Latest news with #JamesAshley
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International hosts insightful viewpoints forum featuring Goldman Sachs executive and renowned financial journalist
Oman: Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to fostering intellectual dialogue and the exchange of impactful ideas, Sohar International hosted a compelling session of its signature Viewpoints Forum at the Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, on May 22, 2025. Attended by industry leaders, financial professionals, and decision-makers both in person and online, the event provided timely insights into global market trends under the theme 'Politics, Policy & Prices – Impact on Markets: A Walkthrough.' The forum featured Mr. James Ashley, Managing Director, Head of International Market Strategy, and Head of Strategic Advisory Solutions at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Mr. Ashley delivered a comprehensive analysis of how geopolitical developments, policy shifts, and economic indicators influence global markets, offering attendees valuable perspectives drawn from his strategic expertise. Moderating the discussion was Ms. Sarah Cocker, acclaimed financial journalist and former CNBC Squawk Box anchor. Her dynamic and thoughtful facilitation enriched the conversation and brought clarity to complex global issues. Commenting on the event, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer at Sohar International, said, 'Knowledge, when paired with access and perspective, becomes a powerful driver of opportunity. Our aim through initiatives like these is not only to exchange insights, but to ignite critical thinking, challenge convention, and equip our stakeholders to navigate an increasingly complex investment landscape with confidence. This forum reflects a broader commitment to strategic foresight and the kind of dialogue that drives long-term value. In an era where global and regional markets are more interconnected than ever, the need for nuanced, context-driven understanding is paramount. By convening thought leaders and decision-makers, we continue to position ourselves as a catalyst for intelligent growth—both for our clients and for the nation at large.' Welcoming an elite audience of over 100 distinguished high-net worth clients, the event provided a powerful platform for insightful dialogue on shifting market dynamics and long-term investment strategies. Reinforcing its position as a catalyst for knowledge and a proponent of progressive thought leadership, Sohar International thoughtfully curated an environment that encouraged the exchange of diverse viewpoints and forward-thinking perspectives. A dynamic open-floor Q&A session further enriched the conversation, offering physical and digital attendees the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and delve into issues of both personal and professional significance. Through this high-level engagement, the bank reaffirmed its dedication to equipping stakeholders with contextual intelligence and nurturing a culture of informed decision-making—one that aligns seamlessly with the Sultanate's broader economic aspirations. About Sohar International: Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Politics, policy and prices: Sohar International invites you to join the conversation at Viewpoints Forum
Muscat – In line with its commitment to advancing industry dialogue and fostering informed decision-making, Sohar International invites customers, investors, industry experts, and the general public to attend its upcoming Viewpoints Forum, taking place on May 22, 2025. Titled 'Politics, Policy & Prices – Impact on Markets: A Walkthrough,' this edition of the Forum will provide valuable strategic insights into how global political shifts, policy changes, and economic trends influence markets. Open to all, the event underscores Sohar International's mission to promote inclusive dialogue and cross-sector engagement. Interested participants can register through the Sohar International corporate website or by visiting the Bank's official social media platforms. Headlining the session as Guest Speaker is James Ashley, Managing Director and Head of International Market Strategy and Strategic Advisory Solutions at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Mr. Ashley brings extensive experience in global markets, macroeconomic trends, and investment strategy. His insights will help participants navigate uncertainty, manage risk, and uncover opportunities in today's evolving financial landscape. The discussion will be moderated by Sarah Cocker, a seasoned financial journalist and former anchor of CNBC's Squawk Box. Known for her incisive interviews and engaging style, Cocker will guide the conversation to ensure a lively, informative, and impactful session. Through initiatives like the Viewpoints Forum, Sohar International reinforces its role as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, economic resilience, and long-term sustainability. Commenting on the upcoming event, Mr. Abdulwahid Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated: 'In today's global landscape—characterized by geopolitical transformation and evolving economic complexities—clarity and strategic foresight stand as critical enablers of long-term success. Viewpoints Forum transcends conventional dialogue by empowering individuals and institutions to make informed decisions, enhance economic resilience, and contribute meaningfully to national development goals. At Sohar International, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of knowledge and insight, recognizing that a well-informed community is instrumental to driving Oman's sustainable growth and competitiveness on the global stage.' As economies continue to evolve under the pressures of global change, Sohar International remains steadfast in its vision to bridge global expertise with local ambition. The Viewpoints Forum is more than an event—it is a platform for collective thinking, strategic foresight, and actionable intelligence. Join the conversation on May 22 and be part of shaping a more informed, resilient, and connected future. About Sohar International With the vision to become a world-class Omani services company that helps customers, community and people to prosper and grow, Sohar International operates with a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, complementing their growth and prosperity with international standard service delivery. The Bank seeks to redefine banking in Oman through transformational developments centred on the principles of More Velocity, making everything simple and fast; More Value, ensuring relevance and connectivity to customers' world; and More Vision, liberating stakeholders through talented leadership.
BBC News
04-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Wirral dentists 'may have to stop NHS treatment'
Dentists in Wirral have warned a funding crisis may force them to stop providing NHS treatment in the next Chair of the Wirral Local Dental Committee, which represents NHS dentists in the borough, said practices do not receive enough money from the government to cover the cost of carrying out Wright said it was "unsustainable" and said the lack of funds could result in no NHS dental treatment being Department of Health and Social Care said the government is committed to rebuilding NHS dentistry. 'Unsustainable' Dentist practices are not owned or employed by the NHS. They are businesses which choose to enter into a contract with the Wright said: "If you look at the British Dental Association figures to provide a set of dentures for a patient will on average lose a practice £40."That's just unsustainable. To keep our small businesses going we have to have income, and if the income from the National Health Service isn't sufficient we have to subsidise that by accepting private patients."James Ashley, who runs a practice in Rock Ferry, said the profession also faced staffing problems ."The main other struggle we have is the lack of dentists out there in the first place," he said."Young dentists we have recruited in recent years have gone abroad because the attraction of working abroad is much better for a lot of them than working in the NHS."A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said it was "reforming the dental contract to encourage more dentists to offer NHS services and tackle regional disparities".The spokesman said there was also a "golden hello" scheme to recruit dentists to areas in need. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
