On September 25th, 2025, BlackRock, one of the world’s leading asset management firms, hosted the Lisbon Annual Event 2025 at Estufa Fria.
The seminar brought together national and international experts of the field. The Immigrant Invest team participated in discussions on global economic trends and strategic opportunities for the coming year.
Senior executives, investors, and thought leaders of the industry discussed topics which shape the future of markets and asset management, particularly the evolution of the wealth management sector, geopolitical risks and opportunities, and the impact of technological innovation and artificial intelligence on investing.
Reputable speakers included Dr Paulo Portas, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, and Dr Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure.
Highlights of the BlackRock Lisbon Annual Event 2025
The programme included four sessions which addressed the following key topics.
1. Wealth landscape transformation. Sarah Melvin, Head of UK and European Client Business, and Luis Megías, Country Manager for Iberia, opened the event with an in‑depth look at the evolving wealth landscape and new investment opportunities emerging across Europe.
2. Geopolitical shifts and their impact. Dr Paulo Portas, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, joined Alex Brazier, Global Head of Investment and Portfolio Solutions, for a panel on global political dynamics. They examined how shifting geopolitical trends influence economic strategies and investment decision‑making.
3. Infrastructure development trends. Dr Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Afonso Gois, Managing Director at Global Infrastructure Partners, and André Themudo, Head of Portugal Business and Wealth Iberia, discussed current infrastructure trends. They highlighted Portugal’s strategic role in Europe’s economic growth and outlined opportunities for global investors.
4. Systematic investing. Ahmed Talhaoui, Head of the BlackRock Systematic Group for EMEA and APAC, and Francisco Neto, Wealth Iberia Sales, explored the growing importance of systematic investing. They focused on innovation, sustainable growth, and risk management strategies for long‑term value creation.
A networking cocktail at the end of the event created an excellent environment for meaningful dialogue and professional connections.
Célia Castilho at the BlackRock Lisbon Annual Event 2025
Dr Paulo Portas, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Alex Brazier, Global Head of Investment and Portfolio Solutions, during a geopolitical panel
Attendees of the Lisbon Annual Event 2025 networking during the evening cocktail
