This time, host Tim Phillips is joined by regular guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to talk about the world's most vital trade routes – from what goes through them to what happens around them. They also discuss potential new trade routes and which countries may lay claim to them, as well as discuss that age old question: what issues are being overlooked, but which might be on all of our lips by the time of the next episode? Please check out and subscribe to our channels on Apple...

In this episode of Trade Links, Tim Phillips reunites with regular NatWest panelists Aastha Gupta, European Economist, and Scott Livingstone, International Advisor. They delve into the recent EU-US trade deal, announced at Turnberry Golf Course on 27 July 2025, exploring its implications on global economics, geopolitics, and sector-specific impacts. Key points: The deal: Aastha explains the framework agreement, including a 15% tariff ceiling on key EU exports and a €750bn EU commitment to U...

While Aastha and Scott are on their much-deserved summer breaks, Tim Phillips speaks to Naresh Aggarwal (Associate Director Policy & Technical at the Association of Corporate Treasurers) and Rowan Austin (Head of Trade Finance Origination & Advisory at NatWest) in this special episode. Both treasury and trade finance functions are on the front line of balancing risk management and growth. Get it wrong and you're facing funding shortfalls, regulatory breaches, delayed shipments a...

This month, Tim Phillips is joined by regular guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to delve into the intricacies of the global tech trade. They unravel the complexities of supply chains, the strategic importance of rare earth elements, and the geopolitical tensions shaping today’s trade landscape. Semiconductors may be the new oil, but what about the old oil? They also talk about OPEC, peak oil demand and revenue, and the status of petrodollars presently and in the years to come. ...

Tim Phillips returns with regular NatWest guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to talk trade. This time, they focus on the super big questions: how is the very nature of trade evolving and whether the era of globalisation is nearing an end? They also discuss: • Trade Patterns: Trade volumes, particularly in services and digital trade, are still increasing, but supply chains are becoming more regional and complex. • Regional trade blocs: How the world is shifting from a single regime to a...

Welcome to Trade Links, your go-to podcast for data-driven analysis of global trade trends and pivotal developments in international relations. Designed for international businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the global market, Trade Links brings you expert commentary, in-depth discussions, and the latest updates that shape the world of trade. Each month, host Tim Phillips will be joined by NatWest's Aastha Gupta (European Economist) and Scott Livingstone (International Adv...

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate. What does it take to build a zero-carbon ready residential development? In this episode, NatWest’s Ashley Toy is joined by Stephen Andrew, Group Technical Director at Taylor Wimpey, to explore the methods, materials, and technologies powering a pioneering zero-carbon ready home. From early planning challenges through to design and development, they explore what it really takes to deliver sustainable hom...

In this episode, Ashley Toy is joined by Tyrone Hodge, Global Head of Risk Advisory at JLL Inc., and Ken Mustafa, Director of Vertical Sunrooms Ltd., to explore the impact of sustainability on commercial property values. They discuss how green building practices influence valuations, the risks of neglecting upgrades, and the competitive advantages of investing in sustainable improvements. NB. This was recorded on 13 February 2025. Captions are automatically generated. ...

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate. In this episode, our host Ashley Toy sits down with Laura Beaumont, Head of Sustainability at Helical PLC, a leading office developer in central London. Together, they dive into the challenges of retrofitting large commercial properties and the strategies shaping their approach – with a particular focus on Helical’s 100 New Bridge Street, London development. NB. This was recorded on 13 February 20...

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate. Housing associations play a crucial role providing homes and support for millions of people in need across the UK. But, as not-for-profits operating what are often older dwellings, many must overcome big hurdles turning their low-carbon ambitions into reality. In this episode, NatWest’s Ashley Toy and Paul Eyre are joined by Clare Miller, CEO of Clarion Housing Group for an in-depth look at their retrofit...

