Season 1

As global financial leaders gather in Bangkok, attention is turning to the opportunities and challenges shaping Thailand and Southeast Asia. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Randy Thanthong-Knight, Bangkok Bureau Chief at Bloomberg News, to preview the conversations surrounding the IIF Annual Membership Meeting and IMF-World Bank meetings.

They explore Thailand’s challenge of generating stronger growth despite a more resilient financial system, the region’s growing importance in global supply chains, and the investment opportunities emerging from EVs, semiconductors, AI, and infrastructure. The conversation also examines how Southeast Asian economies are navigating U.S.-China competition and whether Thailand can capitalize on shifting trade and investment patterns while moving…

From artificial intelligence to sovereign debt and defense finance, a wide range of risks and opportunities dominated discussions in Bangkok. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Brad Carr, Executive for Geopolitical Risk at National Australia Bank, to reflect on the major themes emerging from the 2026 IIF Annual Membership Meeting and IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings.

They explore the growing implications of AI competition and AI-enabled cyber risks, rising bond yields and fiscal pressures in developed economies, and the expanding role of private capital in financing defense and resilience. The conversation also examines how businesses and governments can adapt to geopolitical disruption by strengthening supply chains, infrastructure, and economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment. …

France is facing a pivotal moment as political gridlock, mounting fiscal pressures, and public unrest converge ahead of next year’s presidential election. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Guillaume de Calignon, an international economics journalist at Les Echos, to unpack the forces driving France’s political and economic uncertainty.

They discuss the roots of the country’s recent protests, the erosion of France’s political center and the challenges facing the next government as it confronts weak growth, high debt and persistent deficits. The conversation also examines what the presidential election could mean for France’s economic direction and how domestic political challenges could reshape the country’s influence within Europe.

This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and…

A surprising comeback has given President Lula a historic fourth term, but governing Brazil may prove more difficult than winning the election. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Christopher Garman, Managing Director for the Americas at Eurasia Group, to unpack what drove Lula’s victory and what comes next.

They discuss the fiscal and economic challenges facing the new administration, the future of Brazil’s political right, and what investors will be watching as Lula begins another term. The conversation also looks beyond Brazil’s borders, exploring the country’s growing importance in energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and global trade, as well as how Lula may navigate relationships with the United States, China, and other major partners.

This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and…

As AI rapidly reshapes the cybersecurity landscape, cyber risk is becoming an increasingly important concern for financial stability. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England, to examine how financial institutions and regulators can respond.

They discuss the importance of cyber hygiene, rapidly identifying and patching vulnerabilities, and using AI to strengthen defenses. The conversation also explores the need for greater cooperation across financial services, technology, energy and telecommunications, as well as opportunities for international coordination as the U.K. prepares to assume the G20 presidency. They also look ahead to emerging questions around agentic AI, including payments, trading, fraud, accountability and financial stability. …