Mark Yeandle is in high demand across the world for his expertise and knowledge on financial centre competitiveness. Now & Z/Yen often follows Mark’s travels around the world, most recently while hot air ballooning and trying falconry in Dubai.

On 29 August 2019, the true extent of Mark’s reach was recognised by the City Government of Busan, who awarded Mark Honorary Citizenship Of The City Of Busan in recognition of the contribution he has made over a number of years to Busan’s development as a financial centre.

This is a truly great honour. Only 110 foreigners have been granted citizenship of the city over the years and Mark joins an august group, which includes Tom Cruise (there really is no other comparison between the two – ed).

Mark is so valued by colleagues in Busan that they made a move to poach him from Z/Yen, producing a business card which confirms his links to the city.

The presentation of a plaque commemorating the event was made by the Mayor of Busan, Mr Oh Keo-don, over lunch in London with our Executive Chairman, Professor Michael Mainelli. Unfortunately, due to illness, Mark was unable to attend the ceremony and we wish Mark well in his recovery.

The lunch was followed by an event for investors to present Busan’s development plans and provide an opportunity for networking between senior financiers from Busan and London. We look forward to continuing our close relationship with Busan over the coming years.