I like reading Larry Johnson’s Blog, Sonar 21.

Larry Johnson, a retired Cia analyst is not lying or feeding his readers BS.

He could be wrong of course; that is fine; one can self-correct. Lying is not.

He sometimes links to articles by Peter Haenseler who has in own blog, in Europe, Forum Geopolitical.

Haenseler can write in German, English and French (Yikes!).

He has an article entitled: Will Evil Prevail?

Rational assessments based on facts indicate that the Collective West is losing the battle for supremacy against the Global South-can the boundless evil of the West turn the tables?

His view (I think) is that the British Empire in not really dead and it is centered in the City of London (the “Square Mile”).

Haenseler asked GROK (the American AI) for information.

In connection with British power, the term “City of London” and-behind closed doors-the name Rothschild come up again and again.

When it comes to terms and contexts that those in power want to keep under wraps, it is relatively easy to get confirmation of this: my question to GROK, “What is it with the power of the City of London?” was answered after about 15 minutes with “No response.” That is also an answer.

I asked DeepSeek, the Chinese AI the same question (and two more).

Ergo: DeepSeek is not as controlled as GROK! (different algorithms, I suppose).

Here are DeepSeek’s answers:

First question: “What is it with the power of the City of London?”

The power of the City of London is not the brute force of an army, but the subtle, immense influence of global finance. It’s a unique blend of ancient history, deep concentration of capital, and global interconnectedness.

Here’s a breakdown of where its power comes from and how it manifests.

1. What is the “City of London”? A Crucial Distinction

First, it’s vital to distinguish between:

London (the capital city): The vast metropolis of 9 million people, with its mayor and city-wide government.

The City of London (aka “The Square Mile”): A tiny, ancient area at the heart of London, which is the original Roman settlement. It is a legally distinct entity with its own government, police force, and unique traditions. This is the financial district.

When people talk about the “power of the City of London,” they are referring to The Square Mile.

2. The Sources of Its Power

A. Historical Head Start and Deep Roots

The City’s financial dominance isn’t a recent phenomenon. It has been a commercial hub for centuries.

The British Empire: As the empire grew, London naturally became the center for raising capital, insuring ships, and financing global trade. Institutions like Lloyd’s of London (insurance) and the Bank of England were founded here.

Time Zone Advantage: Located between the closing Asian markets and the opening American markets, London can do business with both in a single working day.

“Big Bang” (1986): This was a pivotal moment. The UK government deregulated the financial markets, abolishing fixed commissions and allowing foreign ownership of British firms. This unleashed a wave of global investment and innovation, cementing London’s place as a world-leading financial center.

B. Unmatched Concentration of Expertise and Capital

The City is not just one thing: it’s a dense ecosystem of interconnected players.

Global Banks: Nearly every major international bank has its European or EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) headquarters here.

Professional Services: It’s home to the world’s top law firms, accounting firms (the “Big Four”), and management consultants that serve the financial industry.

Insurance and Reinsurance: Lloyd’s of London is still the world’s leading market for specialist insurance.

Foreign Exchange (Forex): London is the undisputed global leader in forex trading, handling around 38% of all global foreign exchange turnover-more than New York and Tokyo combined.

A Global Marketplace: It’s a key hub for trading everything from international stocks and bonds to metals (the London Metal Exchange) and shipping contracts.

C. A Deliberately Supportive Ecosystem

Light-Touch Regulation (Historically): For decades, the UK government cultivated a “pro-business” environment with favorable tax policies and a regulatory approach seen as more flexible than, for example, New York’s post-2008 reforms. This attracted immense talent and capital.

The Rule of Law: The UK’s independent and respected legal system, particularly its commercial courts, is the preferred forum for resolving international business disputes. This provides certainty and security for contracts.

Clustering Effect: The concentration of all these services in one place creates a powerful network effect. If you need to finance a multi-billion-dollar deal, you can meet bankers, lawyers, and insurers all within a few square miles.

D. Unique Political Status

The City of London Corporation is its own strange and powerful entity.

It is not a normal local council. It has its own political institutions, separate from the rest of London, with the Lord Mayor (different from the Mayor of London) as its ambassador for UK-based financial services.

Lobbying Power: The Corporation, along with powerful groups like TheCityUK, acts as a formidable lobbyist for the financial industry, ensuring its voice is heard at the highest levels of the UK government. This is often what people mean by the “unelected power” of the City.

3. How This Power Manifests

Economic Clout: The financial services sector is a huge contributor to the UK’s economy, generating billions in tax revenue and supporting millions of jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Influence on Government Policy: Chancellors of the Exchequer and Prime Ministers often shape economic policy with one eye on how the “markets” (i.e., the City) will react. The City’s health is seen as synonymous with the UK’s economic health.

A “World City”: The City’s global nature makes London a magnet for international talent, reinforcing its cultural and economic status.

