Shows
The OMFIF PodcastHow public funds are addressing physical riskRichard Manley, chief sustainability officer at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, joins Yara Aziz, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss the key findings from a jointly published report, ‘Investing in a changing world: How public funds are addressing climate-related physical risks’. They explore the challenges public funds face in managing physical risk and where they see opportunities to build resilience.
2025-08-1518 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe dollar's fight for supremacyQuestions about the long-term viability of the dollar as the world’s supreme transaction and investment currency have been building up for years. But America’s chaotic foreign, economic and trade policies in the six months since Donald Trump returned to the White House have intensified doubts about whether the US currency will stay the course for the longer term. Will the US be knocked off its monetary pedestal in the next five years? And which currencies are in the running as the most potent rivals to the dollar?
Ellie Groves, head of strategy, official institutions group at State Street Inves...
2025-08-0619 minThe OMFIF PodcastPoint-of-sale integration: the hidden catalyst to CBDC adoptionAlthough it frequently flies under the radar, ensuring central bank digital currencies are able to be used at point-of-sale is vital to their successful adoption.
Lars Hupel, chief evangelist for CBDC at Giesecke+Devrient, joins Lewis McLellan, head of content at OMFIF's Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss integrating CBDCs at point-of-sale, the strategic and economic benefits it will bring and the appropriate incentive structures to encourage it.
You can find more information in a paper authored by Lars Hupel, which unveils the world of CBDC wallets and their various forms. It illustrates different methods to initiate payments and crafts a conc...
2025-08-0122 minThe OMFIF PodcastAfter Liberation Day: gold, rates and currency shiftsMax Castelli, head of strategy for sovereign institutions at UBS Asset Management, joins Yara Aziz, economist at OMFIF, to unpack the global reserve response after 2 April – a date proclaimed by President Donald Trump as Liberation Day. They dive into US policy shifts, the dollar’s evolving role, rising demand for gold and whether Europe is finally ready to take the lead.
2025-06-1627 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe importance of privacy in capital marketsZain Saidin, chief executive officer of Tassat, joins editor of OMFIF's Digital Monetary Institute, Lewis McLellan, to discuss the value of private blockchain networks for regulated finance.
The discussion covers how the transparency typical of public blockchains may present trade-offs where counterparties want to know each other but cannot know each other's trading behaviour. They also discuss Lynq – a real-time yield-bearing settlement network for digital assets, sitting on a private institutional network.
2025-06-1021 minThe OMFIF PodcastDriving ocean sustainability through financeAhead of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum taking place on 7-8 June 2025, Louise Heaps, Global Lead Sustainable Blue Economy, and Maud Abdelli, Greening Financial Regulation Initiative Lead at the Worldwide Fund for Nature, join OMFIF's Isabella Frymoyer to explore how financial institutions can advance ocean sustainability. The conversation highlights the key priorities, challenges and tools needed to scale investment in the blue economy, ultimately outlining the importance of encouraging blue sustainable growth.
2025-06-0632 minThe OMFIF PodcastNavigating long-term investments amid short term volatilityJonathan Griffiths, senior investment specialist at Capital Group, joins Arunima Sharan, senior economist at OMFIF’s Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, to unpack Capital Group’s 2025 Capital Market Assumptions and explore perspectives for institutional investors navigating an increasingly complex global investment landscape. They discuss themes ranging from opportunities in emerging market, to fixed income strategies and currency outlooks over the next two decades.
2025-05-2837 minThe OMFIF PodcastCombatting fraud in instant payments systemsInstant payments systems are proliferating rapidly, and many central banks are working hard on interlinking them to enable quick, efficient cross-border payments. However, while IPS can provide extremely rapid, low-cost payments, they are not immune to fraud and erroneous payments. Given the speed of settlement, these problems can be even more difficult to resolve than they are for other payments systems.
Petia Niederländer, head of payments, risk monitoring and financial literacy at Oesterreichische Nationalbank, and Cian OMurhu, managing director and head of strategic transformation office at Swift, join Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digi...
2025-05-0831 minThe OMFIF PodcastTokenisation: an engine for convergenceReal-world asset tokenisation is accelerating, particularly within private distributed ledger technology platforms like R3's Corda. But Richard Brown, R3’s chief technology officer, believes that the future of financial market infrastructure lies in the convergence of private networks like Corda and public networks like Ethereum and Solana.
He joins Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss the opportunity that DLT presents for an overhaul of financial market infrastructure where the openness, liquidity and composability of public networks is combined with the regulatory confidence offered by private networks.
2025-04-2440 minThe OMFIF PodcastWill the dollar remain king?Paul Blustein, author of King Dollar: The Past and Future of the World's Dominant Currency, joins OMFIF to discuss his latest book and thoughts on why the dollar has been, continues to be and will remain the world's dominant currency. He discusses why the euro and renminbi are not viable alternatives, whether there is a role for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, if excess US use of financial sanctions could weaken the dollar's global role and what other landmines might lie ahead, including American dysfunction.
2025-04-2226 minThe OMFIF PodcastCBDC plans energised by stablecoin momentumOMFIF’s 2024 survey of central banks found that, while three-quarters of respondents are continuing their plans to issue central bank digital currencies, one-third have delayed their timelines. However, this was before the change in US government and the decision not to pursue CBDCs, instead prioritising digital assets. A follow-up OMFIF survey revealed that this development has encouraged some central banks outside the US to move in the opposite direction and accelerate their CBDC plans.
Wolfram Seidemann, chief executive officer of Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology, joins John Orchard, chairman of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss why CBDCs...
2025-04-0828 minThe OMFIF PodcastTrade, investment and their impact on sustainabilityAmelia Santos-Paulino, chief of investment research at the United Nations Trade and Development's investment and enterprise division, joins OMFIF to discuss some of the key priorities in sustainability for UNTAD in 2025. She considers the space for trade and investment flows in international climate discussions, particularly in the face of recent elections. She also discusses the critical growth sectors associated with sustainable trade and the opportunities and challenges faced by emerging markets in this area.
2025-04-0831 minThe OMFIF PodcastCBDC plans energised by stablecoin momentumOMFIF’s 2024 survey of central banks found that, while three-quarters of respondents are continuing their plans to issue central bank digital currencies, one-third have delayed their timelines. However, this was before the change in US government and the decision not to pursue CBDCs, instead prioritising digital assets. A follow-up OMFIF survey revealed that this development has encouraged some central banks outside the US to move in the opposite direction and accelerate their CBDC plans.
