Norton Rose Fulbright EMEAPAC Chair Farmida Bi CBE appointed to the House of Lords

Farmida Bi CBE, Chair of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific practice, has been appointed to the House of Lords as part of the UK Government’s latest political peerages.

Farmida brings over three decades of banking and finance experience and is widely recognised for her leadership and contributions to the legal profession and wider society.

Beyond her professional achievements, Farmida is deeply committed to public service and charitable work, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in October 2020 for services to law and charity. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee, which unites fifteen leading UK charities to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises. She is also Chair of the International Regulatory Strategy Group Council, a Board member of TheCityUK, and an Honorary Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge and of The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Farmida’s influence has been consistently recognised by the industry. She has featured in Financial News’ Fifty Most Influential Lawyers (2021–2023, 2025), appeared on its 100 Most Influential Women in European Finance list for seven consecutive years (2018–2025), and was named to the publication’s inaugural South Asian Power Brokers List in 2025.

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Scott, Global Managing Partner and Managing Partner, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Norton Rose Fulbright, said:

“Farmida’s appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. Her achievements have inspired countless colleagues and set a benchmark for excellence in our profession. We are immensely proud to see her contributions recognised at the highest level.”

Farmida will remain as a partner and the EMEAPAC Chair at Norton Rose Fulbright following her appointment to the House of Lords.