Converge

With five days to go until a historically close US election, market participants can't stop talking about the what ifs. Hear from macro analyst Boris Kovacevic on what outcomes we could see in the markets globally following the November 5th US elections. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s new podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

To kick things off at Money2020 USA we spoke with Ari Redbord from TRM Labs. With 11 years under his belt at the US Dept. of Justice, Ari shared his views about the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, the challenges of crypto crime, and the importance of compliance in the financial sector. We touch on the role of TRM Labs in combating illicit activities in the crypto space, the future of stablecoins, the implications of Stripe's Bridge acquisition, and the regulatory framework surrounding digital assets, particularly the MiCA regulation in Europe and its influence on other regions. Lastly, we touched on the need for businesses to prioritize compliance as they enter the blockchain space, and how to do it right. If you're a business looking to get into blockchain and crypto-enabled solutions, you won't want to miss this discussion.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Grab your copy of our Are You Ready For 2025? report.With 2025 on the horizon, economic uncertainty looms. Will the world economy finds its balance, or are we still bracing for the next curve?If real wage growth falters, consumer spending could take a hit. Businesses need to be prepared for shifts in consumer behavior and tighten their risk management focus.This week, we're sharing our recent FinTech Talk with host Charles Orton-Jones of Business Insider, where we explore: Possible market impacts of the upcoming 2024 US presidential election Key indicators for businesses monitoring economic health in 2025 The key trade risks which could reignite inflation, despite global economic progression and easing cycle Key currency trends for 2025 which may disrupt global trade flowsHear from Macro analyst Boris Kovacevic and FX Analyst George Vessey on how to prepare for the year ahead.Grab your copy of our ⁠Are You Ready For 2025?⁠ report.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Grab your copy of our US Election Guide for FX Markets!Voters are heading to the polls on November 5th to vote for the 47th President and 50th Vice President of the United States. The most important political event of the year will be accompanied by elections for both chambers of Congress. The composition of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives will be crucial for the domestic economy, world trade, and financial markets across the world. We see three specific market risks associated with the election. However, each candidate comes with his or her own unique policy mix, which needs to be incorporated when thinking about hedging election related risks.  Join Macro Analyst Boris Kovacevic and Lead FX Analyst Goerge Vessey as they break down what to expect in markets and FX post-US election. Plus get your copy of our US Election Guide for Markets for more analysis of the potential election outcomes.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, we hosted a lively discussion with the founding team of Algbra, a UK-based fintech startup focused on ethical finance and combating financial exclusion. Algbra is a Certified B Corporation, sitting among a global network of businesses that meet high social and environmental impact standards. We explore Algebra's unique dual business model, which includes both B2C and B2B services, their commitment to social impact, and the significance of their recent strategic investment from Standard Chartered. The team discusses the challenges of both financial exclusion and ethical investing, and the launch of their sustainable savings platform, Shoal. We discuss the importance of consumer education around ethical investing to make it stick, and the potential for growth in the ethical finance market towards profitability and sustainability. We also touch on the recent pushback against DEI initiatives in certain regions and the company's views in fostering equity in such a polarized, politicized environment.Guests: Anton Laurens, Tom Mason (Shoal), Marten MoellerDisclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Powell pushed the large 50 basis point cut over the line with the help of the market. This has given investors the green light to scream for more easing as early as November. Wall Street is reading between the lines: if the Fed's willing to cut 50 now, why not again in November? Volatility surrounding major macro events and rate decisions will persist going into year end. US policy makers have given other central banks the green light to continue easing policy. The PboC was quick to take the opportunity but not every central bank is willing to follow suit. The hawkishness of the BoE is pushing the pound to new cycle highs as Europe continues to struggle with the weak incoming data. Join analysts George Vessey and Boris Kovacevic as they break down the latest market news.

This week, we sat down with Rahul Bhargava, consultant for The World Bank, about the evolving landscape of cross-border payments. The G20's roadmap for faster payments faces key milestones over the next two years, and the significance of BIS projects like Project Nexus have been instrumental in illustrating how faster, more secure, more transparent global payments could become a reality. We discuss the upcoming milestones that organizations must meet on the G20 roadmap, the ongoing developments in Project Nexus particularly in its third phase, and the global ambitions to apply the learnings of the project. Additionally, we cover the challenges posed by varying payment infrastructure maturity around the world, and the technological innovations that support these initiatives. Finally, we touch on the practical implications for banks and payment providers in adopting these new frameworks.

Global macro finds itself at a crossroads. The last job report left investors scratching their heads due to the mixed picture it painted but yesterday’s higher than expected inflation print likely confirmed that the Fed will cut interest rates by 25 basis points next week. It will be all about how the Fed wants to be perceived by markets. What is important for investors is that the global easing cycle is well underway. The Fed has basically given other central banks the green light to cut as well. And its definitely needed given the industrial recession in Germany, China and to a lesser degree Japan. The macro uncertainty therefore isn’t tied to just one country. Its structural and global in nature, despite being driven by idiosyncratic factors.   Hear from macro analyst Boris Kovacevic on this week's market news and events to watch for.

This week, we sit down with Venture Capitalist and Fintech consultant Kimberly Ofori to discuss the concept of Camels (slow and sustainable companies) versus Unicorns (fast and disruptive companies) in the fintech landscape, and why camels are gaining more attention in 2024. But what about Zebras? These purpose-driven companies prioritize profit and social impact. We discuss the importance of balancing purpose with profit in fintech and how startups should carefully consider how their technology can be applied to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, we touch on the regulatory challenges that both Camels and Zebras face in the EU, and how they can leverage these as opportunities rather than barriers to be over-prepared and scale internationally with success. Don't miss our enlivening chat with one of fintech's sharpest minds.

The expectation of easier monetary policy in the United States has led investors away from the Greenback and has pushed the euro, pound, and yen to yearly highs. Speculators are now simultaneously bullish on all three currencies for the first time since early 2021. Meanwhile, investors seem to have all but forgotten the volatility shock from three weeks ago. Global equity benchmarks are approaching their previous highs. Volatility indicators have almost completely retraced back to their level before August 5th and bond yields are trading higher than they were before the weak job report. Cross-assets price in a low recession and high policy easing probability over the next six months. This goldilocks assumption of a soft landing accompanied by policy easing only seen during recessions is the largest risk to the consensus of rising equity markets and a lower US dollar for the second half of 2024.   Join macro analyst Boris Kovacevic as he breaks down this weeks global market news.