Decision Confidence in Financial Services - Private Breakfast & Discussion - Mayfair, London
Before we commit further…
Tuesday 17 November 2026 | Mayfair, London
As next year’s plans take shape, what needs testing before we commit?
Budgets are being set, investment cases are moving forward and programmes are approaching their next stage. But the conditions behind a decision can change while the organisation is busy turning it into a plan.
Before more time, money and reputation are committed, leaders need a clear view of what still holds, what has changed and what could alter the decision.
For leaders in financial services, that can mean difficult questions:
What has changed since we first made the case?
Which assumptions still need to be tested?
Whose perspective or evidence could change our view?
Should we commit, adapt, pause or stop?
Join 8-10 senior financial services leaders for a private breakfast to discuss how to make a more confident call before a decision becomes harder to change.
Who this is for
Leaders currently working within banks, insurers, investment firms, fintechs and payments businesses, with responsibility for strategy, transformation, technology, operations, risk, product or business performance.
This will be particularly relevant if you are:
Preparing a budget, investment case or plan for the next financial year.
Deciding whether to move a programme into its next phase.
Accountable for a decision where the evidence is incomplete or circumstances have changed.
Finding it difficult to challenge a plan once people, targets and reputations are attached to it.
What we’ll discuss
What has changed since the decision was first made?
Which assumptions still hold, and which may need to be revisited?
What would give us greater confidence to commit?
What evidence, experience or perspective is still missing?
How do we decide whether to proceed, adapt or pause?
How can leaders make a clear call while recognising uncertainty and trade-offs?
The discussion will draw on participants’ experience. Bring one live decision or challenge to mind.
What you’ll get out of it
A fresh view of a live decision, informed by peers outside your organisation.
Sharper questions to test the case before further commitment.
Practical perspectives on making a call when evidence is incomplete or views differ.
One next step to take back to your team, such as testing an assumption, seeking a missing perspective or revisiting a commitment.
Who you’ll be joining
Previous breakfasts have included leaders from organisations including JPMorgan Chase, Barclays, HSBC, Citi, UBS, NatWest, Société Générale, Hiscox, Beazley and Aspen Insurance.
Feedback from earlier sessions has emphasised the value of a small group, first-hand examples and enough space for everyone to contribute.
We curate each table around current responsibilities and relevant experience, with places prioritised for leaders making these decisions within financial services organisations.
The format
A small, candid conversation over breakfast.
Hosted by Polar Insight under the Chatham House Rule, the session is independent, unsponsored and facilitated to give everyone space to contribute.
Speak from experience, ask questions and be present in the room. No presentation or preparation is required, and you do not need to share confidential information.
Returning or joining for the first time?
Previous sessions have explored stalled progress, decisions under scrutiny and leadership blind spots. November focuses on the moment before a plan moves into its next commitment. Each breakfast stands on its own, so you do not need to have attended before.
Request to join
Attendance is complimentary and subject to approval.
Please tell us your current role, organisation and one decision or challenge you would value discussing with peers. This helps us bring together a relevant mix of people around the table.