Sir Sadiq Khan on London’s Global Edge—and What Comes Next

Apr 8, 2026

Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and long-serving political leader focused on housing, transport, climate, skills, and growth, discusses London’s global strengths in finance, culture, and innovation. He highlights priorities like AI and frontier tech, transport and air quality improvements, and strategies to build talent and inclusive growth for the city’s future.

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INSIGHT

London's Unique MultiSector Edge

London combines finance, culture, tech, and politics, making it a unique multi-sector global capital.
Sadiq Khan argues this agglomeration requires proactive planning to optimize opportunities like AI and future growth.

ADVICE

Devolve Power To Mayors

Push for devolution: mayors should secure more powers and resources from central government for transport, housing, crime, planning, and skills.
Khan frames devolving authority as faster, less political, and better at delivering local outcomes.

INSIGHT

London Growth Benefits The Regions

London and regional growth are complementary, not zero-sum; investing in London creates demand for suppliers nationwide.
Example: London buys electric buses from manufacturers in West Yorkshire, East Midlands, and Northern Ireland, creating jobs elsewhere.

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London’s position as a global hub depends on staying competitive and preparing for rapid technological change. Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, joins Kunal Shah, co-chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs International and global co-head of FICC, to discuss London’s economic strengths across finance, culture, and innovation—and the potential challenges around artificial intelligence, talent and capital. They explore the London Growth Plan, the city’s focus on transportation and air quality, and how London can build guardrails around innovation while also capturing opportunity.

This session was recorded at the Goldman Sachs office in London on February 12, 2026.

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