Markets & Economy

We sit down with two leaders reshaping philanthropy, Peter Bennett and Leslie Johnson. Philanthropy funds much of the world’s high-risk innovation, early-stage ideas and new economic thinking - often long before markets or governments are able to act. So what role can it play in driving systemic change? The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

In this episode, we sit with guests, former Group Chairman of Standard Chartered, José Viñals, Sarah Kemmitt, former lead of the UN Net Zero Banking Alliance, and Dr. Nina Seeger, Director, CISL Centre for Sustainable Finance, to explore how finance can accelerate sustainable development more effectively. From addressing the mispricing of climate and nature risk, to correcting market distortions, tackling permitting bottlenecks and supporting coherent policy, the conversation highlights the conditions needed to align global capital with a cleaner, fairer, more resilient global economy. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Gillian Tett and Professor Bob Eccles join us as we examine how anti-ESG sentiment and political tensions are reshaping climate policy, corporate behaviour, and markets, and what leaders can do to navigate this landscape. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

We examine what many describe as a growing ‘meaning deficit’ in society. Along with Sudhanshu Palsule, Gillian Secrett, and Richard Springer, they explore how fragmentation, consumerism and polarisation erode our sense of purpose, and discuss how leaders can help rebuild meaning. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

As we close out the year, we’re taking stock of the global energy landscape - from oil markets caught between geopolitical tension and shifting fundamentals, to Europe’s winter gas outlook and the risks that lie ahead. Today, we’ll break down where the market stands, what’s driving price movements, and what to watch as we head into the new year. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

In this episode, we explore whether corporate values really matter when markets, politics and societal expectations pull in different directions. We’re joined by Alison Taylor, author of Higher Ground, and Karen Wood, Chair of global mining and metals company South32, and Thomas Lingard from think tank, the Centre for Future Generations to try an unpack the possible impact of AI and how values and purpose actually show up in boardrooms and tough decisions. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

This episode examines the power shifts created by AI and digital systems with global sustainability leader Thomas Lingard. Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn explore where real agency lies, why governance is struggling to keep up, and what leadership capacities now matter most as technology reshapes the foundations of the global economy. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Brent crude has firmed this morning, approaching $64/b as a series of geopolitical risks, from rising U.S.–Venezuela tensions to attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, push a risk premium back into the market and reverse last week’s optimism around Ukraine peace talks. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

In this episode, Mark Kahn speaks with Professor Carlos Lopes and investment executive Jasandra Nyker about Africa’s energy transition. Our guests reframe Africa’s narrative from risk to opportunity, showing the continent to be a dynamic platform for innovation and reinvention, with green energy at its core as a driver of industrial transformation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

In this episode, we host Dominic Vergine, CEO and founder of Monumo. We discuss how AI can play a central role in advancing positive people and planet outcomes and the real impact of this technology. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Oil prices have come under renewed pressure as markets reassess the geopolitical risk premium following signs of progress toward a potential Ukraine peace plan. Earlier strength driven by fresh U.S. sanctions on Russian oil producers has faded, with traders now focusing on shifting diplomatic dynamics and the possibility of reduced supply disruption risk. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Clover Hogan and Ravi Naidoo join to discuss youth anxiety, climate realities and how young people can gain real influence in shaping a more just, sustainable future. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

In this episode Marc Kahn, Investec's Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Lindsay Hooper, CEO at CISL and guests Faustine Delasalle, CEO of the Mission Possible Partnership and Katie Fergusson, SVP, Studies and Development at Anglo American discuss what’s it going to take to replace high carbon energy and resource-intensive systems with cleaner, greener and more efficient alternatives. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Oil markets were volatile last week, with Brent swinging between $62 and $65/b as shifting supply signals, geopolitical tensions, and broader market sentiment drove sharp intraday moves. Despite the fluctuations, prices remain stuck in a well-defined range, capped by persistent oversupply concerns and resistance near the 50-day moving average. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Brent crude fell to $62.84/b last week after Saudi Aramco sharply reduced its official selling prices, signalling weaker demand in Asia. Other Gulf producers followed suit, adding pressure. The decline, in line with softer equity markets, has since steadied with Brent back near $64/b. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Several OPEC+ members agreed over the weekend to unwind a small portion of their additional voluntary cuts in December, while signalling a pause in further output increases until the end of March next year. The move, largely in line with expectations, suggests the group is prioritising market stability after recent price weakness, leaving oil prices modestly firmer around $65/b this morning. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

After briefly threatening to fall below $60/b last week, Brent crude has staged a strong recovery, climbing back above $65/b. The rebound reflects a shift in market sentiment, driven by new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil majors, easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and a broader improvement in global risk appetite. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

From Washington to London, the balance between growth and stability remains razor thin. In this special Investec Focus Radio UK episode, host Jeremy Maggs is in conversation with Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec UK, following the IMF and World Bank meetings. They unpack the latest global growth forecasts, the persistent challenge of inflation, and why, despite mounting debt and geopolitical strain, optimism is returning to the UK market. Investec

Brent crude fell to $60.14/b on Friday, its weakest level since May, and remains below $61/b this morning. The selloff followed a break below key support at $65/b after Trump announced new 100% tariffs on China. Sentiment worsened as U.S. equities tumbled on reports of bank fraud linked to distressed mortgage loans and concerns over stretched AI valuations. Adding pressure, China’s Q3 GDP came in below 5%, highlighting weak demand. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

In today’s episode, we explore the recent drop in Brent oil prices and what’s really driving the move - fundamentals or global market sentiment. From trade tensions between the US and China to shifting supply expectations, we break down the key factors shaping oil’s future and what might come next. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec