SmarterMarkets™

Helima Croft, Managing Director & Global Head of Commodity Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, returns to discuss the intricate dynamics of energy markets amid global conflicts. She delves into the ongoing issues in Ukraine and the Middle East, how U.S. tariffs may impact Russian energy exports, and the delicate balance of U.S. energy policy. Helima also highlights Iran's military challenges and the evolving landscape of global energy, advocating for awareness through her summer reading list.

On this week’s installment of Summer Playlist 2025, we welcome DJ Watkins and Chanel Host, Founder and Director of the Aspen Design Conference, into the SmarterMarkets™ studio. David Greely sits down with DJ and Chanel to discuss their relaunch and reimagining of the historic International Design Conference in Aspen. Together, they explore how design thinking transforms ideas into innovations that build businesses and change our lives – and how design thinking  can be applied to help solve our biggest challenges.  

This week on Summer Playlist 2025, we welcome Yassir Benjelloun-Touimi, Co-Founder & CEO of ARTEX Global Markets, into the SmarterMarkets™ studio. David Greely sits down with Yassir to discuss how ARTEX is building the market infrastructure to broaden access to trading and investing in museum quality fine art – as well as the challenges and opportunities in creating a new asset class.

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.