CFA UK

Epizode

• Episode 92: Using AI to balance innovation & environmental impact 29.05.2026 26min

  In the latest episode of CFA UK’s In Conversation podcast, host Anita Brown speaks with David Carlin, founder of D.A. Carlin and Company, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable finance and the opportunities and risks it presents for the financial sector. David outlines the environmental costs of advanced AI, from data centre energy use to model training, and focuses on the importance of establishing ethical AI governance focused on transparency and accountability. They also discuss tracking emissions and evaluating net-zero strategies using AI, all while avoiding automated groupthink and prioritising human judgement when making complex decisions. Tune in for an insightful discussion on innovation, responsibility, and the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of finance.
• Episode 18: John Reade on evolving gold markets 07.05.2026 46min

  In this episode of the CFA UK Future Proofing Finance podcast, hosts Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA speak with John Reade, Senior Market Strategist at the World Gold Council. John shares his 40-year career journey from mining engineer to market strategist, and explains the evolving landscape of gold markets for investors. Explore: Gold’s value as a portfolio diversifier The impact of gold-backed ETFs on investor access Central bank reserve strategies and demand for gold Physical storage considerations and market dynamics Comparisons between gold and Bitcoin Tune in for an insightful conversation on gold markets, investment strategy, and the evolving role of gold in your investment portfolio.
• Episode 91: Navigating ESG Reporting in Private Markets 09.04.2026 30min

  In this episode of CFA UK’s In Conversation podcast, host Olly King sits down with Jegor Tokarevich, CEO of Substance Over Form (SOF), to explore the evolving landscape of sustainable finance regulatory reporting in private markets. Jegor shares insights into the growing complexity of ESG compliance across frameworks such as SFDR, the EU Taxonomy, and CSRD, and discusses how these regulations are reshaping expectations for both General Partners (GPs) and Limited Partners (LPs). The episode also explores: Jegor’s perspective on the key ESG reporting challenges facing private equity and private debt managers The impact of fragmented data and lack of standardisation in private markets How SOF supports GPs, LPs, and portfolio companies with ESG data collection and validation The importance of early alignment between LPs and GPs on ESG Advice on staying agile amid rapidly evolving regulatory requirements Tune in for an insightful conversation on ESG regulation, data challenges, and how collaboration and technology are shaping the future of sustainable investing in private markets.
• Episode 17: Building an AI Startup in Fintech 27.03.2026 41min

  In this episode of the CFA UK Future Proofing Finance Podcast, hosts Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA sit down with Karen Rudich, Canadian fintech entrepreneur and founder of sherloc. Karen explores her journey from investment banking to building an AI-driven startup focused on helping small businesses manage financial volatility. You'll hear how she navigates fundraising and builds resilient, purpose-driven teams in a fast-moving fintech landscape. The episode also explores: Karen’s transition from banking into entrepreneurship The role of AI and predictive analytics in supporting SMEs The importance of value-aligned partnerships in scaling a business Lessons learned from fundraising and leadership challenges Practical advice for aspiring fintech founders Tune in for an insightful conversation on innovation, resilience, and the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of finance.
• Episode 90: How to build successful startups: A look inside the venture studio model 20.03.2026 37min

  In this episode of CFA UK’s In Conversation podcast, host Dr Nic Pillow sits down with Omid Pakseresht, CEO of Goodfolio, to explore how venture studios are changing the way startups are built. Omid discusses Goodfolio's practical AI integration for efficiency and scalable solutions in fintech and healthtech, including ethical considerations. Not only that, he argues why venture studios are a strong partner to traditional VC, reducing risk and accelerating market entry with a robust support system for entrepreneurs and investors. The episode also explores: How the venture studio model works in practice Identifying ideas, building founding teams, and supporting growth Embedding ethical and ESG principles into early-stage investment Supporting diverse and underrepresented founders Using artificial intelligence to drive innovation responsibly Tune in to discover how venture studios are changing the game for startup creation, focusing on ethical and impact-driven entrepreneurship.
• Episode 16: Exploring financial history with Duncan Needham 04.12.2025 39min

  In the latest episode of CFA UK’s Future Proofing Finance Podcast, Cambridge University’s Duncan Needham joins Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA to see what financial history can tell us about our financial future. Discover the fascinating journey of financial markets, from the evolution of reserve currencies to the dynamics of global trade, as Duncan analyses the lessons shaping today’s economic landscape. If you’re a history buff, a financial expert, both or even neither – this captivating discussion will bridge the gap between past and present.
• Episode 89: How tech is transforming climate investing 27.11.2025 31min

  In the latest episode of CFA UK’s In Conversation podcast, Tanishq Jain speaks with Louis Millon, Principal at Systemic Capital, about how data and technology are transforming climate investing. Reflecting on his personal journey, Louis touches on the role data and AI can play in countering climate change, and how to use it to evaluate sustainable start-ups. They focus on the evolution of sustainable investing, the impact of regulations on climate data disclosure, and the need to plug data gaps. Hear where climate investing is going – listen now!
• Episode 88: The future of RegTech and compliance 06.11.2025 40min

