It was the first in a long line of lucrative celebrity-style appearances planned by the man who single-handedly brought down Barings Bank.

He will also be endorsing products in advertisements and appearing on television shows.

Business people, brokers and bankers paid about £188 each to hear him speak at the event in the Netherlands.

Anna Friel and Ewan McGregor starred in Rogue Trader

Leeson was released from a Singapore jail four months ago after serving three-and-a-half years of a six-and-a-half-year sentence for fraud.

He was caught after going on the run when his gambling on derivatives markets landed Barings Bank with £800m of debt.

Now, Leeson's assets are frozen and he has huge debts hanging round his neck.

He said: "I would like to go back into the financial world, but which company is going to be brave enough to employ me? Who will let me trade again?"

Leeson has written a book of his story, "Rogue Trader", which was made into a film, starring Ewan McGregor.

But his public relations adviser, Ian Monk, says Leeson did not gain a penny from either, because it went directly to Barings' creditors.

Under an agreement with the creditors, he will be allowed to keep 35% of money earned from public and media appearances and advertising.

Cash allowances

The remaining 65% will go to creditors.

Some of his portion of the money will go on medical bills. Leeson found out while in prison that he has colon cancer. After treatment, he is now in remission.

Leeson also receives a monthly allowance of £3,000 a month from his frozen assets.

"This man is inundated with offers. It's great," said Mr Monk.

Asked where he wanted to be in 10 years' time, Leeson replied: "I hope I'm still alive.

"I would like to live with somebody, have children and be left alone."

Leeson spoke about his view of world stock markets to 250 members of the Amsterdam stock exchange.