4. The Challenges and Criticisms

The power of the City is not without controversy.

Inequality: Critics argue that the vast wealth generated in The Square Mile exacerbates social inequality, driving up the cost of living in London and creating a disconnect with the rest of the UK.

“Too Big to Fail”: The 2008 Financial Crisis revealed how the failure of a few large City institutions could threaten the entire global economy, leading to taxpayer-funded bailouts.

Short-Termism: Some argue the City’s focus on quarterly returns and shareholder value discourages long-term industrial investment in the UK.

Brexit: This was a major shock to the system. While the City has proven resilient, it has lost some business (like euro-denominated share trading) to EU financial centers like Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Its long-term position as Europe’s premier financial hub is no longer a given.

Perception of an “Old Boys’ Network”: The City’s unique traditions and close-knit networks can sometimes be perceived as opaque and resistant to change or diversity.

Conclusion

The power of the City of London is the power of agglomeration. It’s the result of centuries of history, a critical mass of capital and talent, a supportive legal and political framework, and its role as the central node in the global financial network.

It is not an all-powerful cabal, but its influence on the British economy and government is profound. Its future power will depend on its ability to navigate post-Brexit realities, global competition, and the ongoing debate about its role and responsibility in society.

Second question: Who is power in the city of London?

This question gets to the heart of the matter, but the answer is more complex than a simple list of names. The power in the City of London is not held by a single person or even a static group; it’s a network of influential figures across different sectors-finance, government, and the City’s own unique institutions.

Providing a definitive, current list is impossible as roles change frequently, but I can give you the titles and recent examples of the people who hold the power, which is much more meaningful.

The power structure can be broken down into three key spheres:

1. The Political & Ceremonial Leadership (The City’s Official Face)

This is the governance of the City of London Corporation, the unique local authority for the Square Mile.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London: This is a different role from the Mayor of London (like Sadiq Khan). The Lord Mayor is the ambassador for the entire UK-based financial and professional services industry.

Power: Global advocacy, networking at the highest levels with world governments and businesses. The role carries immense prestige and access.

Recent Example (2023-2024): Professor Michael Mainelli. As Lord Mayor, he was the key representative, promoting the City’s interests abroad and in Whitehall.

The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee: This is often considered the most powerful political role within the City Corporation, setting the overall strategy.

Power: Directs the Corporation’s policy on economic growth, its response to issues like Brexit, and its relationship with the national government.

Recent Example: Chris Hayward. In this role, he is the de facto political leader for the Corporation’s strategic direction.

2. The Financial Titans (The Real Economic Muscle)

These are the people who run the institutions that are the City. Their power comes from the trillions of dollars in assets they control.

The Governor of the Bank of England: The most powerful official in UK finance.

Power: Sets interest rates, regulates the banking system, and is the lender of last resort. Their words can move markets globally.

Current Name: Andrew Bailey.

Chief Executives of Major Banks and Financial Institutions: The heads of the world’s largest banks, which have their European headquarters in the City.

Power: They control vast capital, make decisions on lending and investment that affect global economies, and are the primary employers in the Square Mile.

Examples of Roles (with recent holders):

CEO of Barclays (C.S. Venkatakrishnan or “Venkat”)

CEO of HSBC (Noel Quinn)

CEO of Standard Chartered (Bill Winters)

CEO of a major international bank’s London operations

(e.g., the European CEO of JPMorgan Chase or Goldman Sachs).

Heads of Major Institutional Funds: The people who manage the money of pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds.

Power: They are the “owners” of large swathes of the global economy through their investments and can dictate corporate policy.

Example: The CEO of Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), one of the world’s largest asset managers.

3. The Influencers and Network Hubs (The Connective Tissue)

These individuals wield power through influence, lobbying, and networking.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer: The UK government’s finance minister.

Power: Creates the tax and regulatory environment in which the City operates.

Their policies can make or break the City’s global competitiveness.

Current Name: Rachel Reeves.

Chief Executive of TheCityUK: The most powerful lobbying group for the UK-based financial and professional services industry.

Power: Acts as the collective voice for the sector, directly lobbying the government and regulators on behalf of hundreds of firms.

Recent Example: Miles Celic.

Senior Partners of “Magic Circle” Law Firms: The legal architects of major financial deals.

Power: They advise on the largest mergers, acquisitions, and capital raisings. Their influence is in shaping the structures and contracts that underpin global finance.

Example: The Senior Partner at firms like Linklaters,Allen & Overy, or Clifford Chance.

Why a Simple List of Names is Misleading

1. Anonymity: The most powerful people are often not the public faces. A hugely influential hedge fund manager or a senior regulator working behind the scenes may have more direct power than a public figure.

2. The “Structure over Individuals”: The City’s power is institutional. The CEO of JPMorgan is powerful because of the institution they represent, not necessarily their individual personality. When that person changes, the power of the role remains.

