One of the advantages of being in London is how close you are to the institutions that shape the economy. As a 16-year-old student aiming to study economics at Imperial and eventually become an investment banker, I’ve been trying to make the most of that. Recently, I had the chance to visit the Bank of England Museum, and it turned out to be one of those experiences that stays with you.
📲The Event: The Future of Money
The highlight of the day was an event on the Bank’s newest installation: the future of money. A museum curator explained how money is evolving, and it wasn’t just about cryptocurrencies or buzzwords — it was about the bigger picture:
- 💳How a digital pound (CBDC) could transform the way we transact.
- 💸Why cash still matters in a digital economy — for identity, inclusion, and trust.
- 💰And how at the core of it all, money only works because we believe in it.
Hearing this in the very building where decisions about interest rates and monetary stability are made was powerful. It reminded me that finance isn’t just about numbers on a screen — it’s about trust. And in investment banking, where you’re advising clients and allocating capital, that trust is everything.
Touring the Museum
After the talk, I went on a tour of the museum. Some moments stood out:
- 🪙Trying to lift a gold bar — it’s far heavier than you’d expect. It made me think about wealth in its most physical form.
- 💷Seeing the evolution of banknotes from the 17th century to today’s polymer notes. It showed me that money always adapts to technology and society.
- 💹Exhibits on inflation and monetary policy, which connected directly to what I’ve been studying. It was a reminder that behind every rate change headline are real decisions impacting households, businesses, and markets.
Beyond Economics: Networking and Confidence
What I didn’t expect to take away was how valuable it felt to talk to professionals in that environment. Asking the curator questions about digital currencies gave me practice in having conversations with people who live and breathe finance.
For aspiring bankers, this is huge. Networking isn’t just about LinkedIn or formal events — it starts with being curious, asking good questions, and building confidence in professional settings. Experiences like this are more than just educational; they’re training for the world we want to work in.
🤔Final Thoughts
Leaving the Bank of England, I realised how important it is for aspiring finance professionals to understand both the history and the future of money. The visit reinforced that finance is built on trust, shaped by innovation, and grounded in the decisions of institutions like the Bank.
For me, the museum wasn’t just a tour — it was a reminder that if I want to succeed in investment banking, I need to keep looking ahead, stay curious, and develop the confidence to engage with the world of finance now, not just later.
Mind Over Markets 