https://www.intellinews.com bne IntelliNews bne IntelliNews editor@bne.eu http://emd-drupal-production-copy.s3.amazonaws.com/media/BNE_iTuenes.jpg https://www.intellinews.com no bne IntelliNews publishes business news and data on emerging markets. Our goal is to provide pragmatic and actionable information for investors and companies working in or with the region that will help them with their business. Our headquarters are in London and suburban Boston, with editorial bureaus located throughout the regions we cover. bne IntelliNews publishes business news and data on emerging markets. Our goal is to provide pragmatic and actionable information for investors and companies working in or with the region that will help them with their business. Our headquarters are in London and suburban Boston, with editorial bureaus located throughout the regions we cover. en-us Copyright © bne IntelliNews. All rights reserved 60 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:18:43 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_390202_1752063523.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte warned that the West needs to prepare of the possibility that Chinese President Xi Jinping will ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to attack Nato so that China can invade and take control of Taiwan. Is that a realistic possibility? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Professor Axel Schneider, the head of the sinology faculty at Goettingen University to discuss these issues and more. LISTEN ON SPOTIFY NOW LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST NOW LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC NOW LISTEN ON POCKETCAST NOW LISTEN ON YOUTUBE NOW Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte warned that the West needs to prepare of the possibility that Chinese President Xi Jinping will ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to attack Nato so that China can invade and take control of Taiwan. Is that a realistic possibility? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Professor Axel Schneider, the head of the sinology faculty at Goettingen University to discuss these issues and more. LISTEN ON SPOTIFY NOW LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST NOW LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC NOW LISTEN ON POCKETCAST NOW LISTEN ON YOUTUBE NOW http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_390202_1752063523.mp3 Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:09:56 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_389476_1751627396.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s economy is under pressure, but life on the streets in Moscow and the regions has never been so good, says Chris Weafer, the founder and CEO of Macro Advisory and former head of research at multiple Moscow-based investment banks. The government are trying to crash land the overheating economy and there will be damage, but not a plane wreak, says Weafer. But to solve Russia’s basic problems, the war in Ukraine needs to stop. Reports are out that it is official: Trump will not send Ukraine any more air defence ammo, “because our own stocks are running low.” Ukraine has been cut off from US help for the second time. It was already cut off this time last year when the US ran out of money for Ukraine and that ended up with Kyiv running out of air defence missiles and the destruction of its entire non-nuclear power generation capacity. Now Trump has cut Ukraine off for a second time and as the skies open again, Russia is likely to spend the summer bombing anything it wants to with impunity. The mood is black. Some commentators now give Ukraine only six more months before it will have to sue for peace. In the meantime Putin’s efforts to build up a multipolar world order are going surprisingly well. But it is not just a Sino-Russian effort. Countries around the world are clubbing together in regional alliances to better protect themselves from US bullying. Iran’s relationship with Russia in the 12 day war with Israel is a case in point. The annual BRICS summit is due to convene this month in Brazil and the business of building up the non-aligned alliance between the Global South countries continues. LISTEN ON SPOTIFY NOW LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST NOW LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC NOW LISTEN ON POCKETCAST NOW LISTEN ON YOUTUBE NOW or WATCH ON YOUTUBE Russia’s economy is under pressure, but life on the streets in Moscow and the regions has never been so good, says Chris Weafer, the founder and CEO of Macro Advisory and former head of research at multiple Moscow-based investment banks. The government are trying to crash land the overheating economy and there will be damage, but not a plane wreak, says Weafer. But to solve Russia’s basic problems, the war in Ukraine needs to stop. Reports are out that it is official: Trump will not send Ukraine any more air defence ammo, “because our own stocks are running low.” Ukraine has been cut off from US help for the second time. It was already cut off this time last year when the US ran out of money for Ukraine and that ended up with Kyiv running out of air defence missiles and the destruction of its entire non-nuclear power generation capacity. Now Trump has cut Ukraine off for a second time and as the skies open again, Russia is likely to spend the summer bombing anything it wants to with impunity. The mood is black. Some commentators now give Ukraine only six more months before it will have to sue for peace. In the meantime Putin’s efforts to build up a multipolar world order are going surprisingly well. But it is not just a Sino-Russian effort. Countries around the world are clubbing together in regional alliances to better protect themselves from US bullying. Iran’s relationship with Russia in the 12 day war with Israel is a case in point. The annual BRICS summit is due to convene this month in Brazil and the business of building up the non-aligned alliance between the Global South countries continues. LISTEN ON SPOTIFY NOW LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST NOW LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC NOW LISTEN ON POCKETCAST NOW LISTEN ON YOUTUBE NOW or WATCH ON YOUTUBE http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_389476_1751627396.mp3 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:25:51 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/Mathew-Cohen-Podcast.