The Citi Institute Podcast

Alex Watkins, Citi’s tech capital markets lead who finances data centers and GPUs, and Tony Kim, BlackRock’s technology chief investing across AI infrastructure and models, discuss where value is shifting. They explore the three-layer AI stack, the rise of infrastructure and cost as moats, agentification and robotics, and bold bets like space-based data centers, quantum and timing signals to watch.

In this episode of the Citi Institute podcast, host Alex Miller is joined by Arvind Purushotham, Head of Citi Ventures, and Professor Carl-Benedikt Frey, DSF Associate Professor of AI & Work and Oxford Martin Citi Fellow. Together, they explore the profound impact of AI and disruptive innovation on societies, economies, and institutions—and why imagination and human creativity remain essential drivers of progress, even as technology accelerates. Arvind Purushotham explains how Citi identifies and invests in startups to bring innovative technologies into financial services, highlighting the critical role of trust and adoption in scaling AI and frontier technologies. Professor Carl-Benedikt Frey discusses the distinction between exploration and exploitation in innovation, and why different institutions are better suited to each. Together, they reflect on why disruptive innovation is rarely instantaneous, but instead unfolds gradually over time. Explore the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7807xkyz4XT6uWcwk9yI5IIF6UaFbubO Citi Institute: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute Stay informed with timely perspectives on the trends reshaping industries and markets. Subscribe to the Citi Institute Newsletter here: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute#newsletter Citigroup, (Citi), and Oxford Martin School are not affiliated and are independent from each other. The speakers’ views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of Citi Institute podcast, host Alex Miller is joined by Logan Kilpatrick, Product Lead, Google DeepMind and Shobhit Varshney, Head of AI, Citi. Together, they explore the rapid growth of AI models, how enterprises can position themselves to leverage the exponential progress, and the importance of embedding robust safeguards and governance. Logan Kilpatrick discusses how emerging AI capability innovations will continue to unlock a wide range of new use cases, keeping everyone on their toes. Shobhit Varshney emphasizes the need for a disciplined approach to driving, efficiency, and delivering exceptional experiences for clients and colleagues. Together, they reflect on the future of AI and its ability to empower individuals and organizations to augment their capabilities while maintaining appropriate safeguards and controls. Explore the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7807xkyz4XT6uWcwk9yI5IIF6UaFbubO Citi Institute: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute Stay informed with timely perspectives on the trends reshaping industries and markets. Subscribe to the Citi Institute Newsletter here: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute#newsletter Citigroup (“Citi”) and Google are not affiliated and are independent of each other. Google maintains a client relationship with Citi through Citi Cloud Technology Services. The speakers’ views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

Dr. Prag Sharma, a Future of Finance analyst at Citi, and Helen Krause, head of Global Data Insights, join the conversation to delve into the future of AI in finance. They discuss how Generative and Agentic AI are revolutionizing investment management and the crucial balance of a holistic approach to AI implementation. Key concerns like data safety, governance, and the choice between building or buying AI solutions are tackled. The duo also shares exciting predictions about AI fund managers and the convergence of investing strategies, all while emphasizing the need for human oversight in this evolving landscape.

In this episode of Citi Institute podcast, host Alex Miller is joined by Charles Armitage, European Defense and Aerospace Analyst, Citi Research, and General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR). Together they explore the shifting landscape of global security and defense strategy, from a focus on counterinsurgency and stabilization to the renewed emphasis on conventional deterrence and NATO readiness. Charles Armitage examines the ongoing tension between defense innovation and the preservation of legacy military capabilities, underscoring the need for a layered, cost-effective defense model rather than reliance on any single “golden bullet” solution. General Sir Adrian Bradshaw discusses how modern warfare now extends far beyond traditional military power, encompassing hybrid threats, cyber warfare, and national resilience. Together, they address the critical question of how nations can motivate political leaders and the public to sustain the investment, innovation, and political will needed for defense modernization. Their insights reveal the complex, fast-evolving nature of global security, and the importance of a holistic, adaptive, and ethically grounded defense posture in an era of rising geopolitical tension. Explore the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7807xkyz4XT6uWcwk9yI5IIF6UaFbubO Citi Institute: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute Stay informed with timely perspectives on the trends reshaping industries and markets. Subscribe to the Citi Institute Newsletter here: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute#newsletter The speaker's views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of the Citi Institute podcast, host Ronit Ghose is joined by Citi’s Ryan Rugg, Head of Digital Assets, Treasury and Trade Solutions, and Derek Green, Treasurer and Global Head of Banking Operations, Payoneer. Together they discuss the evolution of digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenized deposits, and their implications for the future of finance and banking. Ryan Rugg discusses the complexity of new technologies like blockchain and outlines how these will transform the way banks and clients do business, enabling autonomous processes, blockchain interoperability and multi-asset capabilities. Derek Green discusses the shift from legacy batch payment systems to real-time, API-driven infrastructure, and the rise of embedded finance and open banking. He explains how these changes are leading to increased programmability of money, AI-driven treasury operations, and more seamless cross-border payments. Our guests highlight the importance of transparency and accurate forecasting alongside speed of settlement and emphasize the importance of interoperability between different solutions. Citi GPS – Stablecoins 2030: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/stablecoins-2030 Citi Institute: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute Stay informed with timely perspectives on the trends reshaping industries and markets. Subscribe to the Citi Institute Newsletter here: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute#newsletter The speakers views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