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate. Why is sustainability so crucial for the UK real estate sector? In this episode, NatWest’s Ashley Toy is joined by Rob Wall, Assistant Director at the British Property Federation and Emma Harvey-Smith, Chief of Staff at the Green Finance Institute for a deep dive into the big forces pushing sustainability higher up the agenda. They discuss the impact of post-pandemic demand shifts, the role of technology ...

In this special edition of Bondcast, Imogen Bachra is joined by Brian Daingerfield and Joann Spadigam to discuss some key themes from our Year Ahead 2025 report, an in-depth guide to what will be shaping economies and markets over the coming 12 months. Following a year of change at the ballot box, new governments have made political promises and fiscal commitments, with increases to government debt on the horizon. How these decisions affect inflation and therefore terminal bank rates is an op...

How might tensions, tariffs and Trump influence the trade backdrop for businesses? In this episode, Rowan Austin, Head of Trade Origination & Advisory is joined by Aastha Gupta, European Economist; Brian Daingerfield, Head of G10 FX Strategy, Americas; and Scott Livingstone, International Advisor, for an in-depth look at the macro factors affecting global trade, the key geopolitical flashpoints to watch, and how businesses can get ahead of the major factors likely to affe...

With so much change afoot across the global political landscape, where do we see global climate policy and ESG heading in 2025?Arthur Krebbers, Head of Corporate Climate & ESG Capital Markets joins Vishal Saxena, Vice President – Climate and ESG Capital Markets, and Shubha Samalia, ESG Macro Strategist, for a closer look at the direction of travel of ESG and climate policy. They discuss how businesses should factor this shifting landscape into their sustainability strategies, and take sto...

In this special edition of The Currency Exchange, host Brian Daingerfield is joined by Paul Robson for a closer look at sterling and the US dollar as we head into 2025.Where 2024 was characterised by political change, markets will examine the follow-on in 2025 – what higher fiscal commitments may do to inflation targets, bank rates and, ultimately, the relative performance of currencies. In the US, that means contending with Trump 2.0, while in the UK unprecedented fiscal commitments may help...

It’s fair to say that 2024 should be known as “The Year of the Ballot Box”, with more than 50 elections having taken place worldwide. In some cases, we think the outcome of those elections could bring about big swings in the direction of policy in 2025.What could that mean for markets and the economy? In this episode, journalist and podcaster Tim Phillips is joined by Ross Walker, Head of Global Economist and Chief UK Economist; Paul Robson, Head of G10 FX Strategy, EMEA; Joann Spadigam, Euro...

We’re delighted to bring you episode three of our Women in Sustainability podcast series - the series designed to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women working in the field of sustainability.For this episode, our host Tonia Plakhotniuk, is joined by two more exceptional women:• Nadia Humphreys, Bloomberg• Clémence Humeau, AXA Investment ManagersTo get future episodes as soon as they’re available, remember to hit ‘subscribe’, and if you found the content...

We’re delighted to bring you episode two of our new Women in Sustainability podcast series. The series, designed to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women working in the field of sustainability.The second episode, facilitated by your host Tonia Plakhotniuk, includes two more exceptional women:Nadia Nikolova, Managing Director, Lead Portfolio Manager in Developing Finance and Impact Credit, Allianz Global InvestorsKatherine Stodulka, Partner, SYSTEMIQTo g...

With so much conflict happening around the world, what should businesses focus on? In this episode John Briggs and NatWest International Advisor Scott Livingstone analyse the conflict in Gaza and discuss the wider context of the Middle East. In a US election year, President Biden is facing pressure over other geopolitical issues, including from China and Ukraine. Finally, they predict what else may happen as we progress through 2024. NB: This was recorded on 6 March 2...

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), we’re delighted to launch our new Women in Sustainability podcast series. The series, dedicated to women working in the field of sustainability, is inspired by the aims of IWD, to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.In our first episode, Tonia Plakhotniuk interviews three exceptional women who work on advancing sustainability at NatWest:• Caroline Haas, Head of Global Climate and ESG Capital Markets• ...