3. The Network: Power in the City is exercised through a dense network of relationships between these individuals-bankers, regulators, lawyers, and politicians. It is the network itself that is powerful.

In summary, if you were to map the “power in the City of London,” you would plot a network that connects Andrew Bailey (Bank of England), Rachel Reeves (Treasury), the CEOs of the major banks (Venkat, Quinn), the head of the main lobby group (Celic), and the political leaders of the Square Mile itself (Mainelli, Hayward).

It is this collective, and the institutions they represent, that truly holds THE power.

Third question: in the City of London (the square mile) how powerful are the Rothschild’s interests?

This is a question that sits at the intersection of historical facts, modern finance, and pervasive global conspiracy theories. Addressing the power of the Rothschild interests in the City of London requires separating the historical legacy from the contemporary reality.

Here’s a breakdown of their influence, from the tangible to the perceived.

The Historical Power: Unparalleled

There is no overstating the Rothschild family’s historical power in the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries. They were, effectively, the founders of international finance.

1. The Banking Pioneer: Nathan Mayer Rothschild, who established N M Rothschild & Sons in London in 1811, became phenomenally powerful. His network of brothers across Europe (in Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Naples) created the world’s first international bank.

2. Financing Governments: The Rothschilds were crucial in financing the British government during the Napoleonic Wars. Later, they financed everything from railways across Europe to the Suez Canal purchase by the UK government.

3. The “Bank of England’s Bank”: For much of the 19th century, they were the de facto central bank for Europe’s central banks, managing sovereign debt and facilitating the flow of gold and capital.

4. Intelligence Network: Their courier network was faster and more efficient than any state’s, giving them early and crucial information on major events like the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo, which they allegedly leveraged for enormous profit (though this specific story is likely mythologized).

During this period, their power in the City was not just significant; it was arguably supreme.

The Modern Reality: Significant, but Niche and Diminished

Today, the picture is dramatically different. The Rothschild business is still influential and prestigious, but it operates on a different scale and in a different way compared to the global banking giants.

N M Rothschild & Sons (now part of Rothschild & Co) remains a key player, but its power is specific:

1. A Leader in M&A Advisory: Rothschild is a world-leading independent financial advisory firm. It does not take large risks with its own capital like JPMorgan or Goldman Sachs (it’s not a “bulge bracket” bank). Instead, its power lies in influence and advice.

What they do: They are the go-to advisors for governments and corporations on some of the world’s largest and most sensitive mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings.

Power through Access: Advising on a mega-merger or a government privatization (like the UK’s Royal Mail) gives them immense access to the top levels of corporate and political power. This is a “soft power” – the power of being in the room where it happens.

2. A Major Force in Restructuring: They have one of the world’s top restructuring practices. This means they are called in when large companies or countries are in financial trouble. This gives them significant influence over the fate of corporations and the stability of markets.

3. Prestige and Independence: Their reputation for discretion and a long-term view is a key asset. Being a private, family-influenced firm (through Concordia, their holding company) allows them to operate without the quarterly profit pressures of public banks.

Comparison to the Broader Market

To understand their relative power today, consider this:

Assets Under Management (AUM): Rothschild & Co. has assets under management in the hundreds of billions. This is substantial, but it is dwarfed by the City’s asset management giants like Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) or BlackRock’s London office, which manage trillions each.

Capital and Lending: Rothschild is not a major lender. The real power in daily capital markets lies with the behemoths like HSBC, Barclays, and the European and American investment banks that underwrite stock offerings and provide corporate loans.

Addressing the Conspiracy Theories

The perception of all-powerful Rothschild control over the City and the global financial system is a durable conspiracy theory. The reality is more nuanced:

The Bank of England: It is a publicly owned institution, independent of the government since 1997. While historically connected, the Rothschilds do not control it.

Global Central Banking: The global financial system is a complex network of competing public and private interests. No single family “controls” it.

The Scale of Modern Finance: The idea that one family, no matter how wealthy, could control a financial ecosystem as vast, diverse, and competitive as the City of London is mathematically and practically impossible in the 21st century.

Conclusion: How Powerful Are They?

Historically: They were arguably the most powerful financial entity in the City and the world.

Today: They are a powerful and prestigious niche player.

They wield significant influence (soft power) through their top-tier advisory roles, giving them access and a voice that far exceeds their balance sheet size.

They do not wield the commanding power (hard power) of a major retail bank, a trillion-dollar asset manager, or a global trading house.

In essence, the Rothschild interest in the City today is like that of a renowned, elite specialist surgeon—immensely respected, called upon for the most critical and delicate operations, and possessing great influence within their field—but not running the entire hospital or directing the global healthcare system.

Their power is one of deep expertise, unparalleled connections, and trusted advice, not of direct, hegemonic control.