Wolfram Seidemann, chief executive officer of Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology, joins John Orchard, chairman of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss why CBDCs...
2025-04-0728 minThe OMFIF PodcastHow political shifts are reshaping sovereign investment strategiesMax Castelli, head of strategy for sovereign institutions, and Philipp Salman, director of strategy for sovereign institutions at UBS Asset Management, join Yara Aziz, economist at OMFIF, to discuss how sovereign investors are adapting their strategies for 2025. They explore US President Trump’s policies, the outlook for the dollar and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of the Magnificent Seven stocks.
2025-03-1137 minThe OMFIF PodcastUnified ledgers: opportunities and legal challengesDiscourse on the rewiring of payments and financial markets has been dominated in 2024 by talk of unified ledgers. The technical promises and challenges this architecture entails are gradually becoming better understood, but before the prototypes can become reality, the legal challenges must be fully explored. Natalie Lewis, partner at Travers Smith, joins Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss what the legal implications of unified ledgers will be.
2025-01-2832 minThe OMFIF PodcastTurning women’s entrepreneurial potential into economic opportunityWendy Teleki, head of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative at the World Bank, joins Arunima Sharan, senior economist at OMFIF's Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, to discuss how the We Finance Code is tackling the $1.7tn financing gap facing women entrepreneurs. They explore We-Fi's work across 80 countries and examine how supporting women-led businesses creates positive social impact through improved education, employment and economic empowerment.
2025-01-1425 minThe OMFIF PodcastTokenisation: a new model for collaborationTokenisation is frequently discussed as a means of improving the efficiency of existing financial markets, but the technology may offer the chance to create entirely new types of economic activity. The immense reach of distributed ledger technology-based tokens makes them a vector of greater inclusion to types of markets previously inaccessible to the general public. Additionally, the collaborative decision-making facilitated by tokenisation can encourage new types of co-operation between competitors to achieve shared aims. Dominik Talebi, managing director of Global Trade Finance, joins Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss the new economic paradigm that to...
2025-01-0935 minThe OMFIF PodcastFrom plans to impactful strategies transforming transition financeYara Aziz, economist at OMFIF’s Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, speaks with Ashleigh Lee, co-lead secretariat of the City of London Corporation’s Transition Finance Market Review, to discuss the findings of the Transition Finance Market Review report. They explore the challenges and opportunities in scaling transition finance, strategies to prevent greenwashing and the global collaboration required to drive decarbonisation.
2025-01-0932 minThe OMFIF PodcastFrom petrodollar to petroyuan?Mark Sobel, US Chair, OMFIF, speaks with Max Castelli, head of strategy, sovereign institutions, UBS Asset Management, on the role of the US dollar and the various dedollarisation scenarios. They discuss significance of Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the mBridge multi-currency CBDC platform and the potential implications for the incumbent USD-based financial system.
2024-12-1335 minThe OMFIF PodcastRisks and opportunities for investment grade credit in 2025Flavio Carpenzano, fixed income investment director at Capital Group, joins Burhan Khadbai, head of content for OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, to look back at the performance of the investment grade credit market in 2024 and the outlook for next year.
They discuss how credit spreads are continuing to compress despite elevated levels of supply and to what extent this will evolve as markets move into a lower yield environment with the easing of monetary policy. The discussion also looks at the opportunities in IG credit and the risks for the sector from the volatility in rat...
2024-12-1027 minThe OMFIF PodcastBehind the post-election crypto bumpBitcoin's price has surged following Donald Trump's victory in the US election. Trump's campaign was calculated to appeal to the crypto world, so the move comes as no surprise, but what are policy changes can we expect and do they warrant this kind of explosive price action? To discuss these questions, Lewis McLellan, editor of the Digital Monetary Institute at OMFIF, is joined by Brian Whitehurst, head of regulatory affairs at Lukka, Suzanne Morsfield, global head at Lukka, and Dorothy DeWitt, chief executive officer of Tölt Strategies and former director of market oversight at the US Commodity Futures T...
2024-12-0347 minThe OMFIF PodcastWhy governments should embrace technologyA recent OMFIF-EY report on the future of public money outlines the need for governments to embrace new ideas, frameworks and technology. Joining Nikhil Sanghani, managing director, Economic and Monetary Policy Institute at OMFIF, is Mark MacDonald, global public finance management leader at EY, and Joachim Schwerin, principal economist, DG GROW at the European Commission. They discuss why governments should embrace new technology as well as how blockchain and artificial intelligence can improve public finance outcomes, the need for greater understanding and the importance of public-private partnerships.
2024-11-1929 minThe OMFIF PodcastTransitioning global public funds – strategies, barriers and opportunitiesAnne Simpson, global head of sustainability at Franklin Templeton, joins Emma McGarthy, head of OMFIF’s Sustainable Policy Institute, to assess the role of public pension and sovereign funds in transition finance. They also discuss the work of the Transition Finance Working Group, which has spoken with 12 of the biggest funds on their transition strategies and challenges. The working group conversations have been distilled into a research report by OMFIF, which will be launched at a seminar during COP29.
To join OMFIF, Franklin Templeton and global public funds at COP29, register here.
To...
2024-10-3133 minThe OMFIF PodcastBreaking down wholesale CBDC developments with G+D2024 has seen exciting developments in the wholesale central bank digital currency space. Abbas Albasha, senior strategy consultant for CBDC at Giesecke+Devrient, joins Lewis McLellan, OMFIF's Digital Monetary Institute editor, to discuss the value that wholesale CBDC can offer economies, how they can integrate with other forms of money including retail CBDC and some of the challenges those looking to implement them are facing.
2024-10-2926 minThe OMFIF PodcastExamining the changing landscape of digital assets with R3Many in capital markets have long been expecting an overhaul in how their business functions from the disruptive effects of digital assets technology. So far, these effects have not been substantial outside isolated pockets where implementation has leaped ahead. But many believe we are approaching an inflection point and that dramatic changes are about to arrive for financial market infrastructure. Kate Karimson, R3's chief commercial officer, joins Lewis McLellan, OMFIF's Digital Monetary Institute editor, to discuss what these changes will look like.
