SmarterMarkets™

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.

In this discussion, Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets at Abaxx Exchange, shares his expertise on the evolving energy transition. He delves into how recent policy changes and economic realities shape corporate and governmental strategies. Key topics include Europe's energy challenges amid geopolitical shifts, the importance of nuclear energy, and the evolving landscape of carbon finance. Alasdair also explores innovations in carbon offset futures and emphasizes the potential of carbon removal technologies like Direct Air Capture.

Mark Lewis, Head of Research at Andurand Capital, an expert in carbon markets, joins the discussion on the EU's complex carbon landscape. He explores the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System in balancing emissions reduction with industrial competitiveness. Mark delves into the implications of the U.S.'s exit from the Paris Agreement and how it reshapes global climate policies. He also addresses the challenges posed by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the necessity for innovative strategies to maintain Europe's leadership in carbon trading.

Brian Menell, Chairman & CEO at TechMet, shares insights on the critical state of battery metals. He highlights how short-term oversupply is overshadowing the need for investment amid rising demand for lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Menell discusses the geopolitical stakes, particularly regarding Chinese influence, and underscores the role of sovereign wealth funds in financing essential mining projects. The conversation dives into the importance of recycling and responsible practices, paving the way for sustainable supply chains and a successful energy transition.

Andrea Hotter, Special Correspondent at Fastmarkets, dives into the fast-changing world of battery metals. She discusses how recent executive orders from the President could reshape the landscape for electric vehicles and critical minerals. The conversation touches on the transition to alternative battery technologies like sodium ion and solid-state batteries, along with the impact of trade policies and tariffs on inflation. Hotter also highlights challenges facing U.S. suppliers in competing with imports from China while addressing the implications for climate initiatives.