SmarterMarkets™

Catherine Flax, CEO of Zefiro Methane Corp., dives into the pressing issue of methane emissions by focusing on the cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells. She discusses navigating the turbulent landscape of carbon finance and the dual revenue streams that sustain her company. Catherine highlights Canada's rising interest in hydrocarbon expertise and the vital role operational know-how plays in sealing wells. The conversation also touches on the team's resilient mindset and their commitment to growth amid challenges.

Theresa Kammel and Pierre Buisson from Munich Re dive into the intriguing world of weather derivatives. They discuss how these innovative financial tools help clients manage climate-related risks, particularly in the booming renewable energy sector. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of risk in energy, agriculture, and construction. They also share personal summer reading picks, blending professional insights with a touch of leisure. It’s a captivating mix of finance, climate change, and personal stories that enlightens listeners on navigating a changing world.

In this engaging discussion, Albert Cheng, CEO of the Singapore Bullion Market Association, shares his vision for positioning Singapore as a global hub for gold and precious metals trading. He dives into Project Lion One, highlighting the need for regulatory support and infrastructure enhancements. The conversation also touches on the exciting challenges of digitizing the gold market and the importance of responsible sourcing. With insights on personal growth, Cheng reveals his reading preferences, blending professional ambition with a passion for understanding diverse beliefs.

Jeff Currie, Chief Strategy Officer of Energy Pathways at Carlyle, shares his insights on the geopolitical landscape's transformation post-World War II. He discusses the urgent need for Europe to balance energy security and affordability while diversifying sources. The conversation delves into the MITE framework for Europe's energy future, connections between military strength and economic stability, and the evolving investment landscape. Jeff also highlights the importance of adapting to new narratives and offers summer reading recommendations to inspire understanding of historical context.

Michael Greenstone, Director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, discusses groundbreaking policies to combat climate change. He shares insights on establishing cap-and-trade systems for air pollution in India, emphasizing the importance of engaging local stakeholders. Greenstone highlights the challenges of translating academic research into real-world solutions while promoting sustainable economic growth. His reflections on historical cooperation offer a thought-provoking lens on today's climate crises and the need for collaborative action.

Join Michelle Finneran Dennedy, Chief Data Strategy Officer at Abaxx Technologies, as she reveals how CEOs are transforming data from a risky liability to a valuable asset. She discusses the strategic evolution of data in businesses, emphasizing its role as both a commodity and resource. Michelle shares success stories from companies like Amazon, exploring how effective data management can enhance operational efficiency. The conversation also touches on the impact of mobile apps on consumer loyalty, and she shares insights from her recent beach reads, blending mystery with engaging storytelling.

In this engaging discussion, Dan McElduff, President of Abaxx Exchange, and Steve Lowe, Strategic Advisor for Precious Metals, share insights from the Asia-Pacific Precious Metals Conference. They unveil Abaxx’s groundbreaking gold infrastructure that promises to streamline trading with co-located spot and futures markets. The conversation covers Singapore's ambitions to become a gold trading hub, the importance of market liquidity, and the evolving dynamics of buyer-seller interactions in a changing landscape. Their vision for a collaborative future in gold trading shines through.

This conversation features Thomas McMahon, Co-Founder of Abaxx Technologies, who brings a wealth of experience from the commodity markets. He dives into gold's historical role as a hedge against the US dollar and examines its evolving significance in today’s financial landscape. The discussion highlights the changing perceptions of gold across cultures and regions, particularly between the West and Asia, and explores the implications of new trading hubs. Listeners gain insights into the future of gold in global finance and its potential resurgence in investment strategies.

This week on Gold for the 21st Century, we welcome Greg Sharenow back into the SmarterMarkets™ studio. Greg is Managing Director & Portfolio Manager for Commodities and Real Assets at PIMCO. David Greely sits down with Greg to discuss how policy uncertainty and inflation are shaping the investing landscape and the role that commodities and real assets – including gold – are playing in helping investors grow and protect their wealth.

We continue Gold for the 21st Century this week with Sakhila Mirza, President of Responsible Gold. David Greely sits down with Sakhila to discuss the role of standards, data, and technology in building an ecosystem of trust for responsible and sustainable gold.