2024-10-2229 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe Draghi report: key messages for Europe’s economyIn early September 2024, the European Commission published the long-awaited ‘The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi', which examines in detail the challenges faced by European industry and companies in the single market. OMFIF lead economist Taylor Pearce hosts Bill Papadakis, macro strategist at Lombard Odier, to discuss the structural and macro trends the EU economy is contending with and how these are impacting key areas of the economy and financial system.
2024-09-2619 minThe OMFIF PodcastEvolution of sustainable government debt issuanceOne of the major structural factors impacting government financing is the massive scale of public money needed to ensure the transition to a carbon neutral economy. How are trends in government debt issuance evolving as they relate to sustainability? Alex Caridia, head of public sector markets at RBC and Heather Taylor, partner, climate change and sustainability at EY, join OMFIF lead economist Taylor Pearce to discuss. The conversation is a part of OMFIF’s workstream on the Future of public money project.
2024-09-2415 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe status of stablecoinsAt present, in most jurisdictions, only commercial banks are able to provide final settlement of payments as the only institutions with access to central bank reserves. However, new business models have emerged that unbundle the business of creating money and payment services from the provision of credit. Should payments be unbundled from banking? Circle's chief economist Gordon Liao and OMFIF's Digital Monetary Institute editor Lewis McLellan discuss the regulatory treatment of stablecoins and consider which institutions can access central bank payment systems and under what conditions.
2024-09-2437 minThe OMFIF PodcastMeeting the need for offline digital paymentsAround a third of the world lack reliable internet access and among the two thirds that have access, disruptions and restrictions are far from unknown. Ensuring that digital payments solutions are reliable and have the broadest reach possible requires that they can function offline. Though the need is well understood, the challenges of meeting it remain. Lars Hupel, G+D's chief evangelist, joins OMFIF's Digital Monetary Institute editor Lewis McLellan to discuss how offline capabilities enhance the effectiveness and convenience of online payment methods and share G+D's experience in this field.
2024-09-1732 minThe OMFIF PodcastTrump and Harris' 'meaningfully different' economic positionsChristopher Smart, former senior US Treasury and National Security Council official and managing partner of Arbroath Group, joins OMFIF's US chair Mark Sobel, to discuss the economic plans of presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They compare the candidates' differences on fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, trade and immigration policies.
2024-09-1231 minThe OMFIF PodcastAdvancing financial inclusion in the Middle East and AfricaOmar Massarweh, vice president of public policy for the Middle East and North Africa at Mastercard, joins Arunima Sharan, senior economist at OMFIF to discuss key findings from the ‘Path to Morocco’ project completed by OMFIF in partnership with Mastercard, aimed at fostering public-private dialogue and ensuring that financial inclusion remains at the core of future economies.
Their conversation touches on the alignment of current financial systems with the World Economic Forum's shared principles for an inclusive financial system and the areas with the greatest potential for improvement. They also explore how emerging technologies can enhance financial incl...
2024-08-2727 minThe OMFIF PodcastEmerging markets debt: trends opportunities and risksJeremy Cunningham, investment director at Capital Group, speaks with Arunima Sharan, senior economist at OMFIF to discuss the latest trends in emerging markets debt. They explore the re-emergence of these markets in investors' minds and how perceptions of EM debt have shifted in recent years. The conversation covers current and future opportunities in this local and hard currency EM bonds, factors contributing to higher return potential, and associated risks.
OMFIF’s Q3 Bulletin on emerging markets can be found here
2024-08-2218 minThe OMFIF PodcastDespite the odds: Ukraine’s economic reform progressVlad Rashkovan, Ukraine's representative to the International Monetary Fund, joins Mark Sobel, OMFIF’s US chair, to provide an update on Ukraine's economic and financial situation. They assess the country's progress in implementing economic reforms despite the war and the hardships facing Ukraine's people. They explore how Ukraine is using both domestic resources and international financing to maintain stability, and Rashkovan gives his views on the disposition of blocked Russian central bank and oligarch assets, the fight against corruption and reconstruction.
2024-07-3033 minThe OMFIF PodcastEntering a new paradigm in central bank reserve managementMax Castelli, head of strategy, sovereign institutions at UBS asset management, and Philipp Salman, also on the team at UBS, speak with OMFIF Lead Economist Taylor Pearce to discuss the latest observable trends in central bank reserve management. They discuss investment strategies, currency and asset allocations and the factors influencing reserve managers’ investment decisions in the current macroenvironment, which UBS have been tracking for 30 years now.
OMFIF's 2024 GPI report on central bank reserve management is available here.
The views expressed are as of July 2024 and are those of the author and not necessarily the...
2024-07-2333 minThe OMFIF PodcastBuilding a thriving CBDC ecosystemWolfram Seidemann, chief executive officer of Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology, joins John Orchard, chief executive officer of OMFIF, for a discussion on why public and private sectors need to come together to pool their strengths to build a thriving CBDC ecosystem. They will discuss the advantages for both stakeholders and users, and underscore the importance of offline functionality as a key area for collaboration.
Access deeper insights by also downloading OMFIF’s report in partnership with G+D: Unlocking the potential of a CBDC ecosystem
2024-07-0235 minThe OMFIF PodcastEconomic implications after the European Parliament electionGeoffrey Yu, senior Europe, Middle East and Africa market strategist at BNY Mellon, joins Taylor Pearce, lead economist of OMFIF’s Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, to discuss the outcomes of the European Parliament election and the subsequent market implications. They discuss the effects of a snap election in France, the potential impact of the new European Parliament on trade policy and other major market topics.
2024-06-2725 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe path to unified ledgersWith its recent 'Finternet' paper, the Bank for International Settlements has planted its flag firmly in shared ledgers as the future rails of financial infrastructure. The idea of a single platform – a network of ledgers – providing the means for the seamless and instant settlement of many financial and non-financial assets versus tokenised cash is certainly attractive in its promise. Delivering such a complex ecosystem entails a great deal of complexity, both technically and from the perspective of governance.
However, incremental steps in that direction are already delivering business value. To explain how tokenised settlement platforms are improving fina...
2024-06-2527 minThe OMFIF PodcastSustainability-linked bonds: innovations in green financeUlf Erlandsson, founder and chief executive officer of the Anthropocene Fixed Income Institute, joins Edward Maling, economist at OMFIF’s Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, to discuss the importance of fixed income markets for the climate transition. Sharing insights from AFII’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Handbook, Erlandsson explores the latest innovations in sustainable financial products, the nuances of SLBs and the potential for their continued development.
