Our first Hale Lecture of 2026 launched with a wide-ranging and engaging conversation with Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank, drawing an audience of over 100 attendees, which included students from St Marylebone School, Wetherby Senior School and All Saints Catholic College who regularly join us for opportunities such as the Hale Lectures.
Emma opened the conversation by mapping out her career journey, sharing insights into the opportunities, challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped her path to the top of one of the UK’s most prestigious banks. Her reflections challenged the idea of a ‘linear’ career and encouraged pupils to embrace change, take risks and remain open to unexpected opportunities.
Questions from our fantastic pupil-led panel explored the growing influence of AI in financial services and how banks can balance technological advancement with ethical responsibility. Sustainability also featured prominently, with Emma discussing how long-term environmental goals are embedded into modern banking strategy rather than treated as an afterthought.
We are hugely grateful to Emma for her time and to pupils and guests for posing thoughtful and probing questions. The conversation emphasised the values and leadership qualities that underpin success, alongside the importance of young voices in shaping future thinking.
The Hale Lecture series is such a distinctive and enriching part of life at Francis Holland Regent’s Park, providing a platform for pupils to ask questions that will help them map out their own future careers, whilst receiving incredible advice from trail-blazing female leaders!