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Adelle Nazarian is an international journalist, foreign policy analyst, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across media, geopolitics, and technology. Fluent in English, Persian, French, and Mandarin Chinese, Adelle has reported for outlets including CNN, Fox News, and Breitbart, and conducted exclusive interviews with global leaders. She is the founder and CEO of Vista Nexum and has served as CEO of the American Blockchain PAC, championing innovation at the intersection of technology and policy. As a senior fellow at the Gold Institute and the Observer Research Foundation, Adelle is recognized for her expertise in national security, human rights, and international affairs, making her a sought-after voice on global issues LISTEN ON SPOTIFY NOW LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST NOW LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC NOW LISTEN ON POCKETCAST NOW LISTEN ON YOUTUBE NOW Adelle Nazarian is an international journalist, foreign policy analyst, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across media, geopolitics, and technology. Fluent in English, Persian, French, and Mandarin Chinese, Adelle has reported for outlets including CNN, Fox News, and Breitbart, and conducted exclusive interviews with global leaders. She is the founder and CEO of Vista Nexum and has served as CEO of the American Blockchain PAC, championing innovation at the intersection of technology and policy. As a senior fellow at the Gold Institute and the Observer Research Foundation, Adelle is recognized for her expertise in national security, human rights, and international affairs, making her a sought-after voice on global issues LISTEN ON SPOTIFY NOW LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST NOW LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC NOW LISTEN ON POCKETCAST NOW LISTEN ON YOUTUBE NOW http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/Mathew-Cohen-Podcast.mp3 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:24:52 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_359565_1734711892.m4a bne IntelliNews no In this episode of the Emerging Global Podcast, Ruthie Blum, former advisor to the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, provides her insights on the ongoing Middle East conflict as well as Israel's internal political state of play. Blum walks us through her personal and professional journey while giving us an insight into Israel's involvement in Syria and Prime Minister Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. In this episode of the Emerging Global Podcast, Ruthie Blum, former advisor to the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, provides her insights on the ongoing Middle East conflict as well as Israel's internal political state of play. Blum walks us through her personal and professional journey while giving us an insight into Israel's involvement in Syria and Prime Minister Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_359565_1734711892.m4a Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:34:43 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_332068_1719923683.m4a bne IntelliNews no In this episode of the Emerging Global podcast, South America correspondent Mathew Cohen provides an in-depth analysis of President Javier Milei's controversial economic reforms in Argentina. Cohen examines the impact of Milei's libertarian policies, including deregulation and austerity measures, on the country's economy and its citizens. The discussion covers public reaction to these sweeping changes, the challenges facing Milei's administration, and the potential long-term consequences for Argentina's economic landscape. This timely conversation offers listeners valuable insights into one of South America's most significant current political and economic developments. Listen on spotify too here In this episode of the Emerging Global podcast, South America correspondent Mathew Cohen provides an in-depth analysis of President Javier Milei's controversial economic reforms in Argentina. Cohen examines the impact of Milei's libertarian policies, including deregulation and austerity measures, on the country's economy and its citizens. The discussion covers public reaction to these sweeping changes, the challenges facing Milei's administration, and the potential long-term consequences for Argentina's economic landscape. This timely conversation offers listeners valuable insights into one of South America's most significant current political and economic developments. Listen on spotify too here http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_332068_1719923683.m4a Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:39:46 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_329297_1718113186.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Bruce Pannier is a longtime journalist and correspondent covering Central Asia. He currently writes for Bne IntelliNews and appears regularly on the Majlis podcast for RFE/RL. Prior to joining RFE/RL in 1997, Bruce worked at the Open Media Research Institute in Prague. You can read more about the topic of this podcast here: https://www.intellinews.com/pannier-russia-is-pushing-turkmenistan-out-of-the-natural-gas-market-326833/?source=asia Bruce Pannier is a longtime journalist and correspondent covering Central Asia. He currently writes for Bne IntelliNews and appears regularly on the Majlis podcast for RFE/RL. Prior to joining RFE/RL in 1997, Bruce worked at the Open Media Research Institute in Prague. You can read more about the topic of this podcast here: https://www.intellinews.com/pannier-russia-is-pushing-turkmenistan-out-of-the-natural-gas-market-326833/?source=asia http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_329297_1718113186.mp3 Fri, 24 May 2024 11:56:33 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/FarzenSabet_1.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Daniel Rad interviews Frazan Sabet about the future of Iran after the unexpected death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Dr Farzan Sabet is an expert on economic sanctions, nuclear non-proliferation, and Middle East politics. He is a Senior Research Associate of the Global Governance Centre and the Sanctions and Sustainable Peace Hub at the Geneva Graduate Institute. LISTEN HERE ON SPOTIFY! Daniel Rad interviews Frazan Sabet about the future of Iran after the unexpected death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Dr Farzan Sabet is an expert on economic sanctions, nuclear non-proliferation, and Middle East politics. He is a Senior Research Associate of the Global Governance Centre and the Sanctions and Sustainable Peace Hub at the Geneva Graduate Institute. LISTEN HERE ON SPOTIFY! http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/FarzenSabet_1.mp3 Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:26:18 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_293059_1695029178.