2024-06-1829 min
The OMFIF PodcastRobert Stheeman: 20 years of managing UK government debtRobert Stheeman, the departing chief executive of the UK Debt Management Office, joins Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, to recall the highs and lows of more than two decades managing the gilt market. Stheeman discusses dealing with crises including the infamous 2022 mini budget, how the gilt market has evolved, the importance of maintaining the primary dealer system and more.
2024-06-0633 minThe OMFIF PodcastIndicators and policies to drive gender balance in financial institutionsRegina Curry, chief diversity officer at Franklin Templeton, joins Emma McGarthy, head of the Sustainable Policy Institute at OMFIF, to discuss the importance of gender balance in financial institutions. They examine the necessary benchmarks, key indicators and information required to retain and encourage women in leadership positions as well as how to foster inclusive cultures and overcome barriers.
2024-06-0439 minThe OMFIF PodcastMicrosoft's vision for responsible AI in the public sectorValentina Ion, public finance and public transportation lead at Microsoft, joins OMFIF to discuss the company's commitment to ethical and responsible artificial intelligence in the public sector. She explores the key risks posed by advanced AI systems, outlines Microsoft's core principles for ethical development and explains the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing AI safety and governance challenges. Ion also offers suggestions for how individuals can stay informed about AI's evolving landscape.
2024-05-3045 minThe OMFIF PodcastUsing better measures to inform public spendingIn the first of three podcasts as part of OMFIF’s project with EY on the future of public money, OMFIF’s Nikhil Sanghani is joined by Dr Carolyn Bordeaux, senior visiting scholar at the University of Georgia and former member of the US House of Representatives, and Mark Macdonald, global public finance management leader at EY.
They discuss the growing fiscal constraints facing governments, the need for effective institutional structures and the importance of having better metrics to inform public spending decisions.
2024-05-2833 minThe OMFIF PodcastFinancial stability outlook: risks and resiliencePedro Duerte Neves, Adviser for the Board of Directors and former Vice-Governor of Banco de Portugal, joins Taylor Pearce, senior economist, Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, OMFIF, to discuss the global financial stability outlook. Their discussion references the IMF’s 2024 Global Financial Stability Report, and examines vulnerabilities and risks to the global financial system, including stretched asset valuations, burgeoning public and private debt and the growing probability of cyberattacks.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Banco de Portugal or the Eurosystem.
2024-05-0725 minThe OMFIF PodcastTaking stock: financial market integration in EuropeBjörn Storim, chief executive officer, and Ben Pott, managing director and international head of public policy and government affairs at BNY Mellon, join Clive Horwood, managing editor and deputy chief executive officer at OMFIF. They assess the progress towards capital markets union in Europe and the need to accelerate financial market integration. They discuss the current challenges, approaches to harmonising market infrastructure and regulations and the importance of securitisation to European competitiveness.
2024-05-0325 minThe OMFIF PodcastUS dollar dominance: Is there no alternative?Max Castelli, head of strategy, sovereign institutions at UBS Asset Management, joins Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss the role of the dollar as a global reserve currency in a multipolar world. They discuss factors such as China’s rise in power, sanctions risk and the development of alternative payments systems and how these could challenge dollar dominance. They also discussed the recent surge in gold and Bitcoin prices in the context of currency diversification for institutional investors.
Whether or not the introduction of CBDCs will impact central banks’ reserve management strategies will be explored in OMF...
2024-04-3026 minThe OMFIF PodcastGeopolitical risks: What’s at stake for investors?Taylor Pearce, senior economist, Economic Monetary Institute at OMFIF, hosts Elliot Hentov, head of macro policy research at State Street Global Advisors, to discuss the interplay between geopolitics and financial markets. Hentov outlines several risk factors that could impact markets – including geopolitical shocks, risk premium repricing and the upcoming US election – and what investors are doing as a result.
2024-04-2519 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe history of dollar dominance and weaponisationSaleha Mohsin, senior Washington correspondent for Bloomberg News joined Mark Sobel, US chair at OMFIF, to discuss her recently published book, Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order. She discusses how secretaries of the Treasury of past decades managed communications about the dollar and how the department developed and deployed financial sanctions based on the dollar's globally dominant role.
2024-04-1827 minThe OMFIF PodcastPre-validation: combatting fraud and minimising errors in paymentsCian O’Murchu, head of strategic transformation, Mireia Guisado-Parra, pre-validation product owner at Swift and Julien Lasalle, head of cashless payment monitoring at Banque de France, join Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute. Together, they discuss the implementation of pre-validation – a new tool developed to reduce the number of errors in payments and restore people's trust in their ability to safely pay for goods and services online.
2024-03-1934 minThe OMFIF PodcastAnalysing Romania’s landmark debut green bondStefan Nanu, head of public debt management and state treasury at the ministry of finance of Romania, joins Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, to discuss Romania’s long-awaited inaugural green bond, which was the most successful ever euro-denominated bond in this format by an emerging market issuer. As well as the record-breaking deal itself, they also cover Romania’s ambitious transition plan and the key features of its green bond framework
2024-03-1439 minThe OMFIF PodcastWhy gender equality in financial institutions is macro-criticalMonique Newiak, deputy unit chief, inclusion and gender, and Mariarosaria Communale, economist at the International Monetary Fund, join Arunima Sharan, senior research analyst at OMFIF’s Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, to discuss the state of gender balance in financial institutions. They examine the IMF’s gender strategy, the macro-criticality of gender equality and findings from their recent publication, 'Who are Central Banks? Gender, Human Resources, and Central Banking'.
The views expressed by the speakers in this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its executive board or management.
2024-03-0828 minThe OMFIF PodcastGlobal public investor outlook 2024: Another ‘rollercoaster’ year?Max Castelli, head of strategy, sovereign institutions, and Philipp Salman, director of strategy and advice, global sovereign markets, UBS Asset Management, join Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss what’s in store for global public investors in 2024. The discussion identifies opportunities and risks for reserve managers and sovereign wealth funds amid evolving market dynamics, including falling inflation, headwinds to China’s economy and a resilient US economy albeit looming political risks.
You can find the full transcript here.
