Key Insights Stibbe Equity Capital Markets Seminar 2025
On Thursday 19 June 2025, Stibbe hosted its annual Equity Capital Markets Seminar. The gathering, hosted by Pieter Schütte and Nora Offergelt, was attended by over 70 capital markets participants. This year, the focus was on "The EU Savings and Investments Union – Building an Efficient European Capital Market".
After an introduction by the hosts, keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Harald Benink delivered an insightful presentation on the role of the European Union and in particular the Euro and Euro bonds, followed by a panel of professionals who engaged in an interactive discussion on the various steps being taken to strengthen EU capital markets, including regulations and private sector initiatives. The afternoon was concluded with a reception, allowing participants to discuss the topics addressed during drinks.
The panel consisted of:
- Prof. Dr. Harald Benink (Professor Banking and Finance Tilburg University) – Keynote speaker
- Julie Wakkie (Managing Director ECM, ABN AMRO Bank)
- Christine van den Bos (Listing Director, Euronext Amsterdam)
- Thijs Buitenhuis (Founder Norbury Capital)
Key insights that emerged from the seminar and the panel discussion:
- The ecosystem for investments in small and midcap companies has not yet been firmly established within the EU. There is a need for radical change in the European capital markets and the momentum appears to be there;
- Eurobonds could play an important role in filling the funding need of the European economy, and could also boost European capital markets by forming a safe asset on the European continent offering an easier exit to capital market investors;
- Equity ownership needs to be promoted and tax incentives are considered crucial to redirect retail savings towards equity investments;
- Further harmonisation in Europe is required, in particular in the areas of corporate and insolvency law. A true pan-european stock exchange could play an important role in increasing the much needed liquidity of the European capital markets. Whether a European supervisor would be required is up for debate.
We look back on a very interesting, insightful and successful event. For any inquiries regarding the seminar, the EU savings and investments union, or capital markets insights in general, please do not hesitate to contact Pieter Schütte, Nora Offergelt or Derk Lemstra.
