Financial Markets Insights: Recent Episodes
Financial Markets Insights
Financial Markets Insights brings together the best minds in the financial and capital markets industry to discuss all the latest trends and news.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane speaks with Christian K. Schwarz, Head of Banking and Payment Services, about how Europe’s payments landscape is being reshaped as instant payments become mandatory and financial institutions face mounting pressure to modernise legacy infrastructure.
They discuss the scale of regulatory change, the challenges of transitioning to real-time, 24/7 processing, and how workflow orchestration can help banks meet new requirements without replacing core systems. The conversation also examines growing competition from fintech challengers, the erosion of traditional revenue streams such as FX, and the strategic risks facing banks that fail to adapt. The episode further explores the rise of stablecoins, tokenisation and alternative payment rails, and why data, interoperability and innovation beyond regulation will be critical for banks looking to remain competitive in an increasingly fast-moving and fragmented payments ecosystem.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane speaks to Kevin Formby, VP of Finance and Capital Markets Solutions at Keysight Technologies, about the growing importance of observability, precision measurement and time accuracy in modern trading infrastructure.
They explore how, despite ever-increasing speed and shrinking latency, many firms still don’t have a full picture or understanding of what is happening inside their systems. Kevin explains why measuring speed - rather than latency-related outcomes - creates an “illusion of control,” and how hidden inefficiencies across complex, fragmented infrastructures can impact performance, fairness and resilience.
The conversation delves into the application in financial markets of ultra-precise time synchronisation technologies developed originally for “rocket science”, defence and telecommunications industries, reinforcing why firms must move beyond speed as a primary metric to a broader focus on visibility, determinism and trust.
As markets evolve toward greater automation, continuous trading and tighter regulatory scrutiny, the depth with which market participants can see measure and explain system behaviours will be an increasing competitive and operational advantage.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane speaks with Emmanuel Ashirifi, founder and CEO of Sika Financial Group, about the challenges of FX liquidity - and efficient settlement - in emerging and frontier markets.
They discuss how fragmented, manual settlement processes impact working capital liquidity, strain national foreign exchange reserves and impact cross-border trade flow. Emmanuel explains why extending mature-market models isn’t the right approach in these markets, and how purpose-built settlement infrastructure reflecting the particular nuances of less developed economies can bring greater trust, transparency and resilience to trading and supply chain lifecycles, and better meet the needs of financial market participants underserved by current financial market infrastructures.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Clive Posselt speaks with Philip William, Chief Product Officer at AiMi, about how firms are rethinking this challenge through automation and agentic AI. They explore why manual interpretation still dominates despite decades of trading automation, how trust and auditability shape adoption, and why freeing specialists from low-value triage work is now a resilience strategy - not a cost one.
Drawing on deep experience with global trading firms, Philip explains how AI-driven “digital analysts” can help firms keep pace with rising change volumes, tighter resources and expanding market hours. The conversation sheds light on the cultural shift underway and why contextual intelligence - not just automation - is becoming essential for staying compliant and competitive.
In Financial Markets, where technology moves fast and precision is critical, training is more than onboarding, it’s how firms build lasting capability.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane speaks with Michael Clarke, CEO of Mallon Associates, about the evolving role of practitioner-led learning in shaping productive, resilient technology teams. Together, they explore why traditional, off-the-shelf courses often fall short in complex financial environments, how hybrid working challenges institutional knowledge and why real-world capability, not generic KPIs, should define success.
Drawing on decades of partnership with global financial institutions, Michael shares how embedding training within live client environments can accelerate onboarding, improve retention and strengthen both people and systems. The conversation redefines what “productive from day one” really means and why capability, culture and context matter more than ever.
From retail execution to institutional connectivity, the evolution of trading and market data technology is reshaping how financial firms operate. In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host David Berney sits down with Debbie Kaye, Head of UK Trading at Iress, to share her perspectives on how trading desks and market data platforms are adapting to meet evolving regulatory, technology and global financial market drivers like 24/7 trading.