2024-02-2033 minThe OMFIF PodcastSafeguarding the future: why organisations need ESG dataEnvironmental, social and governance data is integral to scaling up sustainable finance and investment. With increasing regulation and demand for information, it’s also crucial for organisations and businesses. Sherry Madera, chief executive officer of CDP, joins John Orchard, OMFIF chief executive officer, to discuss how data can improve the quality of a company, how datasets are evolving to support the mobilisation of institutional investor demand in ESG assets and the importance of data to leadership.
To find out more, Madera’s book Navigating Sustainability Data: How Organizations can use ESG Data to Secure Their Futur...
2024-02-1529 min
The OMFIF PodcastNext steps for the EU’s evolution in bond marketsSiegfried Ruhl, hors classe adviser to the director-general for budget at the European Commission, joins Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, to discuss upcoming priorities for the European Union as it continues its rapid journey towards sovereign status in the capital markets.
They discuss the EU’s recent launch of quoting commitments for its primary dealers and the EU Issuance Service, as well as plans to launch a repo facility and futures market. The discussion also touches on the evolution of the EU’s investor base and its status as a safe asset...
2024-02-1327 minThe OMFIF PodcastArgentina's sovereign debt litigation disasterGregory Makoff, author of new book Default: The Landmark Court Battle over Argentina's $100 Billion Debt Restructuring joins OMFIF US Chair Mark Sobel to discuss Argentina's nearly two-decades-long sovereign debt litigation following the 2001 default. Both review the spectacular blow-up of the Argentine economy, the litigation's timeline and the US government's role at various junctures.
You can find the transcript of this podcast here.
2024-01-3133 minThe OMFIF PodcastRisk, policy and investment models for transition financeTo transition to a sustainable economy, new investment models are needed. Financial flows into emerging economies must be also scaled. Blended finance and public-private collaboration will be integral in supporting increased investment and mitigating risk perception.
David Carlin, head of risk, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, joins OMFIF’s Emma McGarthy, head, Sustainable Policy Institute, to discuss transition finance, takeaways from COP28 and his expectations for the year ahead.
2024-01-2525 minThe OMFIF PodcastEstablishing a new framework for international climate financeVera Songwe, a non-resident senior fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution and co-chair of the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance, joins Katerina Atkins, programme coordinator at OMFIF’s Sustainable Policy Institute, to explore the key outcomes and challenges from the COP28 climate summit. They discuss the agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, the conclusion of the first global stocktake, the loss and damage fund, as well as the financial needs and innovative financing mechanisms to address climate change.
2024-01-1832 minThe OMFIF PodcastNavigating the new norm: the long-term outlook for inflation and implications for investorsMax Castelli, head of strategy, sovereign institutions, and Philipp Salman, director of strategy and advice, global sovereign markets, UBS Asset Management, join Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss macroeconomic challenges marked by exogenous shocks. They explore the short- and long-term outlook for inflation and the potential for a 'higher-for-longer' interest rate environment. The discussion touches on the equilibrium real interest rate, global factors influencing government debt dynamics, the potential productivity and growth implications of artificial intelligence and the evolving landscape for institutional investors.
2023-12-2131 min
The OMFIF PodcastUnlocking the benefits of smart contracts for retail CBDCsKatie-Ann Wilson, Managing Director of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute is joined by Peter Faykiss Director, Digitalization, Central Bank of Hungary, Imre Kocsis, Assistant Professor, Budapest University of Technology, Laszlo Gonczy Associate Professor, Budapest University of Technology and Chris Ostrowski, CEO and founder of SODA to explore what we mean by programmable money and how it could impact how we use money in society. They also discuss the BIS’s Project Rosalind and why it is important to CBDC development, real life use cases for CBDCS using smart contracts and the technical models used.
2023-12-1427 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe International Monetary Fund’s role in Ukraine’s economy and financingThe International Monetary Fund's Ukraine team joins OMFIF to discuss the stabilisation of the Ukrainian economy over the past year. They assess the critical role played by the Fund's programme and foreign financing for Ukraine, as well as Ukraine's progress on combatting corruption and strengthening the domestic financial system.
Speakers:
Mark Sobel, US Chairman, OMFIF
Natan Epstein, Deputy Mission Chief for Ukraine, IMF
Gavin Gray, Mission Chief for Ukraine, IMF
Sanaa Nadeem, Deputy Mission Chief for Ukraine, IMF
2023-12-1226 min
The OMFIF PodcastImproving grant delivery and management for emergency responsesThere has been a rise in the number of people needing humanitarian assistance over recent years, resulting in disaster response public funding having to tackle immediate and longer-term socio-economic challenges.
Gareth Owen, humanitarian director of Save the Children UK and Simon Inglis, partner, grants & relief funds management at EY join OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute editor, Lewis McLellan, to discuss the importance of accountably for grant management and how new technology can improve delivery, efficiency, and oversight transparency to maximise the impact of grant funds.
2023-12-0435 minThe OMFIF PodcastEnhancing retail government bond programmes to improve diversificationIn the second part of a special mini-series on the European retail government bond market, Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, speaks to senior officials at the Hungarian, Irish and Romanian debt management offices about how they are developing their retail bond programmes.
Zoltán Kurali, chief executive officer of Hungary’s debt management office (ÁKK), Murray McCarter, head of retail debt at Ireland’s national treasury management agency and Stefan Nanu, head of public debt management and state treasury at the ministry of finance in Romania, join OMFIF to discuss the importan...
2023-11-2843 minThe OMFIF PodcastHow European DMOs are embracing the return of retail investorsIn the first of two parts in a special mini-series on the European retail government bond market, Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, speaks to senior officials at the Belgian and Portuguese debt management offices about their record-breaking retail bond programmes this year.
Rui Amaral, board member, Portugal’s debt management office (IGCP) and Maric Post, director of treasury and capital markets at the Belgian debt agency, join OMFIF to cover how both DMOs have been shifting more funding to retail investors.
The discussion also touches on Belgium’s landmark €22bn trans...
2023-11-2337 minThe OMFIF PodcastInvestment needs for the energy transitionDiala Hawila, Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre programme officer at International Renewable Energy Agency, speaks with Katerina Atkins, programme coordinator at OMFIF, about the energy transition investment required under the 1.5°C scenarios, geographical aspects and key financing tools.
They both discuss the importance of innovative instruments for under-invested countries, the need to expand the definition of risk in energy asset investments and the urgency of international collaboration for a more equitable and global distribution of clean energy funding. Diala shares her expectations for the upcoming COP28, highlighting exciting opportunities arising from transition to a more sustainable future.
