David Best

International Audit Director at Morgan Stanley

Speaker

David Best was appointed as the International Audit Director in January 2026. He joined Morgan Stanley in London in 1997 and has held a variety of executive and board leadership roles across EMEA Firm Management. David became Deputy Chief Operating Officer for EMEA in 2014, leading strategic initiatives, governance enhancements, and new business initiatives. In April 2022, David then served as Continental European Chief Operating Officer and Management Board Member for Morgan Stanley Europe Holding SE, Morgan Stanley Europe SE, and Morgan Stanley Bank AG. He has held many Directorships throughout his tenure at Morgan Stanley, in both the Institution and Investment Management divisions, and he has represented the firm on several external boards in the City of London, while championing philanthropic initiatives.

David holds two degrees from the Victoria University of Manchester and is a Chartered Accountant, Fellow of the ICAEW, Freeman of the City of London, and a Fundraising Patron for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Charity. He is married and has three daughters.