By Brian Caplen.
One of The Banker’s long time contributors Charles Piggott tragically died on a fishing boat trip off the south coast of England in April aged only 45. Charles had contributed to The Banker as well as its sister publication Global Risk Regulator for many years and was an expert on both banking regulation and banking statistics.
Charles played a huge role in developing The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking into the comprehensive database it is today. He was always endlessly curious, meticulous in his approach to data and hugely enthusiastic about his work. Then when Global Risk Regulator was acquired in 2013 he began writing in-depth articles about the big regulatory push in banking that has occurred since the financial crisis. He was a close observer of the US scene and every article he produced was always jammed full of facts and ideas gained from extensive conversations with his wide network of contacts.
Charles was as busy outside the office as he was in it. Educated at St Peter’s College, Oxford, he was knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects from music to art to religion and politics and many others, which made him great company. He was also a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed walking, kayaking, wind surfing, swimming and sea fishing.
He was a very generous person both with time and money and was noted for going out of his way to organise outings for family and friends. He leaves a wife Sarah and two sons.