This episode explores the unique role of the UK’s RSP (Retail Service Provider) network, the rise of cloud-native connectivity hubs, balancing real-time and historical data demands and the growing influence of AI, interoperability, and regulatory change. As well as reflecting on her career journey to Iress TMD, Debbie gives her insights on the future of 24/7 markets, the power of data analytics and the practical realities and challenges for financial firms in keeping up to speed with the demands of modern financial markets.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host David Berney is joined by Melissa Watras and Rob Cope from Trillium Surveyors to explore how trade surveillance and best execution analytics are evolving from regulatory necessities into strategic tools for performance and alpha generation. Our guests share perspectives from both trading and compliance backgrounds to examine why legacy systems are no longer fit for purpose, how continuous insights are reshaping best execution committees, and why the future of compliance is about much more than just ticking boxes. We also look ahead to the implications of 24x5 trading, crypto market integrity, and how data-driven oversight is becoming a competitive advantage.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, Tina Kane is joined by Stéphane Malrait—market structure expert and financial markets technology innovator—for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of financial trading, technology innovation and industry leadership. From the early days of electronic FX platforms to today’s fast-evolving AI, digital technologies and regulatory landscape, Stéphane shares insights drawn from an extensive career at leading institutions including JP Morgan, Société Générale, and ING. They also discuss his role at ACI Financial Markets Association, the value of industry collaboration through groups like Quorum 15, and why the future of finance depends on breaking down communication, connectivity and compliance silos.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, Tina Kane is joined by Stéphane Malrait—market structure expert and financial markets technology innovator—for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of financial trading, technology innovation and industry leadership. From the early days of electronic FX platforms to today’s fast-evolving AI, digital technologies and regulatory landscape, Stéphane shares insights drawn from an extensive career at leading institutions including JP Morgan, Société Générale, and ING. They also discuss his role at ACI Financial Markets Association, the value of industry collaboration through groups like Quorum 15, and why the future of finance depends on breaking down communication, connectivity and compliance silos.
In this episode of Financial Markets Insights, we speak to Andrew Kaufmann, founder of Time to Give Network, a not-for-profit initiative transforming how the financial services community (and its ecosystem) interconnects for the dual benefit of business development and charitable causes.
Andrew shares the inspiration behind TGN and how it works, in essence, an ‘exchange’ that matches senior level professionals and thought leaders willing to give up time (Time Givers) with those seeking to connect to them (Time Bidders), in return for a charitable donation. He explains how the model benefits individuals looking to make effective and meaningful business connections, individual and company CSR efforts, and ultimately, charity beneficiaries.
The discussion explores the broader impact of TGN in reshaping traditional approaches to business development and industry relationship-building. Andrew also talks about the Network’s growth and expansion strategy, and how it is facilitating a more purpose-driven approach to professional networking.
https://www.timetogive.network/
In this episode of Financial Markets Insights, we speak to Andrew Kaufmann, founder of Time to Give Network, a not-for-profit initiative transforming how the financial services community (and its ecosystem) interconnects for the dual benefit of business development and charitable causes.
Andrew shares the inspiration behind TGN and how it works, in essence, an ‘exchange’ that matches senior level professionals and thought leaders willing to give up time (Time Givers) with those seeking to connect to them (Time Bidders), in return for a charitable donation. He explains how the model benefits individuals looking to make effective and meaningful business connections, individual and company CSR efforts, and ultimately, charity beneficiaries.
The discussion explores the broader impact of TGN in reshaping traditional approaches to business development and industry relationship-building. Andrew also talks about the Network’s growth and expansion strategy, and how it is facilitating a more purpose-driven approach to professional networking.
https://www.timetogive.network/
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane sits down with industry experts Jeff Mezger, Vice President, Product Management at Transaction Network Services and Arnaud Derasse, Chief Technology Office at Exegy, to explore the evolving landscape of market data and trading infrastructure. With insights from these leaders in the field, the conversation delves into the shifting dynamics of market connectivity, the challenges of managing ever-growing data volumes, and the role of specialised service providers in streamlining access to global markets. From latency optimisation to regulatory demands, discover how firms are adapting data and trading strategies to stay competitive in an increasingly complex trading environment.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane speaks with Mike Burton, Founder and CEO of Quorum15, about how a simple breakfast meeting grew into a global forum shaping the future of financial markets. Mike shares insights on Quorum15’s role in market structure reforms, the growing involvement of regulators, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. He also offers a glimpse into exciting plans for 2025, including new forums and thought leadership initiatives.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane is joined by Hirander Misra, Founder and CEO of ZERO13, an AI-enabled and blockchain-powered platform revolutionising carbon markets. Hirander shares insights into how traditional and decentralised technologies support greater innovation in, and alignment of, global capital markets and high integrity climate projects, the transformative potential of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, ratified (finally) at the 2024 COP29 meeting, and challenges and opportunities in accelerating and scaling climate finance solutions. They discuss how the combination of innovative technologies, industry collaboration, harmonisation of rules and standards and greater corporate governance will transform carbon markets and drive impactful change with respect to narrowing the climate financing gap, particularly with respect to projects in the Global South.
