A Life Curated A Life Curated with Lord Michael Spencer
May 7, 2025
Join British entrepreneur Lord Michael Spencer, the founder of ICAP and an esteemed art collector. He shares tales of his childhood in Ethiopia, detailing how it shaped his business acumen. Discover the secrets behind ICAP’s rapid success and his steadfast business principles of professionalism and integrity. Lord Michael discusses his passion for art, revealing why he prioritizes pleasure over investment and recounts his memorable charity days that revolutionized fundraising. A fascinating glimpse into wealth, art, and philanthropy!
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First Big Buy Replaced A Car
- Lord Michael Spencer bought his first major painting, a Peploe, instead of a new car and still owns it today.
- He says that purchase gave him huge happiness and began his serious collecting journey.
ICAP Began Small And Scaled Fast
- Michael recounts starting ICAP in 1986 with four people and £50,000 of his own money and making a profit in the first month.
- A $1 billion swap in August covered the firm's costs and marked the moment he felt they'd 'made it.'
Prioritise Professionalism Over Short-Term Profit
- Do prioritise professionalism and integrity over short-term gains to build long-term client trust.
- Michael argues that doing the job well and avoiding cut corners makes more money and feels morally better.