The Life and Times of Alan Burr

The Life and Times of Alan Burr

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Cathy Wright

 

In this City Chronicles interview Alan Burr, a well-known figure in the City today, discusses his career and industry milestones, with Gary Wright, Director of Industry Affairs, ISITC Europe.

Alan arrived in the City in the sixties. Just as the use of computers started to expand in businesses. The discussion includes what the early computers were like and did, and how he became a pioneer in establishing them across array of different business types. Then moves on from his early foray into computer programming, to sales where important long-term relationships were established.

Alan was the first Managing Director of LCH in Hong Kong and makes some interesting observations around this period. Success in his career led to him to work with Clearing Houses around the world including Spain. The value of Clearing Houses to the stability and resilience of the markets is underlined and the need to maintain and implement technology innovation.

He talks about how clearing of derivatives emerged, to what we see today and provides the audience with a historical perspective. For many, the world of clearing today in global markets might appear to be the outcome of careful planning and set objectives, but the reality is it is the result of a zig zag of swings and roundabouts, as the markets have reacted to various events. Alan discusses some of those events including regulatory failures.

He speaks about the London Metal Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the importance that good clearing and data has for strong regulatory compliance.

But for many people it’s Alans career as a trainer, which will resonate the most. Alan established his own training and events company way back in 1993. Over the years his expertise has been put to good use, in creating some of the CISI syllabus and examination papers. He has been training people on behalf of the CISI for a significant period of time. Alan reiterates the massive importance of the CISI in helping people to develop and have long and successful careers in the capital markets.

The discussion was wide ranging, covering many topics, which is not surprising with a man that has seen so much change, and been integral to the changes, which led to what there is today. This is a mighty interesting interview that will help people today, and in the future, gain a greater understanding of Capital Markets.

Part One – Interviewed By Gary Wright, Director, ISITC Europe CIC

Viewing time 31 mins

Part Two – Interviewed by Gary Wright, Director, ISITC Europe CIC

Viewing time 23 mins

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Alan Burr

Alan Burr is Director and Founder of Burr & Company Limited, a training and consulting firm.  Alan previously worked for ICCH (now LCH Ltd.), during which time he was Chief Executive in Hong Kong and Executive Director in London.  He then joined MEFF, the Spanish Financial Futures Exchange, as International Director.  Today he is an independent advisor offering a broad range of professional services.

Alan has substantial executive experience with clearing houses, exchanges and in IT management.  He works extensively with international clients and in the UK.

He is a well-established trainer and has helped prepare students for the CISI Level 6 Diploma in Global Operations Management for over twenty years. He presents training courses internationally covering most features of financial services including risk management and corporate governance.  Alan regularly provides education on many aspects of investment operations for examination and general educational purposes. Alan works with several training companies, including BPP, Capital Markets & Derivatives Training, CISI, Eureka Financial and Fitch Learning.

For CISI, he is the current Chair of the Operations Forum committee and a past Chairman of the Risk Forum committee and is also a member of the Bond and Fixed Income Forum committee. Alan has recently been appointed a Director of ISITC Europe CIC.