The HC Commodities Podcast

This is Part 2 of our mini-series on Asset-Backed Trading. In the previous episode, we covered the key  reasons and decision points in creating asset-backed trading organizations. In this episode, we draw on the experience of Savvas Manousos and Niels Henrik Lindegaard on the key learnings and challenges that arise in implementation. From the inevitable challenges and even crises that arise and, ultimately, the two key roles of any leader - how to build a high -performing team and how to execute on a strategy with the flexibility and resilience needed in a more volatile world. Savvas Manousos spent 25 years with BP before developing global Asset-Backed Trading platforms at Reliance, Maersk and CEPSA. Savvas is now an Enco Insight Partner at HC Group’s sister company Enco Insights, providing independent, peer-to-peer, advisory to organizations embarking on this journey. Niels Henrik Lindegaard spent 40 years with Maersk and spent a decade leading their trading transformation through Maersk Oil Trading.For more on Enco Insights visit www.encoinsights.com 

Peter Keavey, Managing Director at CME Group with over 35 years in energy trading, joins host Paul Chapman to discuss the dynamic shifts in crude oil trading. They explore the rise of Asset Backed Traders and Hedge Funds, highlighting how these changes affect market strategies and participants. The conversation also delves into technology's role in enhancing market access and risk management. Additionally, geopolitical risks and the evolving dynamics in global trading, especially with U.S. companies, are examined.

In Part One of our miniseries on Asset-Backed Trading, Savvas Manousos and Niels Henrik Lindegaard  join us to discuss why commodity producers, refiners and wholesalers are developing value-chain optimization through trading and the basic building blocks.  What are the key drivers behind this global trend? What are the key decision points around people, platform and operating model? What approaches and resources best ensure success? Savvas Manousos spent 25 years with BP before developing global Asset-Backed Trading platforms at Reliance, Maersk and CEPSA. Savvas is now an Enco Insight Partner at HC Group’s sister company Enco Insights, providing independent, peer-to-peer, advisory to organizations embarking on this journey. Niels Henrik Lindegaard spent 40 years with Maersk and spent a decade leading their trading transformation through Maersk Oil Trading. For more information on Enco Insights visit www.encoinsights.com 

In this episode, we dive into Liquified Petroleum Gas trading. What is LPG used for, where is it produced and how has the market developed since the advent of shale? How is trading LPG different from other commodities  and what does it herald for other fuels? What is its role in the energy transition and what is its future? Our guest is Jack Nugent. Jack brings a unique perspective. From his early days in LPG broking, to living and working in both Europe and Asia as a LPG trader, he later co-founded his own successful LPG trading company. Jack is the CEO and Founder of Tradavex, a consultancy that helps organizations bridge the interface between technology and business.Relevant Linkswww.encoinsights.comwww.hcgroup.globalwww.tradavex.com

Today we return to the fuels industry. What is the latest in global fuel supply and demand? What is the impact of ongoing electrification on fuel demand? Have we seen peak gasoline demand even in the US? And how is AI and technology changing fuels trading and the convenience industry that attaches to it? Returning to the show is Doug Haugh. Doug has over twenty five year’s experience working in the energy, technology and convenience retail industries. He serves on the board of Bioblend Renewable Resources, Trux  and Ergon and Board Chairman at New Tide AIFor more on HC Group visit www.hcgroup.globalFor Enco Insights visit www.encoinsights.com 

Walter Cronin, co-founder and president of White River Nutrition, dives into the bustling world of commodity markets. He discusses how 2024 brought wild price swings in seed oils and biofuels driven by changing yields and demand. Walter reveals why the U.S. has become the largest importer of used cooking oil. He explores the implications of new biofuels policies and the potential shifts in global meat demand. With insights on soybean processing and nutrition, he delves into the future of sustainable fuels and protein production.

Another global commodity, present in our daily lives, without an established price index or futures contract, with a unique supply chain: Tea. How does Tea reach our tables? Where does tea come from? How does it trade? And how is the tea market navigating climate change, ever lower prices and changes in demand? Indeed, which nations drink the most tea? Our guest is Jem McDowell, Vice-President of Trading  and Universal Commodities (Tea) Trading Inc. Jem is based in the US but has had a global career in trading tea.

For producers, refiners, processors & miners building a risk management and trading capability is moving from a value-add to a ‘must have’. However, building such a capability is a challenge, requiring a clear plan to win, constant communication and the right operation model and systems. Over the last 5 years some transformations have succeeded, others remain stalled. What are the key accelerators and derailers in such a process? What are the people implications – both the required leadership and the skill-sets needed. Our guest is Talis Bennett-Verschure, Director of Commodity and Energy Trading at the management consultancy Baringa, who has been at the forefront of helping organizations build this vital capability.www.encoinsights.comwww.hcgroup.global 

Ten percent of the global tanker fleet has gone dark and the number is growing. What is the Dark Fleet? Why does it exist and why is it growing? Who is using the fleet and who owns it? What are the risks for the market, the environment and traders? And what does a shadow fleet mean for world security and criminal enterprises? Our guest is David Tannenbaum, Director at Blackstone Compliance  Services, a sanctions and anti -money laundering advisory group, providing support to financial institutions and commodity trades alike and a Partner at Polestar Global, a sanctions and maritime intelligence firm where he runs the threat intelligence group.https://www.blackstonecompliance.com/www.encoinsights.comwww.hcgroup.global 

The host reflects on the journey of the podcast through 2024, sharing gratitude with listeners and colleagues. Key themes include the impact of sanctions, compliance, and technology on commodity trading. Exciting organizational successes, like the launch of a new Talent Intelligence platform, are celebrated. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to growth and community engagement in 2025, with plans for more episodes and industry events on the horizon.