2023-11-1427 minThe OMFIF PodcastMaintaining liquidity in times of crisisMax Castelli, head of strategy, sovereign institutions, and Philipp Salman, director of strategy and advice, global sovereign markets, UBS Asset Management, spoke with Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, about financial liquidity. They looked at how institutional investors have balanced liquidity needs with their pursuit of higher returns over the past decade and how these strategies are changing. They also discussed central banks' asset purchasing programmes on excess liquidity and how quantitative tightening will influence financial markets and investors, with a focus on the US Treasury market.
2023-11-0226 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe rise of gold as a central bank reserve assetBarry Eichengreen, professor of economics and political science at the University of California, Berkeley, and Chima Simpson-Bell, economist in the African Department at the International Monetary Fund, joined Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss the rise of gold as a central bank reserve asset.
OMFIF’s Global Public Investor 2023 report revealed a resurgence in demand for traditional reserve assets, including gold. The podcast explores the structural trends behind the increase in gold accumulation and offers insight into emerging markets’ motivations for acquiring it. It also examines the findings of the IMF publication on central banks’ post-fina...
2023-10-3121 minThe OMFIF PodcastIn conversation with the ministry of finance: growth prospects for the Hungarian economyTibor Tóth and Péter Banai, state secretaries of the Hungarian ministry of finance, joined Christopher Garnett, senior adviser to OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, for a conversation on the economic outlook in Hungary. They cover labour market reform, increasing and diversifying foreign direct investment inflows and export diversification and fiscal consolidation following the pandemic. They also discuss developments in the disbursement of European Union structural and Recovery and Resilience Facility funds.
2023-10-1233 minThe OMFIF PodcastIn conversation with Barnabás Virág: growth prospects for the Hungarian economyBarnabás Virág, deputy governor of Magyar Nemzeti Bank, joins David Marsh, OMFIF chairman, for a conversation on the economic outlook in Hungary. Their discussion covers the country’s short- and long-term economic trajectory. They cover inflation and monetary policy, improving productivity and competitiveness, foreign direct investment, export diversification, progress on the sustainable agenda and Hungary’s prospects for joining Europe’s economic and monetary union.
2023-10-1035 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe state of Europe: interest rates, inflation and recession risksIn this OMFIF podcast, Vítor Constâncio, former governor of the Banco de Portugal and vice president of the European Central Bank from 2010-18, joins Ellie Groves, managing director, Economic and Monetary Policy Institute at OMFIF. They discuss the ECB’s September rate hike, the macroeconomic environment in Europe – including the difference in inflation between Portugal and Germany – and the fiscal framework that needs to be implemented to combat challenges.
2023-09-2632 min
The OMFIF PodcastBanco Central de Chile’s approach to improving gender balanceMarcela Pumarino, people manager at Banco Central de Chile, joins Arunima Sharan, senior research analyst at OMFIF, to discuss the ways in which central banks can work improve gender balance in leadership positions within the financial sector. They delve into some of the specific policies that Banco Central de Chile has adopted to promote gender equality, and the importance of having diversity in leadership roles more broadly in the financial sector.
2023-09-2121 minThe OMFIF PodcastHow Microsoft is preparing for artificial intelligence in the global economyHow are technology giants preparing for artificial intelligence disruption? Preliminary evidence suggests that AI will improve productivity growth considerably, therefore boosting standards of living through innovations across major industries. Yet, it also seems likely to spur growing inequality while also presenting serious safety risks. In this podcast with Microsoft’s Greg Wilson, world wide public sector chief technology officer, OMFIF discusses how one of the world’s AI leaders are preparing for artificial intelligence’s benefits and potential risks to the global economy.
2023-09-1926 minThe OMFIF PodcastDigital remittances and the power of choiceChad Harper, global payments fellow of Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, joins Katie-Ann Wilson, managing director of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss the VEEI’s new research on the importance of choice and trade-offs when looking at digital remittances. They discuss key trends in the global costs of remittances as well as the progress that is being made towards the G20 targets. They also touch on the pandemic’s impact on remittances and what more the public and private sector can do to promote choice and transparency.
The power of choice: Options and trade-offs for digital remitt...
2023-09-1235 minThe OMFIF PodcastGPI 2023: The challenges and responses from Africa’s reserve managersIn the last year, central banks across the world have been forced to navigate persistent inflation, suppressed growth and heightened geopolitical tensions. However, these forces have been most apparent for reserve managers in Africa. Compounded with the lingering effects of the pandemic, reserves saw the greatest decrease in international reserve levels in 2022 and urged many countries into seeking further multilateral support. This has raised concerns around the adequacy of reserves in the region and the capacity of countries to withstand further protracted shocks.
Nikhil Sanghani, managing director of research, and Edward Maling, research analyst, discuss how these c...
2023-08-2419 min
The OMFIF PodcastHKMA explores tokenisation with green bond experimentThe Hong Kong Monetary Authority has successfully completed an experimental green bond issuance through Goldman Sachs’ digital asset platform — the bank’s tokenisation system. While the bond successfully raised $800m for the green bond programme, it was more noteworthy as the first tokenised green bond issued by a government. Kenneth Hui, executive director, external, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Rosie Hampson, executive director, digital assets, Goldman Sachs, joined Digital Monetary Institute editor Lewis McLellan to discuss the benefits that tokenisation offers for the green bond market and the challenges they overcame in delivering the deal.
2023-08-2230 minThe OMFIF PodcastCentral banks in the digital age: harnessing dataOliver Berger, head of Middle East & Africa at State Street Corporation, joins Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss the key findings of the ‘Central banks in the digital age: bringing data into focus’ report. They explore the macro factors driving IT transformations in central banks and how central banks are approaching this, the challenges and opportunities of big data for reserve management and technological and enterprise-wide solutions.
2023-08-1716 minThe OMFIF PodcastPushing for transparency in transition financeSimone Utermarck, director, sustainable finance, International Capital Market Association, joins Emma McGarthy, head, Sustainable Policy Institute, OMFIF, to discuss updated ICMA’s guidance on climate transition finance, transition bond issuances and greenwashing concerns linked to transition finance.
They cover the role the ICMA is playing in driving transition finance, what issuers need to consider with transition bonds and other types of sustainable products and explore how we can strive for better transparency of the sustainable capital markets.