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Dr. Arash Azizi talks with bne IntelliNews on the one year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini and Iran's future. One year after the tragic death of a young Iranian woman at the hands of the Iranian state led to a year of disturbances and challenges to the cleric-led state. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5kPID72vXk Spotify: https://spotify.link/aw50CXTi7Cb #iran #MahsaAmini #politics #ArashAzizi Dr. Arash Azizi talks with bne IntelliNews on the one year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini and Iran's future. One year after the tragic death of a young Iranian woman at the hands of the Iranian state led to a year of disturbances and challenges to the cleric-led state. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5kPID72vXk Spotify: https://spotify.link/aw50CXTi7Cb #iran #MahsaAmini #politics #ArashAzizi http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_293059_1695029178.mp3 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:31:03 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_275629_1681302663.mp3 bne IntelliNews no China and the US are on a collision course while Beijing and Moscow are moving closer together and geopolitical tensions are rising. What exactly is China’s foreign policy and attitudes to its growing rivalry with the US? Are Russia and China in an emerging anti-Western alliance or is it just a marriage of convenience? Can Beijing broker a peace in Ukraine and will it invade Taiwan? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Professor Axel Schneider, the head of the sinology faculty at Goettingen University to discuss these issues and more. Watch the conversation here Sign up for bne IntelliNews’ emailed podcast alerts here China and the US are on a collision course while Beijing and Moscow are moving closer together and geopolitical tensions are rising. What exactly is China’s foreign policy and attitudes to its growing rivalry with the US? Are Russia and China in an emerging anti-Western alliance or is it just a marriage of convenience? Can Beijing broker a peace in Ukraine and will it invade Taiwan? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Professor Axel Schneider, the head of the sinology faculty at Goettingen University to discuss these issues and more. Watch the conversation here Sign up for bne IntelliNews’ emailed podcast alerts here http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_275629_1681302663.mp3 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:55:48 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_273912_1679669748.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spent three days in Moscow to form a new deeper economic and pollical alliance. How important was the meeting and what do Xi and Putin get out of it. How will it impact the West’s attempt to tighten the sanctions noose around Russia’s neck. And is a clash between Washington and Beijing inevitable? Editor in chief Ben Aris talks to Nigel Gould-Davis, the former UK ambassador to Belarus and Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and Alexander Titov, a lecturer of Modern European History at the university of Belfast Watch on YouTube Ben Aris - editor in chief of bne IntelliNews in a panel discussion with two of the leading experts on Russia’s oil business: Nigel Gould-Davis - The former UK ambassador to Belarus and Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies Alexander Titov - A lecturer of Modern European History at the university of Belfast Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spent three days in Moscow to form a new deeper economic and pollical alliance. How important was the meeting and what do Xi and Putin get out of it. How will it impact the West’s attempt to tighten the sanctions noose around Russia’s neck. And is a clash between Washington and Beijing inevitable? Editor in chief Ben Aris talks to Nigel Gould-Davis, the former UK ambassador to Belarus and Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and Alexander Titov, a lecturer of Modern European History at the university of Belfast Watch on YouTube Ben Aris - editor in chief of bne IntelliNews in a panel discussion with two of the leading experts on Russia’s oil business: Nigel Gould-Davis - The former UK ambassador to Belarus and Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies Alexander Titov - A lecturer of Modern European History at the university of Belfast http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_273912_1679669748.mp3 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 11:40:01 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_272529_1678448401.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Join Ben Aris and Mack Tubridy as they discuss the recent rioting in Georgia. They discuss the Foreign agents bill, its withdrawaland themass demonstrations in the centre of Tbilisi, where police used water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray and flash grenades to disperse crowds of protesters in front of parliament. Protests broke out after the the bill was passed in its first reading on March 7th. You can watch the interview on YouTube here Join Ben Aris and Mack Tubridy as they discuss the recent rioting in Georgia. They discuss the Foreign agents bill, its withdrawaland themass demonstrations in the centre of Tbilisi, where police used water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray and flash grenades to disperse crowds of protesters in front of parliament. Protests broke out after the the bill was passed in its first reading on March 7th. You can watch the interview on YouTube here http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_272529_1678448401.mp3 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 17:26:27 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_270987_1677173187.