Marking 25 years since the events of 9/11, BGC Group has successfully transformed a day of tragedy into a day of purposeful activity.
As the clock struck 1pm on September 11, former England international footballer Jamie Redknapp found himself amidst the hustle and bustle of the trading floor at BGC, a leading brokerage firm. Amid the cacophony of traders, Redknapp relayed information regarding a four-month Euro Czech 2025 choice to a client over the phone.
Though surrounded by high-intensity trading discussions, Redknapp managed to soften the atmosphere with a friendly chat about football with his client. The conversation turned to his former club, Birmingham City, and their latest acquisition of Tom Brady.
In a matter of minutes, Redknapp successfully closed a deal worth tens of millions of pounds to the sound of roaring applause. The former footballer, alongside about 50 other celebrities, including Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Hardy, and Michael McIntyre, participated in BGC’s Charity Day. This annual event, commemorating the loss of 658 employees of BGC’s parent company, Cantor Fitzgerald, during the 9/11 attacks, involves the firm and its clients trading with the promise that all commission fees will go to charity. This year, the event raised a commendable $16m (£12m) for numerous charities in the UK and worldwide.
Comedian Leigh Francis, also known as Keith Lemon, closed one of the largest trades of the day at a staggering $10 billion (£7.43b). For the benefiting organisations and families, such massive amounts can be life-changing. BGC also organized a large play area for children on the day, complete with a petting zoo, art workshops, and a karaoke area.
The charity HvH Arts, which provides children from marginalized backgrounds and low-income families access to the arts, is one of the significant beneficiaries of BGC’s Charity Day. Founder Debbi Clark revealed that the event makes up a third of their annual income, supporting their music mentorship program. Another beneficiary, Carmela Chillery-Watson, a 12-year-old with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, expressed how the funds from the event helped cover the cost of a custom wheelchair not provided by the NHS.
However, a recent study by the Charities Aid Foundation revealed that only 27% of UK businesses support charities. BGC Group’s Co-CEO Sean Windeatt expressed his disappointment at these statistics, emphasizing that businesses should play a part in supporting charities during challenging times.
Windeatt, who was working for Cantor Fitzgerald’s London office during the 9/11 attacks, understands the significance of the Charity Day on a personal level. After the tragedy, the company pledged 25% of its profits to a relief fund for the families of those lost in the attacks. The company later decided to donate a day’s revenue each year to global charities.
Such corporate generosity inspires others, including competitors, to give back. BGC’s philanthropic efforts are also appreciated by its employees, as confirmed by long-time broker George Mallett. British billionaire and signee of the Giving Pledge, John Caudwell, praised BGC’s charity initiative and urged other companies to get involved with charities in any capacity they can to benefit society.
