SmarterMarkets™

We continue Gold for the 21st Century this week with Don Casturo, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Quantix Commodities. David Greely sits down with Don to discuss the role of gold in protecting investors' portfolios, the drivers of recent gold market performance, and how de-dollarization is changing the way gold trades relative to other assets.

We present a Special Episode of SmarterMarkets™, bringing you exclusive interviews from the FT Commodities Global Summit 2025. SmarterMarkets™ returned to the annual Financial Times Commodities Global Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland this March, where commodity traders get together to talk about the markets and how they’re navigating them. In retrospect, this year was the calm before the storm of the wide-ranging U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. We partnered with the FT to once again interview commodities markets participants to ask them about the big developments being discussed at the conference this year. We also discussed the ways that markets and market infrastructure need to change to keep pace with the changing commodities trading landscape and what tools and technologies they need most. We've compiled a selection of those interviews into this Special Episode of SmarterMarkets™ with an introduction by Leslie Hook, Natural Resources Editor for the Financial Times. If you would like to listen to the full interviews, they are available on the SmarterMarkets™ Presents media portal. Our guests in order of appearance in this episode are: Leslie Hook – Natural Resources Editor, FT Helima Croft – Managing Director and Global Head of Commodity Strategy, RBC Capital Markets Mark Kristoff – CEO, Traxys Fernanda Ávila – Congresswoman & Former Secretary of Mining, Ministry of Economy, Argentina JP Aubin – Co-CEO, BGC Group Sacha Lifschitz – Head of Battery Materials, Abaxx Exchange

Wade Brennan, CEO & Co-Founder of Kilo Capital, dives into the turbulent waters of the gold market. He sheds light on how tariff-related price volatility impacts gold users and the crucial role of bullion banking in managing this chaos. Wade also discusses the need for a modernized spot market in the U.S. and explores gold's multifaceted applications in technology. With insights on price risk management and the challenges facing the sector, this conversation highlights the evolution of gold in the 21st century.

Sunil Kashyap, Managing Director at FinMet Pte Ltd. and a specialist in gold markets and Asian finance, delves into the evolving significance of gold in the 21st century. He discusses the transition from traditional buying to innovative digital platforms in Asia, shedding light on contrasting investor perspectives between East and West. Sunil highlights the critical role of kilobar sizing in trade and the impact of geopolitics on gold demand, revealing a shift toward investment over jewelry in a dynamic market.

We present a special mid-week episode of SmarterMarkets™, bringing you exclusive interviews from FIA’s BOCA50 – the International Futures Industry Conference. SmarterMarkets™ returned to FIA Boca to be a part of BOCA50, the 50th anniversary of the International Futures Industry Conference. We partnered with the FIA to interview a wide-range of futures industry participants. We asked them how long they’ve been coming to Boca, how the conference has evolved, and what keeps them coming back. We also asked them to share with us the big topics and issues they were at Boca this year to discuss with others and what new derivatives products and financial technology they were most excited about.  We’ve compiled a selection of those 9 interviews into this Special Episode of SmarterMarkets™. If you would like to listen to the full interviews, they are available on the SmarterMarkets™ Presents media portal. Our guests in order of appearance in this episode are: Walt Lukken, President & CEO, FIA Alun Green, EVP, Managing Director, Futures & Options, Trading Technologies Stuart Connolly, CEO, CloudMargin Thomas Texier, Head of Clearing, Marex Travis Schwab, CEO, Eventus Ryan Moroney, CEO, CQG Anthony Crudele, SVP, NinjaTrader Alan Guarino, Vice Chairman, Korn Ferry Joe Raia, Chief Commercial Officer, Abaxx Exchange & Clearinghouse

David Gornall, Strategic Advisor for Precious Metals at Abaxx Exchange and former Chairman of the LBMA, dives into the evolving role of gold in modern finance. He argues for enhanced market infrastructure to better integrate gold alongside government bonds. Gornall highlights gold's resurgence, especially in Asia, and discusses the differing gold bar sizes affecting trading practices. He also addresses challenges in sourcing gold and the need for regulatory reforms to unlock its full potential as a valuable asset in the 21st century.

Belinda Ellington, Principal at Ellington Resolution and Senior Advisor at IETA, shares her extensive expertise in carbon markets and sustainable finance. She discusses the essential need for transparency and legal frameworks in voluntary carbon markets to enhance carbon finance. Belinda highlights the complexities buyers face, including issues of integrity and greenwashing. She emphasizes classifying carbon credits as commodities and the role of advanced technology like blockchain in boosting market trust. It’s a compelling exploration of the future of carbon markets!

Peter Fusaro, Founder of the Wall Street Green Summit and a leader in carbon markets, joins the conversation to explore pivotal insights on sustainability finance. He shares trends in carbon markets and the energy transition as we approach the 24th annual summit. The discussion highlights the importance of AI in shaping future energy solutions and the pivotal role young professionals play in addressing climate challenges. Moreover, Peter emphasizes the need for comprehensive energy policies and innovative strategies to tackle ongoing decarbonization efforts.

Rene Velasquez, Managing Partner at Valitera, shares his extensive expertise in carbon markets. He discusses the contrasting states of compliance and voluntary markets, detailing ongoing challenges and fresh opportunities. Rene highlights the crucial need for integrity in carbon finance and the impact of recent corporate withdrawals. The conversation also dives into the intersection of AI and climate action, emphasizing both its potential and concerns. He encourages young innovators to engage passionately in developing climate solutions for a sustainable future.

Peter Zaman, a climate change specialist and Partner at HFW Singapore, delves into the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. He discusses how this decision influences global climate dynamics and emphasizes the urgent need for adaptation strategies. Zaman critiques the slow pace of meaningful climate action and the complexities of carbon offset policies. The conversation also tackles the importance of private sector involvement and innovative funding mechanisms to address climate risks and support sustainable practices.