London up close: MMF students explore one of the world鈥檚 leading financial centres

Each year, the 91黑料网 Master of Management in Finance (MMF) program organizes an international study trip to London, one of the world鈥檚 most dynamic financial centres. The week-long experience gives students a firsthand view of global markets, supported by 91黑料网鈥檚 strong alumni network and connections across major institutions. In mid-October, the MMF 2026 cohort took part in this annual tradition, spending five days meeting industry professionals, presenting the funds we manage at Desautels Capital Management (DCM) and exploring the city鈥檚 vibrant cultural landscape.

The company visits formed the professional backbone of the trip, offering us firsthand exposure to leading institutions that shape global markets. With each session, the cohort became more familiar with the European financial landscape and the diverse career paths it offers. At Goldman Sachs, we met with 91黑料网 alumni who provided an in-depth explanation behind one of the world鈥檚 most prestigious investment banks. They shared candid perspectives on navigating high- performance environments and emphasized the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. Hearing from professionals at varying stages of their careers gave us clarity on the application process and offered actionable advice.

MMF Students in London 2025Shortly after, we travelled to S&P Global鈥檚 London office where we learned how credit and ESG ratings, risk management, and market intelligence shape decision-making across the financial ecosystem. Presenters explained how macroeconomic trends, geopolitical risks, and sustainability considerations are playing an increasingly important role in ratings methodologies. We left with a stronger appreciation for how capital markets rely on transparent, high-quality data to function efficiently as well as how careers in financial analysis and risk can be both intellectually rewarding and impactful.

Perhaps most memorably for many students, our visit to Lloyd鈥檚 of London was a breathtaking experience. From the reconstructed Adam Room to learning about its unique 鈥渋nside-out鈥 architecture, the visit was educational, informative, and a whole lot of fun. It broadened our understanding of the insurance industry, illustrating diverse career paths within insurance and reinforced that opportunities in the industry value adaptability, cultural awareness, and international exposure.

MMF Students in London 2025 Stairs

An article about our time in London would be incomplete without mentioning the city鈥檚 vibrant cultural identity. Beyond its reputation as a financial hub, London鈥檚 long-standing heritage as a global crossroads enriched our personal experience. Whether traveling by metro, taxi, or on foot, we met people from a plethora of different backgrounds, offering us an immersive experience that transformed our perception of London鈥檚 identity. We also explored London鈥檚 historical and cultural landmarks 鈥 including the Tower of London, Big Ben, St Paul鈥檚 Cathedral 鈥 which helped us grasp how centuries of trade and innovation have culminated in forming London as it is today.

The trip also created memories that extended beyond academics and into shared cultural experiences. Exploring different parts of the city, including London鈥檚 distinctive pub culture, offered informal opportunities to connect as a cohort and experience local traditions. Our closing dinner at Eastcheap Records was a standout moment, with live music and a celebratory atmosphere marking the end of an inspiring week.

London 2025 challenged our thinking, expanded our ambitions, and encouraged many of us to consider international careers. Even though many students in this year鈥檚 cohort come from abroad, London was a first-time experience for several of us. Being there offered a valuable glimpse of what it means to work in a truly global financial centre. Professionally, we learned that success today requires more than Bloomberg and Excel; effective communication and adaptability are increasingly essential. Hearing from professionals who have worked across continents has taught us the importance of being open to mobility and stepping outside one鈥檚 comfort zone.

Our cohort returned with the sentiment that this trip has been a defining chapter of our MMF journey. It broadened our perspective and reminded us of the value of exploring new potential career paths, reshaping how many of us envision our futures. It also reaffirmed our ambition to contribute to a global financial landscape that values innovation and social responsibility. This perspective gave new meaning to our work at DCM鈥檚 SRI fund.

The memories, connections and inspiration we gained will continue to guide us long after the MMF program. For all of us, London will remain a milestone that shaped our aspirations, friendships and sense of possibility鈥攁nd for me personally, it was a cherished chance to visit home!

Photos by Rohan Rastogi, Gabriela Rodriguez Ramirez, and Cynthia Wong.


MMF Program

The 91黑料网 Master of Management in Finance (MMF) program prepares future finance leaders by blending academic theory with practical, hands-on experience. Through immersive learning opportunities, you will gain the skills, expertise, and networks necessary to navigate the complexities of modern finance.

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