On October 31st, 2025, Bison Bank hosted the second edition of the Portugal Investment by Global Citizens Conference at the EPIC SANA Amoreiras Hotel in Lisbon. The one-day forum gathered global leaders, financial experts, and investors.
Immigrant Invest joined discussions on Portugal’s growing role as a strategic hub for international capital, innovation, and talent.
The conference opened with remarks by António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank, followed by João Rui Ferreira, Secretary of State for the Economy, who presented Portugal as a “gateway to global investment.”
The programme also featured the launch of the first scientific study on the economic impact of Venture Capital and SIFIDE funds in Portugal, led by Investors Portugal with Nova SBE.
Speakers and panellists examined why Portugal continues to stand out as a “safe haven” for investment amid uncertainty, citing institutional stability, quality of life, and a robust regulatory environment.
Immigrant Invest representative at the conference
Highlights of the Portugal Investment by Global Citizens Conference
The agenda of the Portugal Investment by Global Citizens Conference 2025 focused on three main themes: the journey — what has already been achieved, the present — the current situation, and the future — the prospects ahead.
Sessions on Portugal’s investment journey explored achievements and milestones in attracting global capital. Keynotes by Gonçalo Regalado of Banco Português de Fomento and João Mira Gomes of Henley & Partners highlighted the country’s appeal for digital wealth and innovation.
The morning presentations were followed by a panel discussion on Portugal’s investment journey, where participants examined major milestones, results, and lessons learned.
In the section on the present situation, experts addressed current opportunities in private equity and venture capital. Speakers discussed the evolving investment climate and unveiled the findings of the landmark Venture Capital and SIFIDE study. This section concluded with a dynamic panel on the real factors driving investment in Portugal.
During the third part of the conference, speakers outlined what can still be built to enhance Portugal’s appeal to foreign investment. The final sessions focused on Portugal’s long-term vision as a global investment hub. Speakers highlighted future-facing strategies, emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration, and discussed ways to keep Portugal an attractive destination for global capital.
The conference concluded with a keynote by Paulo Portas, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who reflected on Portugal’s enduring appeal as a country “where the future wants to live.” António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank, closed the event with final remarks.
Célia Castilho at the Portugal Investment by Global Citizens Conference
Paulo Portas, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, delivering the closing session
Representatives of BlueCrow Capital, 3 Comma Capital SCR, Investors Portugal, and Indico Capital Partners during the Here & Now panel on the real factors powering investment in Portugal
The panel discussion on ways to enhance the Portugal’s appeal to international investors
António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank, sharing final thoughts to close the conference
