By Lora Benson
The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is delighted to congratulate Robert Hughes-Penney Chartered FCSI on his election as Sheriff of the City of London.
Robert is a trustee of the CISI board of directors, a member of the CISI Ethics and Integrity Committee and Chair of the CISI Audit and Risk Committee.
He was elected as the next Sheriff of the City of London at Guildhall’s Common Hall, taking office in September 2025.
Robert, left, has spent over three decades in the financial services sector, primarily as an Investment Director at Rathbones, managing global multi-asset portfolios, and serving on the Board, Executive and Management Committees of the main operating company
The Sheriffs’ modern-day duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving - both, at home and abroad - as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry by promoting the UK as a place in which to do business. Based at the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, the office is an integral part of the City’s support for the rule of law.
Following his election, Robert said: “To all those who have extended support and encouragement along the way – from across the Livery, the Court of Aldermen, and the wider City – I offer my heartfelt thanks and with a deep awareness of the heritage and responsibility that comes with this role — the oldest secular office in the country after the Sovereign.
“The role of Sheriff is not just ceremonial; it is fundamentally about supporting the Mayoralty in championing the City's global standing and civic mission, and I commit to working with the Lord Mayor, and on a joint civic plan with his elected successor and my fellow Sheriff. We also look forward to including young people in our programme and will uphold and promote the City's global stature both at home and abroad.”
Tracy Vegro OBE, CISI CEO said: “On behalf of all of us at the CISI I am delighted to extend our congratulations to Robert, a CISI Chartered Fellow and member of 18 years, on his role as Sheriff of the City of London. We thank him for his ongoing support and dedication to our global financial services community and profession and we look forward to working with Robert in the year ahead.”
In addition to their duties and responsibilities to assist the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs play a key role in supporting His Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) by promoting the importance of the English rule of law to businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures.
The Central Criminal Court, where the Sheriffs work and reside during their year, is recognised as the most famous criminal court in the world and is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.