2023-08-1030 minThe OMFIF PodcastRethinking long-term growth in an ageing worldWe have entered a new demographic paradigm. Birth rates have declined in many countries, while advancements in healthcare have led to longer life expectancies. As societies age, a range of economic dimensions are affected, from labour markets and productivity to public finances and social welfare systems. Join Nikhil Sanghani, managing director of research, and Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, as they discuss some of the key findings from the Summer 2023 Bulletin.
2023-08-0711 minThe OMFIF PodcastSolving cross-border transactions with CBDCs’Despite improvements in domestic payments, cross-border payments remain too slow and expensive for end users, particularly in emerging market economies. Daniel Nagy, business analyst, CBDC at Giesecke+Devrient, joins Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss how central bank digital currencies might help address the challenges of the cross-border payments market. Daniel describes the workshops and discussions G+D has conducted with central banks on the challenges and opportunities of deploying a CBDC as a cross-border solution and explores some of the different approaches central banks are taking to the problem. He also sheds light on...
2023-08-0330 minThe OMFIF PodcastUnpacking Ecuador’s pioneering debt-for-nature swapJoan Prats, lead financial specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank, joins Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, to examine Ecuador’s recent debt-for-nature swap.
They cover the highlights of the transaction, including the new credit enhancement structure and record size, the important role the IADB played in the deal and the challenges this product faces.
2023-07-2721 minThe OMFIF PodcastCentral bank reserve management: from inflation fears to sustainability trendsFeeling the heat of high inflation and weakening global growth, central bank reserve managers are steering the investment world through stormy seas. Max Castelli, head of strategy and advice, global sovereign markets at UBS Asset Management, joins Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, to discuss the investment landscape for reserve managers, currency and asset allocation strategies and the pressure to weave geopolitics, sustainability and other factors into investment decisions.
2023-07-2525 minThe OMFIF PodcastCharting the future of moneyTechnology is causing rapid changes in how we use money, with private and public solutions competing and catalysing each other’s developments. Editor of the Digital Monetary Institute, Lewis McLellan, is joined by Douglas Elliott, partner at Oliver Wyman, and Larissa de Lima, senior fellow at the Oliver Wyman Forum, to discuss their views on the evolving paradigm for the future of money.
2023-07-2035 minThe OMFIF PodcastHelping Ukraine to fight backVladyslav Rashkovan, Ukraine's representative for the International Monetary Fund and former deputy governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, discusses the country’s economic and financial situation. While Ukraine valiantly fights Russia on the battlefield, it also must maintain a viably functioning economy. Over the last year, Ukraine has made significant progress on economic stabilisation with western support. Such support must continue. Reconstruction costs will be high.
2023-07-1828 minThe OMFIF PodcastIn conversation with the United Nations: Policy, regulation and technology to support sustainable energy efficiencyCatalysing energy efficiency and security, while scaling clean energy production and increasing decarbonisation has been high on policy-makers’ agendas. This podcast discusses how the United Nations is working to converge regulatory and policy frameworks to support this, the tools and classifications required and the latest criteria and technological developments. This conversation will also discuss how to scale growth and economic development, while responsibly using natural resources and scaling up of capital to support renewable energy.
2023-07-1133 minThe OMFIF PodcastArtificial intelligence: promises and risks to the macroeconomyHow is artificial intelligence impacting economies, political environments, financial markets and misinformation? In this podcast, Julian Jacobs, senior economist, OMFIF, interviews Darrell West, senior fellow, the Brookings Institution, to discuss the promises and perils that may emerge as countries embrace AI. What are the policy challenges and how can governments work to counter them? This podcast will discuss the implications of AI on economic inequality, productivity growth, central banking, financial stability and misinformation amid the rise of large language models.
Darrell West is a senior fellow for Brookings' Center for Technology Innovation within the Governance Studies program...
2023-07-0424 minThe OMFIF PodcastWhat can public finance management teach the green bond market?Though generally treated as separate, the qualities of good management of public spending – transparency, efficiency, high quality impact assessment – have much in common with the qualities encouraged in sustainable finance. Editor of the Digital Monetary Institute Lewis McLellan is joined by Eila Kreivi, European Investment Bank’s chief sustainable finance adviser, Alex Caridia, RBC’s head of public sector markets, and Mark MacDonald, EY’s global lead for public finance management, to discuss the similarities between the two areas and how technological developments are impacting both.
2023-06-2929 minThe OMFIF PodcastGilts: rates uncertainty, recession fears and record supplyBrian Mangwiro, portfolio manager, global fixed income and currencies, Barings, speaks to Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, on the factors behind the surge in Gilt yields in weeks past.
Topics also include the buying opportunities in Gilts, the Bank of England’s response in tackling inflation, lessons learned from last autumn’s liability-driven investing crisis and more.
Recorded on 23/06/23
2023-06-2733 minThe OMFIF PodcastGPI 2023: Reserve managers navigating losses, stagflation and geopoliticsAmid persistent inflation, heightened recession risks and prolonged geopolitical tensions, central bank reserve managers find themselves confronting yet another difficult year. This challenging macroenvironment is impacting their investment strategies and, for some, it is raising concerns about the adequacy of their reserves. Join Nikhil Sanghani, managing director of research, and Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF, as they discuss some of the key findings from the 10th Global Public Investor report: https://www.omfif.org/gpi2023/.
2023-06-2312 minThe OMFIF PodcastHow to enforce the law on blockchain technologyMike Kanovitz, chief executive officer of Jurat Blockchains, joins Lewis McLellan, editor of the Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss the challenges of making court orders enforceable on the blockchain. Traditional finance has intermediaries that can implement the decisions of courts, such as freezing assets and reversing transactions. But in a decentralised context, this is more challenging. Kanovitz explains the role of Jurat's technology in creating a means for the law to be enforced in decentralised circumstances.
2023-06-1538 minThe OMFIF PodcastGlobal Public Investor 2023: A previewHow are central bank reserve managers navigating a tumultuous global economy? Are they continuing to flee to safety? Or are they shifting toward or away from the dollar? Has their approach to Chinese assets changed on account of geopolitical conflict? And, amid such uncertainty, have central bank reserve managers been able to continue to develop their environmental, social and governance initiatives?
In this podcast, Taylor Pearce and Julian Jacobs, senior economists at OMFIF, present a preview of the 2023 Global Public Investor report: our flagship study of central bank reserve managers. The report offers an insight into central...