  In our latest In Conversation podcast, Dr. Giovanni Bandi joins Prab Bajwa, CFA to discuss innovative solutions being developed through the Regulatory Genome Project at the University of Cambridge to complex global regulation. They explore the importance of RegTech in investment management, the role of AI in compliance, and the potential for greater regulatory convergence and standardisation. From the need for a digital rule book, to embedding compliance within technology, discover how we can refine and streamline financial services to capture greater value.
• Episode 87: Investing in nature - a path to sustainability 30.10.2025 34min

  In this episode of CFA UK’s In Conversation podcast, Francesca Wheble chats to Yiota Michou, CFA, Investment Manager, Climate Asset Management. Yiota describes her journey into sustainability and impact investing, and what core strategies she’s been employing to invest in natural capital. Discover the standout projects Yiota’s been involved with, explore the key risks affecting natural capital investment, and find out Yiota’s top tips for embarking on a sustainable investing career path!
• Episode 21: Exploring the future of agriculture 29.10.2025 39min

  In the latest episode of CFA UK's Climate Change Podcast, John Teahan, CFA speaks to Maria Carvalho, Head of Climate Economics and Data, NatWest. Maria outlines the critical role of investment in supporting sustainable agriculture and alleviating the challenges faced by farmers from accelerating climate change. They explore the tension between portfolio decarbonisation and real-world decarbonisation, emphasising how financial institutions can support farmers transitioning to more sustainable practices. From the evolving regulatory framework to the impact of climate change on farming, get the lay of the land on what the future of agriculture could mean for you.
• Episode 15: Navigating Bitcoin cycles with insights from Jonathan Bier 23.10.2025 40min

  In this episode of CFA UK's Future Proofing Finance podcast, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall meet Jonathan Bier, Chief Investment Officer, Farsight Investors. A prominent figure in the world of crypto investing, Jonathan shares his journey from traditional finance to launching a crypto equity fund, discussing the challenges and opportunities emerging from the FCA’s retail ban lift. Explore insights on Bitcoin cycles, the difference between regulatory approaches in the UK and US and take a deep dive into the intersection of traditional finance and the dynamic world of crypto - start listening now!
• Episode 86: Bringing philanthropy into sustainable investing 03.09.2025 31min

  In this episode of CFA UK's In Conversation podcast, Jim Totty, CFA, speaks with Jack Chellman, Chief Project Officer at the Global Returns Project, about the role of philanthropy in sustainable finance. Jack and Jim discuss how financial institutions can integrate philanthropic donations into client offerings and investment products, enhance ESG strategies, and deliver fast, measurable impact. With less than 2% of global philanthropic capital going to climate mitigation, Jack argues for normalising environmental giving across the financial ecosystem. 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
• Episode 85: Starting Strong: Navigating the IMC and CFA Journey with Pia Farooq 20.08.2025 18min

  In this episode, Olivia Wingrove, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager at LGT Wealth Management, and IMC holder, sits down with Pia Farooq, a fellow IMC holder, to discuss their journeys into the investment industry. Pia and Olivia explore the importance of the IMC qualification, its role as a precursor to the CFA, and how it helps build a strong foundation for a career in finance. Pia also shares her insights into balancing work, study, and personal life, and valuable tips for those considering the IMC or CFA. Discover more about the IMC today: https://tinyurl.com/pff9d5ff
• Episode 14: Crypto: “Finance hasn’t been disrupted – until now.” 14.08.2025 39min

  How does crypto fit into institutional portfolios? In this episode, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, sit down with Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, to explore the institutionalisation of digital assets. Matt, Ben, and Tom explore how crypto began as from a frontier technology to something gaining institutional adoption, alongside the implications of recent regulatory shifts in the US. Matt also looks at the separation between Bitcoin and programmable blockchains like Ethereum, and the emergence of decentralised finance (DeFi), before outlining a framework for crypto asset allocation within diversified portfolios, and discusses the macroeconomic backdrop shaping digital asset adoption. Disclaimer: The views in this podcast are personal opinions and do not represent CFA UK. This content does not constitute financial advice.
• Episode 84: The REIT evolution - growth, governance, and scale 08.08.2025 36min

