Money Maze Podcast

Huw Van Steenis, Vice Chair of Oliver Wyman and a banking expert, shares insights on the rapidly growing private credit market. He discusses its impact on wealth portfolios and the potential risks associated with the shift from traditional banking to unregulated private markets. The conversation dives into the role of insurance companies, the allure of evergreen funds, and the complexities of securing loans with hard assets. Huw emphasizes the necessity for careful risk evaluation amidst evolving investment strategies and the changing economic landscape.

Discover a treasure trove of career wisdom from seasoned finance leaders. They share valuable lessons on overcoming self-doubt and the power of networking for personal growth. Authentic relationships and mentorship are emphasized as keys to professional success, especially for women. The conversation also highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving goals. Plus, insights into fostering curiosity in young professionals and advocating for greater female representation in the investment industry round out this enlightening compilation.

Has the demise of London's leading financial services been "greatly exaggerated", and does the underlying evidence tell a very different story? In this interview, held at Mansion House in the historic City of London financial district, the Right Honourable Alastair King (696th Lord Mayor of the City of London) explains his view that the UK enjoys an unrivalled position, untouched by other European capitals.   He explains London and the wider UK “moat”, and why it exhibits persistency and resilience. Perhaps the most unexpected statistic is the significant growth in employment numbers in the City since Brexit. He discusses the importance of the Mansion House Reforms and the £75bn of investment by 2030, headed into private assets. He discusses why we must recognise that we need to take more risk, judiciously but emphatically (and this is directed at both public and private markets).  Lord Alastair then touches on the lessons we can learn from Canada and Australia and his current priorities. Finally, he explains why we need to get on planes/trains in order to trumpet the UK and drive new business opportunities.  The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, IFM Investors, World Gold Council and LSEG.   Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube  

Brian Kingston, CEO of Brookfield Real Estate, leads one of the largest real estate management firms with over $1 trillion in assets. He discusses how to make wise investment choices and the risks involved in real estate. Kingston highlights lucrative opportunities across different regions, from Spain's hospitality sector to the UK’s student accommodations. He emphasizes the intertwining relationship between real estate and infrastructure, alongside the global challenge of housing shortages in various countries.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at Oxford and author of The Silk Roads, examines the shifting global order and historical perspectives on current geopolitical tensions. He dives into the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the complexities of Iran's political landscape, and the evolving dynamics in Europe. Frankopan also shares insights into modern education challenges, investment prospects, and his enthusiasm for the Olympics, blending history with contemporary issues in an engaging way.

Ron Biscardi, CEO and founder of iConnections, shares his journey from engineering to creating a pivotal platform for the alternative investment industry. He explains the innovative approach behind building technology to facilitate connections between managers and allocators. Highlights include the importance of data in enhancing productivity, the success of in-person conferences post-COVID, and the transformative impact of networking on business growth. Ron also discusses community initiatives that emerged during economic challenges, reflecting his commitment to building relationships in the investment landscape.

Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, is a prominent angel investor recognized in 'FORBES 100 Most Powerful Business Women 2025.' She shares her inspiring journey from consultancy to venture capital, highlighting investment dynamics in the MENA region, where half the population is under 30. Noor discusses industry opportunities in fintech and agritech, her investment selection criteria, and the traits of successful entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in the venture capital space, especially for women.

Michael Manning, CEO of NEPC, leads an investment consulting firm with nearly $2 trillion under advice. He discusses the evolution of investment consulting, detailing its shift from serving institutional clients to engaging individual investors. Michael analyzes the investment landscape, including the debate between active and passive strategies, and potential risks in private equity and private debt. He emphasizes the importance of diversification, adaptive approaches, and the changing dynamics of public and private equity markets.

Discover the art of asking the right questions in business and its impact on smart investment decisions. Dive into the benefits of long-term investments, particularly in infrastructure. Explore innovative thinking and the importance of strong assumptions to adapt to economic shifts. Gain insights from top figures in finance as they share their wisdom on navigating the complex world of capital allocation. Enjoy a fresh perspective with occasional guests from the arts and broader business sectors.

Chris Wood, a renowned global strategist and author of 'Greed and Fear', makes a bold prediction about the US stock market reaching a peak akin to Japan's in 1989. He shares insights on the implications of current economic uncertainties, AI's impact on market dynamics, and the evolving status of the dollar. The discussion also dives into investment strategies for gold and Bitcoin amidst geopolitical tensions, highlighting opportunities in emerging markets. Wood's analysis offers a fascinating view on navigating today's complex financial landscape.