War in Europe: Sanctions and Financial Architecture


War in Europe

Sanctions & the Global Financial Architecture

The BDA is pleased to invite you to an in-person event at the PRESS CLUB, Brussels, on May 16, 2022. 17-19.00

Speaker Mr. Bernard Siman, Head Financial Diplomacy & Fintech Brussels Diplomatic Academy

Host Dr. Len Ishmael Global Affairs BDA. Senior Fellow Policy Center for the New South & German Marshall Fund of the United States of America

This event is the second in a three-part series examining the war in Ukraine and its implications not only for Ukraine, Europe, NATO and its allies, but for the world. The consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are multifaceted with significant disruption to the rules-based order in place since the end of the Cold War. This war will also be costly. Effects will extend beyond the shores of Europe. Among the suite of retaliatory actions levied by the West against Russia are those related to sanction regimes now in their sixth instalment. Their reach and scope are unprecedented. While the effects of the “financial shock and awe” bundled in successive cycles will take time to evolve and their effects fully understood – one consequence is clear – effects will be felt and borne by societies and communities around the world – including those who are the most vulnerable, and poor. This conversation will focus on the effects of the war on the international financial architecture. The freezing of Russian state and private assets, effects on private investors, the legal ramifications of these actions, implications for the US dollar as the world’s currency reserve, alternatives to the SWIFT system and more – will be discussed. We hope that you will join us!

Monday, May 16, 2022 | 17:00 – 19:00

Coffee & Refreshments will be served

17:00 Welcome & introduction of Speaker: Dr. Len Ishmael

17:05 Interactive Session with Mr. Bernard Siman

17:50 Open Discussion Q & A 

18:20 Final Perspectives

18:25 Coffee and Refreshments

Venue: The Press Club, Froissartstraat 95, 1000 Brussels

Please respond to: delia.barbu@vub.be by Monday May 16, 12 noon CET. Brussels.

Speaker Biography