The HC Commodities Podcast
Paul Chapman, HC Group
For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global
Each day, around the world, we have fascinating one-on-one conversations with our connections in the commodities sector. Our collaborators are uniquely informed, creative and inspirational in their fields. We want to provide our community a seat alongside us, listening in to these conversations in that special way podcasting provides as we tackle topical and people related issues with the leaders and leading minds in our sector. Visit www.hcgroup.global more information on us and our services.
To connect with our host Paul Chapman, you can find him at www.linkedin.com/in/paulchapmanhc/
Each day, around the world, we have fascinating one-on-one conversations with our connections in the commodities sector. Our collaborators are uniquely informed, creative and inspirational in their fields. We want to provide our community a seat alongside us, listening in to these conversations in that special way podcasting provides as we tackle topical and people related issues with the leaders and leading minds in our sector. Visit www.hcgroup.global more information on us and our services.
To connect with our host Paul Chapman, you can find him at www.linkedin.com/in/paulchapmanhc/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Big Picture with David Fyfe
David Fyfe, Chief Economist at Argus, shares insights into the evolving macro-economic landscape as we near 2026. He discusses the surprising impact of US tariffs on global trade and the looming inflationary effects they might bring. There's a deep dive into AI's influence on equity gains and how fiscal risks could shape macro markets. The conversation also highlights Europe's sluggish growth and China's property sector troubles. Fyfe warns about a potential supply surplus from OPEC+ and underscores the urgent need for upstream investment to meet future energy demands.
Dec 10, 2025 • 54min
The State of Oil with Homayoun Falakshahi
As we begin to wrap up the year, we return to the crude markets. What has been oil’s journey in the latter half of 2025? What has all this meant for trader performances after a challenging first half? What is the outlook for 2026 in prices and volatility? Our guest is Homayoun Falakshahi. He leads crude analytics at Kpler, the data and analytics firm for the commodity markets.
Dec 3, 2025 • 51min
Trading in Asia with Iain Lawson
Ian Lawson, a senior advisor at Baringa with decades in the commodity trading space, dives into the dynamics of trading in Singapore. He discusses why the city remains a central hub, its unique regulations, and the vital role of talent and a common law framework. Lawson explores the impact of regional gray markets and how Asia's fragmentation contrasts with Western networks. He also delves into LNG’s evolution, power market challenges, and the crucial interplay of personal relationships in deal-making across diverse cultures in Asia.
Nov 26, 2025 • 59min
Wine with Nick Brewer
Join Nick Brewer, the former COO of Noble Group and owner of Oastbrook Winery, as he dives into the fascinating world of wine. Discover how wine is made, from fermentation to pressing, and explore the impact of climate change on production. Nick discusses the rising popularity of English wine, highlighting Oastbrook's unique offerings, and explains the complexities of wine as a commodity. With insights on market trends, supply chains, and changing consumer tastes, this conversation is a must for wine enthusiasts!
Nov 19, 2025 • 50min
Will Ags Save Your Portfolio? With Jake Hanley
Today, we are talking agricultural markets and the case for investing in agricultural commodities, particularly in ETFS. And why that case is enhanced in the volatile world of today and the perhaps much more volatile world of the future. Our guest is Jake Hanley, Managing Director at Teucrium, a US -based ETF issuer with a specialisation in agricultural commodities.
Nov 12, 2025 • 56min
Trading: the hidden $3trillion dollar opportunity with Antti Belt
Antti Belt, a Partner at BCG and research fellow at the Henderson Institute, dives into the world of trading and the untapped $3 trillion profit potential for CEOs. He discusses why energy and resource companies shy away from trading arms, citing board misconceptions and talent scarcity. Antti also highlights the performance advantages of trading during crises, contrasts traditional trading with tech-driven newcomers, and outlines the exciting future of trading opportunities in sectors like real estate and cloud computing.
9 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
Schism & Domination: Founding Trafigura & Glencore: Mark Crandall Part 2
Mark Crandall, a veteran commodities trader and co-founder of Trafigura and Glencore, shares his insights on the birth of these trading giants. He delves into the pivotal moments that led to their founding, including Mark Rich's vision and the impact of leadership exits. Crandall discusses how owning assets transformed trading houses, creating dominant figures in the industry. He also examines barriers for new competitors and the evolving roles of traders in today's market, along with the future of commodities in a transitioning energy landscape.
Oct 31, 2025 • 3min
AVAILABLE NOW: Global Middle and Back Office Salary Report 2025
Our Global Our Middle & Back Office Salary Report 2025 is now available for purchase. Published by HC Group's Talent Intelligence team. the report covers salary benchmarks for Risk, Legal & Compliance, Corporate Finance (includes STF/Treasury), Finance & Accounting,Technology& Human Resources positions across all commodity trading hubs. The report, created using proprietary data, is designed for HR leaders and company officers to calibrate salaries in this competitive market as we head into business planning for 2026. For more information, visit https://www.hcgroup.global/energy-trading-report or email intelligence@hcgroup.global
13 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 53min
The Rise of Rich & The Founding of the Modern Trading House: Mark Crandall Part 1
In this engaging discussion, veteran commodities trader Mark Crandall shares insights from his illustrious career which began at Morgan Stanley, where he helped launch its commodities desk. He delves into the evolution of oil trading and the unique challenges following market shocks. Crandall recounts his experiences at Marc Rich & Co., highlighting Marc Rich's visionary approach and his leadership style that fostered loyalty. The conversation explores the dynamics of physical trading houses and the complex relationships that cultivate competitive advantages.
Oct 21, 2025 • 31min
Rivers of Money: A History of Oil Trading – Meet the Authors Live Event
On October 1st, at HC Group’s Headquarters in London, host Paul Chapman interviewed Colin Bryce and Adi Imsirovic about their new book – Rivers of Money - in front of an invited audience of 100 friends, former colleagues and industry veterans. Why did they write the book, what stories and insights stand out and who received a pickled pig’s head at their desk (it later transpired the sender was in the audience)? Which other stories had to be left on the cutting room floor and what are the biggest risks the industry faces today and in the future? If you want to know about future events, sign up at https://www.hcgroup.global/newslettersignup
