment for genuine collaboration, delivering insight, fresh perspectives, and valuable, engaging learning, whilst re-imagining how our industry connects and moves forward together, and I can’t wait to welcome our guests to the inaugural Festival of Finance.”

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.”

Potential exhibitors and attendees of the Festival of Finance can find out more here