  In this sponsored episode of In Conversation, Chris Ware, CFA, sits down with Edoardo Gili, CFA, Senior Analyst at Green Street, to explore the evolving landscape of real estate investment. From the shifting dynamics of REITs to the integration of infrastructure and real assets, this conversation offers deep insights for investment professionals navigating today’s market. Examining real estate’s evolution into a more operationally intensive asset class and the active management requirements that come with it, Chris and Edoardo explore the distinctions between public REITs and private real estate markets. Together, they look at their long-term performance convergence and the importance of risk-adjusted returns. Edoardo and Chris also discuss the global valuation trends regarding real estate, the performance of REITs in the US compared with Europe and the UK, M&A activity in REITs, and how rising development costs coupled with stricter lending criteria are reshaping the development landscape. An extended discussion between Edoardo and Chris on real estate sectors is also available on CFA UK’s Professional Learning platform: https://www.cfauk.org/careers-and-cpd/resources/real-estate-sectors-data-development-and-investor-appeal DISCLAIMER: This podcast does NOT constitute investment advice nor is it provided in the capacity of a fiduciary. Visit www.greenstreet.com/disclosure for important information. About Green Street Green Street is the leading provider of actionable real assets research, news, data, analytics, and advisory services in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. For 40 years, Green Street has delivered unparalleled intelligence and trusted data on the public and private real estate markets, helping investors, banks, lenders, and other industry participants optimise investment and strategic decisions. The firm delivers exclusive market information, conclusion-driven insights, and predictive analytics through a SaaS platform. To learn more, please visit www.greenstreet.com. More about Green Street: https://greenstreet.com/?utm_source=cfauk&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=brandawareness&utm_term=green-street&utm_content=cfa-website
• Episode 83: Conflicts of Interest and Operating with Integrity 30.07.2025 9min

  In this episode, JC Valer, Lecturer at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Visiting Academic at the University of Oxford, speaks to Debbie Clarke, Non-Executive Director at BlackRock Group Limited, discussthe ethical challenges that come with conflicts of interest and operating with integrity. Examining case studies around transparency, ethical guardrails, and the fine line separating acceptable hospitality from potential conflicts of interest, Debbie emphasises the need for an ethical lens in decision-making and maintaining integrity throughout your career. This podcast is part of a series of ethics discussions, the rest of which are available on CFA UK’s Professional Learning platform: https://www.cfauk.org/careers-and-cpd/resources/ethics-and-professionalism
• Episode 82: Managing overwhelm in the workplace 24.07.2025 27min

  In this episode, Kelsey Su, CFA, Sales Operations Manager, Dahua UK & Ireland, talks to Dr Mandy Lehto, executive coach, and host of ‘Enough, the Podcast,’ to talk about workplace overwhelm. Mandy draws from her own high-pressure background and coaching career to share her insight in recognising the signs of overwhelm, the physical and mental toll of sustained stress – and how to begin reclaiming balance. During the episode, Mandy recommends listeners to read “Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World” by Anne-Lorraine Le Cunf: https://shorturl.at/U91nF
• Episode 20: Navigating climate governance in the boardroom 02.07.2025 44min

  In this episode, John Teahan, Portfolio Manager at Redwheel, interviews Karina Litvak, Non-Executive Director at Terna S.p.A, and prominent figure in climate governance and sustainability. Karina and John discuss her journey from finance to board roles, and the challenges of implementing climate action amid complex corporate governance. In particular, John and Karina look at the impact of COP21 in shaping corporate climate commitments. Karina and John discuss the dynamics of stakeholder engagement from a board member perspective. The conversation also explores the importance of understanding both production and demand in the energy sector, the role of the Climate Governance Initiative, and the need for resilience in energy grids as the world transitions to a more sustainable future.
• Episode 81: Empowering senior jobseekers 11.06.2025 16min

  In this episode, Arantxa Sardina, Corporate Sponsorship & Stakeholder Manager at GAIN UK, speaks with Hitesh Dattani, Director of Grey Matter Jobs, about the growing importance of age diversity in today’s workforce. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in asset management, Hitesh shares what inspired him to launch a recruitment platform dedicated to championing age-inclusive hiring. Together, Arantxa and Hitesh explore how connecting experienced job seekers with forward-thinking employers can foster more dynamic and inclusive workplaces. They also delve into the entrepreneurial journey—highlighting the resilience, strategic planning, and mindset required to build a purpose-driven business from the ground up.
• Episode 13: Paul Krugman on tariffs, crypto, and the future 16.05.2025 42min

  Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman joins Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, to shed light on the unparalleled volatility and policy upheavals reshaping today’s economic landscape. With the United States leading the charge towards increased protectionism, Paul highlights the staggering rise in US tariffs, which have surged from an average of 3% to around 15%. Paul, Ben, and Tom also discuss their perspectives on cryptocurrency and stablecoins, evaluating its legitimacy and utility in the current financial system, and examining what might come after the dollar in today’s unprecedented world. An extended version of this conversation is available for our members. To watch Paul, Ben, and Tom discuss the immediate impact of tariffs and protectionist policies (including deportation orders) on the US economy and dollar, China’s economic challenges and how they compare to Japan in the 1990s, and whether Paul sees any positives to the tariffs, members can watch the extended conversation here: https://www.cfauk.org/careers-and-cpd/resources/nobel-laureate-economist-paul-krugman-on-navigating-uncertainty-in-the-global-economy