
CFA UK
CFA UK takes careers to the next level and beyond. Through connecting, educating and inspiring we develop the professional lives of our members. We help you to develop your skills, achieve your goals and make your desired level of impact in the industry and in the world.
(The views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of CFA UK)
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2024 • 44min
Episode 11: The end of the dollar?
In this episode of the Future Proofing Finance podcast, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, catch up with Richard Cookson, formerly of Citi Private Bank, HSBC, and Rubicon Fund Management. Richard shares his extensive experience in finance, and together they embark on a world tour of global currencies, inflation trends, and economic challenges.
Richard emphasises the endurance of the dollar, the complexities of inflation, and the potential pitfalls of the euro and renminbi. He also draws parallels between Japan's economic history and China's current situation, while offering valuable advice for young finance professionals navigating today's market.

Nov 1, 2024 • 44min
Episode 18: The methane effect
In this podcast episode, John Teahan, CFA, discusses the critical issue of methane emissions and their impact on climate change with Dr Sam Cornish, transition research specialist at The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change ( IIGCC). They explore the sources of methane and its role in global warming, the challenges of measuring and reporting emissions, and the regulatory landscape that surrounds methane. Sam concludes with some useful strategies for mitigating methane emissions.
For more information on IIGCC’s work on research, please visit https://www.iigcc.org/resources/momentum-addressing-methane-emissions-fossil-fuel-ops

Oct 16, 2024 • 26min
Episode 75: The financial advice gap
Fleur Iannazzo, CFA charterholder and founder of WTF Money, dives deep into the financial advice gap that affects many individuals, particularly women and minorities. She shares her personal struggles with financial anxiety and advocates for inclusive financial coaching. The discussion emphasizes the importance of financial education in promoting overall well-being and the role of businesses in driving cultural change. They also highlight the benefits of disciplined spending and long-term investments as keys to financial success.

Oct 2, 2024 • 25min
Episode 74: How regulators' approaches to sustainability are reshaping fund management
In this conversation, David Manuel, Founder and CIO of Beagle Partners LLP, interviews Christine Brentani, Senior Principle Consultant at ACA Group.
Discussing the impact of sustainability regulations on asset managers and the changing landscape of the industry, Christine shares her journey from fund management to regulatory risk and compliance. David and Christine also explore the evolution of sustainability regulations and the future trends that fund managers should pay attention to. Christine reflects on her experience attending COP27 and COP28 and the progress being made on key milestones.
The CFA UK Sustainability Community is buzzing with daily discussions, virtual meet-ups, and in-person gatherings, offering numerous opportunities for you to get involved. Our Community is a virtual and in-person hub for investment professionals to grow together as sustainable investing experts. This is the go-to place for sustainable investing knowledge, resources and contacts. You can post questions on our forum, connect with other members online and join an informal catch up in the pub.
For more information on the Sustainability Community and how to join, click here: shorturl.at/drsHV

Sep 11, 2024 • 41min
Episode 10: The cost of innovation vs doing nothing
In this episode, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA are joined by Neville Hill, an expert in long-term policy and climate change. They discuss the costs and benefits of decarbonisation against the technical challenges of achieving net zero. They discuss the need for business to innovate and adapt as the economy adjusts to the requirements of net zero transition. Neville highlights the importance of actionable analysis in understanding large-scale, long term economic and environmental changes, and offers insights into fostering innovation and addressing the US deficit.

Sep 4, 2024 • 20min
Episode 73: Turning data into intelligence in sustainable investing
In this conversation, Francesca Wheble, Responsible Investment Lead, Guinness Global Investors, interviews Oliver King, CAIA, Sustainable Investing Product Specialist, Fusion by JP Morgan, to talk about some of the challenges faced by asset owners and managers in integrating ESG data into their investment processes.
Exploring the developing landscape of sustainable investments, they discuss the importance of data coverage and quality, and the need for disaggregating ESG factors, while maintaining the importance of transparency in the future of sustainable investing.
The CFA UK Sustainability Community is buzzing with daily discussions, virtual meet-ups, and in-person gatherings, offering numerous opportunities for you to get involved. Our Community is a virtual and in-person hub for investment professionals to grow together as sustainable investing experts. This is the go-to place for sustainable investing knowledge, resources and contacts. You can post questions on our forum, connect with other members online and join an informal catch up in the pub.
For more information on the Sustainability Community and how to join, click here: https://shorturl.at/drsHV

Aug 14, 2024 • 26min
Episode 72: The joy of making a difference
In this episode, Fleur Iannazzo CFA, Founder of WTF Money, interviews Patrick DeBattista CFA, Founder of Finance For You, to share his career transition story, and his mission to democratise financial education. Discussing the lack of financial literacy and the need for holistic financial planning, Patrick also talks about the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of building relationships and diversifying income streams. Looking back at his earlier career, Francesca and Patrick explore balancing sustainability and profitability in business, and the happiness that comes with making a difference in people’s lives.

Jul 31, 2024 • 43min
Episode 17: Tackling the ‘say-do gap’ in climate transition plans
In this episode, John Teahan, CFA is joined by Shu Ling Liauw and Marina Lou of Accela Research. They discuss their backgrounds and how they founded Accela to provide objective analysis and insights on climate transition plans to drive change and help investors make more informed decisions.
The conversation explores the road to achieving decarbonisation targets in the oil and gas industry and the need for realistic and deliverable targets. There’s also a focus on choosing which issues to target, such as transforming the energy system and changing customer demand for sustainable products.
To check out Accela Research, visit: www.accelaresearch.com
For Accela's latest insights, head to their LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accela-research/

Jun 19, 2024 • 34min
Episode 71: Funding fusion, and its role in sustainability
In this episode, Katriona Baker, Sustainability and Environment Manager at GEO Specialty Chemicals, speaks to Dr Melanie Windridge, founder and CEO of Fusion Energy Insights, to discuss fusion energy and its importance as an investment opportunity.
Covering the fusion’s development history, where it is, and where funding could take it, Katriona and Melanie also discuss the role of AI and computational power in fusion research, along with the breakout technologies that have come from it.
The CFA UK Sustainability Community is buzzing with daily discussions, virtual meet-ups, and in-person gatherings, offering numerous opportunities for you to get involved. Our Community is a virtual and in-person hub for investment professionals to grow together as sustainable investing experts. This is the go-to place for sustainable investing knowledge, resources and contacts. You can post questions on our forum, connect with other members online and join an informal catch up in the pub.
For more information on the Sustainability Community and how to join, click here: shorturl.at/drsHV

Jun 5, 2024 • 31min
Episode 70: Career management and soft skills
In this episode, Aranzazu Sardina, Senior Relationship Manager at Genesis Investment Management, speaks to Sheena Pentin, Founder and Director of Careers for Change, to discuss career management and soft skills.
Sheena shares her career transition journey and the inspiration behind setting up an impact finance recruitment consultancy. She also highlights the key soft skills needed for a career in the impact finance sector and offers advice for candidates looking to make a career change.