In series 2, episode 1 of the Citi Institute podcast, host Alex Miller is joined by Citi Wealth’s Hannes Hofmann, Head of the Global Family Office Group; Kate Moore, Chief Investment Officer; and Dawn Nordberg, Head of Integrated Client Engagement. Together they discuss the 2025 Global Family Office Report and explore tailored investment approaches, succession planning, family legacy and expectations, and the preservation of generational wealth in this complex and growing segment. Hannes Hofmann discusses the importance of the Citi Wealth Report which provides valuable quantitative and qualitative insights and explains how family offices are increasingly important actors in global financial markets. Kate Moore highlights how the unique attributes of family offices allow them to strategically leverage direct and private investments to generate returns, diversify portfolios, and align with their broader objectives and investment strategies. Dawn Nordberg explains the importance of putting the client first, facilitating networks like the Citi Club, where family offices share opportunities and co-invest, and stresses the need to understand each family office’s objectives and challenges. Our guests express optimism about the family office segment and emphasize Citi’s commitment to serving their unique needs through an integrated, client-centric approach. Explore the podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7807xkyz4XT6uWcwk9yI5IIF6UaFbubO 2025 Global Family Office Report: https://www.privatebank.citibank.com/insights/the-family-office-survey Citi Institute: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute Stay informed with timely perspectives on the trends reshaping industries and markets. Subscribe to the Citi Institute Newsletter here: https://www.citigroup.com/global/insights/citi-institute#newsletter The speakers views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

In this final episode of the Citi Institute podcast, host Alex Miller is joined by Hon. Caroline Pham, Acting Chairman, CFTC and Ronit Ghose, Global Head, Future of Finance, Citi Institute to discuss digital money, crypto assets, and blockchain-based financial services, addressing the rapidly evolving policy and regulatory landscape. Hon. Caroline Pham, Acting Chairman, CFTC highlights the crypto value propositions and the importance of regulatory clarity to enable crypto innovation. Ronit Ghose, Global Head, Future of Finance, Citi Institute shares insights on programmable money and smart contracts, and how digital money is evolving from account-based to token-based systems. Our guests reflect on a future where digital money, crypto assets, and blockchain-based financial services become more integrated into the broader financial ecosystem, enabled by regulatory clarity and institutional adoption. Citigroup (“Citi”), and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) are not affiliated and are independent from each other. The speakers’ views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of the Citi Institute podcast, host Alex Miller is joined by Kelly Ahuja, CEO, Versa Networks and John Collmer, Global Head of ECM Private Placements, Citi to discuss Fundraising, exploring the critical journey for companies at various stages of growth, from venture funding to IPOs and sharing insights on the strategies, considerations, and key decisions that shape a company's financial trajectory. Citigroup (“Citi”), and Versa Networks are not affiliated and are independent from each other. Though Versa Networks has a client relationship with Citi through Citi's banking and international business. The speakers’ views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

In this special episode of The Citi Institute Podcast, host Ronit Ghose is joined by Prag Sharma, Global Head, Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) to discuss the potential use cases for Agentic AI in finance and business, addressing the impact on the workforce and what it might mean for Leaders. Prag highlights important considerations for organizations looking to implement Agentic AI, such as defining use cases, governance and risk management, and integrating it with existing tools and infrastructure. Our guest reflects on potential benefits for clients and provides insights on the rapid pace of AI development and the need for the right governance, risk controls, and up-skilling of employees to work effectively with the technology. The speakers’ views are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or any of its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The expressions of opinion are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.