Edinburgh event: From macro to action: Expert insights for the year ahead

Thursday 29 January 2026 | 18:00 - 20:30 | Evening Event

2026 has kicked off with renewed political turmoil across multiple regions, making now the perfect time to pause, take stock of where we stand, and carefully assess what leading voices in the investment industry anticipate for the year ahead. This timely session brings together experienced practitioners to help you navigate the complex landscape we're facing. 

From macroeconomic trends and central bank policy to geopolitical risk and emerging global investment themes, we'll explore the key factors likely to shape markets in the coming months. Whether you're looking to identify opportunities amid uncertainty or seeking to understand the forces driving market dynamics, this discussion will provide practical insights to help you frame your outlook and refine your investment approach for 2026. 

Join us for a dynamic conversation that bridges the gap between high-level macro analysis and actionable investment strategy—because in volatile times, understanding the bigger picture is essential to making informed decisions. 

Learning Objectives 

• Understand the current market environment and its key drivers. 
• Explore potential scenarios for the year ahead and their implications for investors. 
• Gather actionable insights from top macroeconomic and investment professionals. 

This event has been organised with Addepar.  

Timings

Registration: 18:00
Presentation 18:30 - 19:30
Networking: 19:30 - 20:30

Speakers: 

Andrew Milligan, Non-Executive Director, Phoenix
 
Andrew Milligan worked at Aberdeen/Standard Life Investments in Edinburgh for over 20 years as Head of Global Strategy. Previously he had a varied career at H.M. Treasury, Lloyds Bank, and several stockbrokers and fund managers as an international economist.  

Since retiring he is assisting a variety of organisations: a Non-Executive Director for Phoenix PLC, as a member of its independent governance committee for workplace pensions; trustee to CBF, which manages much of the Church of England’s investments; Independent Member of the investment committees for the Health Foundation and Progeny Asset Management; and trustee of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Andrews & Edinburgh. 

Paul Diggle, Chief Economist, Aberdeen 

Paul Diggle is Aberdeen's Chief Economist, leading the global macro research team and sitting on the house view committee. He heads a team undertaking macroeconomic research and analysis, global economic forecasting, and political risk analysis, to drive better investment decisions.  

Paul has substantial experience as a market economist, and is a regular presenter with clients and the media. He joined Aberdeen in 2015. He previously worked at Capital Economics, the leading macroeconomic forecaster, where he sat on the US and UK economics desks. He started his career at Volterra Partners, where he developed credit risk models for banks.  

Paul graduated with an MA in philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford, and went on to gain an MSc in economics from Birkbeck, University of London. 

Please note if you require special assistance or have specific access requirements, please contact the events team at events@cfauk.org.

Click here to view our event terms and conditions.