BGC Group has raised a record $14 million (£11.2m) during its annual BGC Charity Day, the highest total in the event’s 21-year history.
Since its inception in 2005, in memory of 658 BGC colleagues and 61 Eurobrokers employees who died in the 9/11 attacks, the event has generated more than $234 million globally.
Every year, 100% of revenues and broker commissions from a single day’s trading are donated directly to charity.
Star power boosts giving
This year’s London trading floor featured appearances from Ray Winstone, Hugh Grant, Lily James, Billie Piper, Sir Gareth Southgate, Tom Hardy, Davina McCall, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Michael McIntyre and HRH Princess Beatrice, all closing trades alongside brokers.
Sean Windeatt, Co-CEO and COO of BGC Group, said the atmosphere makes the event unique: “The energy on the trading floor is unlike anything else – it lifts the whole team, brings everyone together and creates a sense of purpose and pride that lasts long after the event.”
Supporting charities in the UK and beyond
More than 60 charities in the UK will benefit, including Help for Heroes, Choose Love, Space for Giants, Grief Encounter, HVH Arts, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Haven House Children’s Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy, Laureus Sport for Good and The Pearl Fund, launched by England rugby star Maro Itoje.
Debbi Clark, CEO of HVH Arts, said BGC Charity Day has at times represented a third of the charity’s annual income: “That support enables us to deliver vital projects that give disadvantaged children access to the arts, mentoring and creative opportunities they would not otherwise have.”
For smaller charities, the impact is particularly critical. Andy Watts, Head of Partnerships at Grief Encounter, said: “As a smaller charity that relies entirely on voluntary donations, the funds raised will have a significant impact on our work supporting bereaved children, young people and their families.”
Global reach
The 2025 event took place across London, New York, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, São Paulo and Sydney, underlining its global reach.
At a time when new research from the Charities Aid Foundation shows that 75% of UK businesses gave no charitable support in 2024, BGC Charity Day remains a vital source of funding for charities under financial pressure.