In this episode of Financial Markets Insights, host David Berney speaks with Jen Nayar, President and CEO of Sterling Trading Tech. They discuss Sterling's evolution, from its trading platform origins to advancements in risk and margin systems and order management solutions. Jen shares insights into trends such as the rise in traded options, expanding global markets, and the increasing complexity of multi-asset class trading. She also highlights Sterling's future plans, including European expansion and leveraging AI for efficiency.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Clive Posselt talks with Ollie Cadman, CEO of AiMi, about the future of Capital Markets infrastructure. Ollie highlights how the ongoing stream of platform and interface changes combined with the lack of standardisation challenge the industry, and how AI and automation can streamline processes while staying ahead of mandatory changes to critical trading and data infrastructure. Ollie also shares AiMi's vision for a dynamic, data-driven, and digital future for Capital Markets infrastructure that adapts to market demands, balancing innovation with robust control measures, and explores how these advancements are set to reshape the trading landscape.
In this episode, FMi podcast host David Berney is joined by Andrew Douglas, Chair of the Accelerated Settlement T+1 Task Force Technical Group. They discuss the journey to T+1 settlement in the UK, background of the Task Force and establishment of the Technical Group to deliver T+1, and insights from the US market's transition in May 2024. Andrew outlines potential challenges, explores collaborations and talks about the importance of industry participation in this significant financial industry project.
In this episode of our In Conversation With… series, host David Berney is joined by Tokenovate’s CEO and Founder, Richard Baker, to discuss the complexities and advancements in the carbon credit market. They delve into the structural challenges, the role of Tokenovate, the importance of standards, and the future of carbon trading.
In this episode of our In Conversation With.. series, David Calver, Chief Product Officer of FOW, discusses his extensive career in economic and macroeconomic data, and his current role at FOW. The conversation elaborates on the distinction between reference data and market data, emphasising its importance in front end discover and execution through to regulatory reporting, and the challenges of sourcing, standardising and normalising data across multiple global exchanges. David also talks about a new online FOW solution which will bring together reference data, market insights, industry intelligence and event information in one place, simplifying user access across the end to end transaction lifecycle.
In this episode, host David Berney is joined by Peter Lowrey, CEO and Founder of Chronicle Software to discuss the complexities and solutions of low latency trading. Peter shares his experiences from working with top investment banks, his transition to consulting, and the evolution of his company. He also explains the importance of reducing accidental complexity in software, provides tips for optimising low latency trading systems, and offers insights into the future of AI in financial markets.
In our latest ‘In Conversation With…’ podcast episode, featuring Richard Baker, Founder and CEO of Tokenovate and host David Berney, they discuss the different types of blockchain technologies, focusing on the Bitcoin protocol and the Ethereum network, and their respective strengths and challenges.
They also explored the readiness of the financial services industry to embrace blockchain and tokenisation, and the potential shift towards blockchain-based financial market infrastructure and the tokenisation of various asset classes over the next decade.
In our latest 'In conversation with' episode, host Carina Evison welcomes James Baugh, Head of European Market Structure at TD Cowen, to discuss the current challenges around liquidity in European markets, the practical effects of recent industry changes, and the impact of a European consolidated tape.
In this episode of Financial Markets Insights, Helen Disney, The Realization Group, and Sean Kiernan, CEO of Greengage, are joined by Thêphane Ramé, CEO and Founder of Eldora, the first business metaverse. Their discussion focuses on how to define the metaverse and why financial institutions are becoming interested in having a presence there. They also discuss Greengage and Eldora’s partnership, and how this will bring a new conception of financial services to the Eldora community.
As a follow-up to podcast 11, in this episode, our host Clive Posselt meets Chris Burke, CEO of Brickendon Consulting, to discuss the final phase of IBOR transition.
In this show podcast host Helen Disney is in conversation with Richard Mundell, Chief Product Officer at TRG Screen to discuss what the film The Matrix has in common with market data subscription management? Two seemingly very different topics that Richard helps us to unpack.
In this episode, our podcast host George Aliferis meets Alan Vear, Director of Brickendon Consulting, to discuss the $200 or $300 trillion question of the transition to IBOR.
