The voices and experiences of the UK’s black communities following George Floyd's death. With the market hugely discounted at the moment, it may be very tempting to start buying up cheap assets in the hope that market volatility sends them skyrocketing. We've been holding virtual coffees across the levels of seniority within the company. This is especially the case where firms are trying to raise funds for an illiquid product, where liquidity can often be at a premium. Before the virus hit, board members were able to fly over to sit in on meetings and fulfill substance requirements. New starters who have flats without gardens may not have found the whole experience very enjoyable MJ: For the investment industry as a whole, I'd say fundraising. Almost all aspects of society were woefully under-prepared for a pandemic on this scale, and I imagine people will be keen not to make the same mistake again.
In terms of broader investment trends, I think it is a very real possibility that individuals and institutions alike will start to hedge against possible similar events in the future. These technologies existed before Covid, but the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for their implementation, and they're now becoming much more prevalent within the industry. In this latest edition of the Lockdown Interviews International Investment's Gary Robinson talks to Michael Johnson, group head of fund services at corporate services company Crestbridge, who reveals how increased use of technology has provided some 'silver linings' during the covid-19 pandemic.
The way we work, for example, will take a while to go back to normal, if indeed it ever does. We've been onboarding investors much more expeditiously, through electronic identification, virtual document signing etc. Sprinting great Michael Johnson said he had to apply an "Olympic mindset" during his recovery from a stroke. MJ: There will of course be day to day changes which will last for some time after this crisis has abated. Now though, I find they're better at around 4 or 5pm, which is when work is typically a bit quieter.Whereas before covid-19 5pm - 7.30pm was a great time to get work done, now that's spent on the household diary; looking after the kids, cooking them dinner etc. American four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson speaks to BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Chris Latchem about the impact of the death of George Floyd.American four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson speaks to BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Chris Latchem about the impact of the death of George Floyd. Digital publisher of the year 2010, 2013, 2016 & 2017 For investors, the challenge is to look beyond short-termism, and seek out long term returns.