Rachel Reeves Hosts Top UK and US Financial Executives as Trump’s State Visit Begins

Published: 16 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

As former US President Donald Trump embarks on his official two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is set to host a high-profile meeting with senior executives from leading financial firms in Downing Street on Tuesday morning. The roundtable, co-hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, will bring together prominent figures from BlackRock, Barclays, and Blackstone to discuss economic collaboration and investment opportunities between the two nations.

The agenda aims to reinforce transatlantic economic ties and generate momentum ahead of a challenging autumn budget. Ministers are hoping that the talks will secure further foreign investment, providing both economic stimulus and positive headlines in the run-up to fiscal announcements. A major focus of the discussions is expected to be a £100 billion investment from Blackstone, the global alternative asset manager, drawn from a broader $500 billion commitment earmarked for European ventures over the next decade.

Blackstone, led by CEO Steve Schwarzman, has celebrated 25 years of operations in London this year, employing approximately 650 staff and managing around $100 billion already invested in the UK, including significant real estate projects such as a data centre in northern England. Schwarzman has previously praised the UK government for facilitating investment, emphasizing the supportive regulatory environment that has enabled long-term growth. The planned investment is expected to include private equity buyouts alongside other forms of capital deployment.

Trump’s visit will also feature a series of high-profile business engagements. On Wednesday evening, he will attend a state banquet alongside technology leaders and senior cabinet ministers, followed by a visit to Chequers on Thursday for a business reception, working lunch, and press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. These engagements underline the government’s strategy to strengthen business and diplomatic ties while fostering investment in key sectors.

The proposed Blackstone investment comes at a crucial moment for the UK economy. With speculation growing over potential tax changes on banks, property, and landlords’ rental income, the autumn budget is expected to address a possible public finance gap of up to £40 billion. Securing large-scale foreign investment will provide a buffer and signal confidence to markets and businesses amid a challenging fiscal landscape.

Speaking at the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association summit in London, Reeves emphasised the government’s commitment to streamlining regulatory frameworks, noting that “I want to take out more regulators; there’s still too many,” a statement aimed at reassuring investors of the UK’s business-friendly approach.

As the UK seeks to attract significant foreign capital, the convergence of financial leaders, government officials, and international investors during Trump’s state visit highlights the strategic role of diplomacy in bolstering economic growth and securing investment commitments that could shape the country’s financial landscape for years to come.