2023-06-0109 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe economic consequences of Türkiye’s run-off electionAs the world's eyes turn towards Türkiye's pivotal run-off election on 28 May, the implications reach far beyond its democracy and regional standing. The nation's economy, weathered by skyrocketing inflation rates and a plunging currency value, stands at a critical juncture.
In this podcast, Erich Arispe Morales, senior director of sovereigns at Fitch Ratings, speaks with Taylor Pearce, senior economist at OMFIF. They delve into the intricate interplay between this Sunday's run-off election and the economic ramifications awaiting Türkiye.
2023-05-2639 minThe OMFIF PodcastReaching global consensus on digital asset regulationCrypto businesses have been crying out for regulatory clarity for years. At last, regulators around the world are beginning to deliver. Andrew Whitworth, Ripple’s policy director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, joined Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss the approaches to the crypto market that regulators are taking, where consensus is emerging and the gaps that remain to be filled.
2023-05-2624 minThe OMFIF PodcastThe next generation of financial infrastructureThe plumbing of financial markets could soon be overhauled. Distributed ledger technology offers a new way of settling financial transactions. Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, is joined by three experts on the cutting edge of this technology’s application to capital markets: John O’Neill, global head of digital assets strategy at HSBC, Mathew McDermott, global head of digital assets at Goldman Sachs, and Bertrand de Mazières, director general finance at the European Investment Bank, the most prolific issuer of blockchain bonds. The panel discusses the remarkable progress that blockchain bond technology has made in rece...
2023-05-2555 minThe OMFIF PodcastNatural capital funds and driving financial flows towards biodiversityNature-positive finance is rising on investors’ agendas, yet uncertainty of how to scale up nature-positive flows remains. To help drive nature-based capital, Guernsey Financial Services Commission has developed a natural capital fund. William Mason, director general and Alison Gavey, director of Authorisations and Innovation Division at GFSC, join Emma McGarthy, head of OMFIF’s Sustainable Policy Institute to discuss criteria, targets and the commercial orientation of the fund, and what issuers and investors need to consider when identifying investable nature-based projects
2023-04-2727 minThe OMFIF PodcastCentral bank reserves management in 2023Research is well underway for the 10th edition of OMFIF’s Global Public Investor – our flagship publication which explores the investment strategies of central bank reserves managers. Ellie Groves, Managing Director of OMFIF’s Economic and Monetary Policy Institute, speaks to Nikhil Sanghani, OMFIF’s Managing Director of Research, on:
The aims of the GPI
Key findings from previous reports
A sneak peak of results from the 2023 survey, based on responses from over 50 central banks at the time of recording.
The full results will be revealed at the launch on 27 June. Find out more here: https://www.omfif.or...
2023-04-2013 minThe OMFIF PodcastHow are central banks adapting their data management to thrive in a digital age?The rapid pace of technological change is matched by the ever-evolving risks to financial stability and the global economy, as presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the acceleration of climate change and the volatility of digital financial assets. It is within this environment that central banks need to harness technology to capture, handle, integrate and use new data effectively.
In this podcast, we explore key findings of an upcoming report assessing the challenges and opportunities facing central banks in the digital age. Specifically, our experts will dive into the operating models, technological platforms and integrated...
2023-04-1316 minThe OMFIF PodcastAfrica: refinancing risks and debt distressGregory Smith, emerging markets fund manager at M&G Investments, speaks to Burhan Khadbai, head of content at OMFIF’s Sovereign Debt Institute, about the refinancing risks that African sovereigns are facing with a wall of bonds set to mature over the next few years.
Smith talks about where the risks are most concentrated and the difficulty many African sovereigns with low credit ratings will face in accessing the markets. He also talks about the debt restructuring talks in Ghana and Zambia and the role of debt-for-nature swaps as a way of reducing high debt burdens and bo...
2023-04-0622 minThe OMFIF PodcastUK budget: the hardest debt decisions awaitWith strains on the public purse and the need to keep the UK’s risk premium down after September 2022’s reckless mini-budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt had limited room for largesse in his 15 March budget.
There were some welcome pro-growth measures to help the supply-side of the economy. But while he patched a fiscal hole, the borrowing outlook looks much tougher – meaning the hardest debt decisions await whoever’s in power after 2024. Neil Williams, chief economist and Taylor Pearce, senior economist, discuss what’s in store for the UK.
See also: UK budget patches a...
2023-03-3010 minThe OMFIF PodcastCybersecurity and cloud migrationAs our reliance on digital infrastructure grows, the dangers posed by more frequent and sophisticated cyberattacks grow too. Nataraj Nagaratnam, chief technology officer at IBM, joined Lewis McLellan, editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss the growing risks to our financial ecosystem and the tools that cloud providers can offer to help mitigate them. They also explored how systems can be designed around customer preferences while still offering the highest standard of security.
2023-03-2123 min
GFT Talks ENDavid Creer on The OMFIF PodcastDavid Creer, global distributed ledger technology and crypto lead at the GFT Group, and Peter Clifford, director of central bank digital currencies and payments at Digital Asset, join Philip Middleton, chair of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, to discuss developments in digital payments. They delve into the issue of the efficiency of cross-border payments, transaction infrastructure in cross-border currency swaps, decentralised networks and privacy issues.
2021-08-2343 min
CopperCastsDavid Marsh – Chairman & Founder, OMFIF – CopperCasts Ep 011In episode 11 we speak with David Marsh, a financial specialist, author and commentator on political, economic and monetary issues.
David Marsh worked for more than 20 years as a reporter for outlets including Reuters and the Financial Times. He then turned to a career in investment banking. Currently he serves as Chairman of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), an independent think tank organisation concerned with central banking and economic policy.
In the Show & Tell segment which you can find on our Youtube channel, David identifies ways that central banks can evolve to keep up...
2021-01-0835 min
Christ & CryptoEpisode 49: XRP vs Bitcoin? OMFIF Research Says: "XRP Is Better"Join The New Creation Cronies Telegram Group
In Episode 49 We dive in the OMFIF's study of blockchain and DLT to see which one is better. This is our Story of the Day
Other News:
https://www.omfif.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-role-of-blockchain-in-banking.pdf
https://www.omfif.org/
Helpful links:
Bitcoin Stock 2 Flow Model
Nomics
Bitcoin Halving Countdown
Publish0X
Market Watch Live
Coinpaprika
CoinGecko
Come on and take a listen and...
2020-05-151h 00