In this episode Helen Disney is in conversation with Shyam Duraiswami, Chief Strategy Officer at the deep tech company QPQ. They discuss the challenges of scaling blockchains, why the Ethereum network is struggling to cope with the explosion in demand for DeFi, NFT and gaming and what is being done to address the challenges of creating bigger siloes and lack of interoperability between blockchain solutions.
In this episode, we speak to Jannah Patchay, an Originating Member of the Digital Pound Foundation about why the UK might need a digital pound, what is a central bank digital currency (CBDC), and what are its benefits - as well as its possible risks - for us as consumers and citizens.
In episode 8, podcast host Jannah Patchay speaks to Peter Lawrey, CEO of Chronicle Software, about the IKEA effect - a fascinating phenomenon whereby consumers place a (sometimes disproportionately) higher value on things that they have either made themselves, or to which they have contributed towards making. They’ll be discussing how this relates to trading technology and asking how the IKEA effect could translate into building great trading applications.
We are all swimming in data but what are the biggest challenges companies face when they try to implement or upgrade their data processes? What are the problems with scaling existing business information systems and why does so much useful data get wasted?
In Episode 7, as part of our special series on data insights, Helen Disney speaks to 3Forge CEO Robert Cooke about the challenges of getting a grip on mission-critical information and discusses how a military strategy called the OODA loop has informed the company’s unique approach to data management.
In episode 6, the first in our new series on financial markets data insights, podcast guest host Matthew Cheung, CEO of ipushpull, and guest speaker Mark Woolfenden, Managing Director of Euromoney Trade Data, discuss how to leapfrog your legacy technology systems when it comes to market reference data and explain why data and workflow need to go hand in hand in order to give firms an edge in capital markets in the years ahead.
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are undoubtedly a hot topic. Not a week goes by without news from at least one central bank of their latest plans for tests, pilots, and live trials. In the UK, Rishi Sunak's announcement on 19th April this year of a joint HMT-Bank of England taskforce to "coordinate exploratory work on a potential central bank digital currency", has led to a range of reactions from the media: excitement, bewilderment, confusion, a misguided perception that the UK is about to create its own cryptocurrency, and a heartfelt plea of "could someone please explain what this all means for us". For financial markets participants, it’s particularly important to understand the potential for CBDC to transform the ways in which wholesale payments are made, and the potential opportunities for innovation and evolution of financial markets. So what is CBDC and how does it differ from digital money? In this episode our host Jannah Patchay interviews Jake Hartley of Fnality International to find out more.
The first half of 2021 has seen an explosion of interest around non-fungible tokens (NFTs), as everyone from musicians and artists to sports celebrities have piled in. Attention-grabbing headlines pop up on almost a weekly basis. We’ve seen the world’s first tokenised digital house (on Mars, no less, and sold for USD500,000), the Kings of Leon have released a new album as a collection of NFTs, and sports collectibles-based NFTs are gathering momentum. So far, so zeitgeist-y. Many financial markets participants could easily be forgiven for ignoring the rise of NFTs, ascribing them to a millennial trend, perhaps, or the latest blockchain fad. However, this could be ignoring a harbinger of the digital markets to come – and what they might mean for the future of financial markets.
SPACs or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies have been around for many years but recently they have started garnering major attention as well-known investors leading SPACs have been raising record amounts of money. Some analysts worry the SPAC boom is one of multiple signs of a market bubble. So why exactly have SPACs become such a hot trend and will this boom within a boom really benefit investors or is it all just hype?
In Episode 3, we explain what a SPAC is, look at why they are on the rise, examine some of the pros and cons and asks if the rise of SPACs will lead to a decline in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)? Host Jannah Patchay interviews special guest, Hirander Misra, Chairman of GMEX Group on whether the UK and Europe will be able to keep on attracting high-growth companies, or will the upsides of the SPAC boom mostly accrue elsewhere?
In January 2021, a videogames company few people had ever heard of made history for one of the largest share price increases in stock market history. Apart from making headlines around the world, the GameStop story - and how it played out - has thrown up some key questions about the future of financial markets infrastructure. How did it happen and why?
Episode 2, brought to you by The Realization Group, examines the Gamestop phenomenon in depth. Host Jannah Patchay interviews financial services and technology lawyer, Lee Schneider, to ask him what this situation means for the future of financial markets regulation and whether it really constitutes market manipulation.
In Episode 1 of the Financial Markets Insights podcast brought to you from The Realization Group, podcast host Helen Disney interviews special guest and financial services innovation expert, Michael Cooper about the rise of the TechFins.