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The West has targeted Russia’s cash cow with two sets of dramatic sanctions. In December an embargo and price cap scheme was imposed on crude oil exports. In February the more widely distributed oil products were hit with the same. But how big an impact will these sanctions have on the sector? Russia managed to export all the oil it previously sent to Europe to India and China instead. How effective are the sanctions? Will Russia be able to repeat the $280bn current account surplus this year now the oil price caps are in place and just how big is the sanctions leakage? Join Ben Aris - editor in chief of bne IntelliNews in a panel discussion with two of the leading experts on Russia’s oil business: Chris Weafer - founder and CEO of Macro Advisory, and a former head of research at half a dozen Moscow-based investment banks; Christoph Ruehl - Senior Research Scholar at the Centre on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, and the former chief economist at BP. Watch it here on YouTube: HERE The West has targeted Russia’s cash cow with two sets of dramatic sanctions. In December an embargo and price cap scheme was imposed on crude oil exports. In February the more widely distributed oil products were hit with the same. But how big an impact will these sanctions have on the sector? Russia managed to export all the oil it previously sent to Europe to India and China instead. How effective are the sanctions? Will Russia be able to repeat the $280bn current account surplus this year now the oil price caps are in place and just how big is the sanctions leakage? Join Ben Aris - editor in chief of bne IntelliNews in a panel discussion with two of the leading experts on Russia’s oil business: Chris Weafer - founder and CEO of Macro Advisory, and a former head of research at half a dozen Moscow-based investment banks; Christoph Ruehl - Senior Research Scholar at the Centre on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, and the former chief economist at BP. Watch it here on YouTube: HERE http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_270987_1677173187.mp3 Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:26:12 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_270274_1676568372.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The war in Ukraine started one year ago and Russia has been hit by some of the most extreme sanctions ever seen on such a large economy. But have they worked? The government’s revenue tumbled in recent months, but in 2022 Russia had the largest current account surplus ever. Now two rounds of oil export sanctions have been imposed but it is clear there is also ready significant leakage via India and China. Join the bne IntelliNews webinar where an extremely distinguished panel of leading experts will chew over the results of the first year of war in Ukraine. - Ben Aris, editor in chief of bne IntelliNews - Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economists at Institute of International Finance (IIF) - Iikka Korhonen, the head of the Bank of Finland Institute for Emerging Economies - Alexander Isakov the chief Russia and CEE Economist for Bloomberg Economics and previously chief economist for Russia and CIS at VTB Capital. - Ivan Tkachev, the economics editor at the Russian daily RBC You can also watch this on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av4vVmFAQPM The war in Ukraine started one year ago and Russia has been hit by some of the most extreme sanctions ever seen on such a large economy. But have they worked? The government’s revenue tumbled in recent months, but in 2022 Russia had the largest current account surplus ever. Now two rounds of oil export sanctions have been imposed but it is clear there is also ready significant leakage via India and China. Join the bne IntelliNews webinar where an extremely distinguished panel of leading experts will chew over the results of the first year of war in Ukraine. - Ben Aris, editor in chief of bne IntelliNews - Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economists at Institute of International Finance (IIF) - Iikka Korhonen, the head of the Bank of Finland Institute for Emerging Economies - Alexander Isakov the chief Russia and CEE Economist for Bloomberg Economics and previously chief economist for Russia and CIS at VTB Capital. - Ivan Tkachev, the economics editor at the Russian daily RBC You can also watch this on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av4vVmFAQPM http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_270274_1676568372.mp3 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 09:00:55 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_267494_1674205255.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Join us for this podcast with Ben Aris, Editor in Chief of bne IntelliNews, as he interviews Owen Matthew about hisnew book on Russia. They discuss their thinking about the War in Ukraine, Putin, his motives and much more. Join us for this podcast with Ben Aris, Editor in Chief of bne IntelliNews, as he interviews Owen Matthew about hisnew book on Russia. They discuss their thinking about the War in Ukraine, Putin, his motives and much more. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_267494_1674205255.mp3 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:38:29 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_267266_1674052709.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Tensions in northern Kosovo escalated dramatically in the second half of 2022, raising fears of a renewed conflict in the region, part of Kosovo but populated mainly by ethnic Serbs. While the situation has eased, a new flashpoint looms with the upcoming local elections in April. We look ahead to the next developments in this longstanding conflict in 2023, and the prospects of finding a lasting solution. Bne IntelliNews’ news editor and Southeast Europe bureau chief, Clare Nuttall, talks to Valentina Dimitrievska, Western Balkans correspondent based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Also available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, look up bneIntellinews Tensions in northern Kosovo escalated dramatically in the second half of 2022, raising fears of a renewed conflict in the region, part of Kosovo but populated mainly by ethnic Serbs. While the situation has eased, a new flashpoint looms with the upcoming local elections in April. We look ahead to the next developments in this longstanding conflict in 2023, and the prospects of finding a lasting solution. Bne IntelliNews’ news editor and Southeast Europe bureau chief, Clare Nuttall, talks to Valentina Dimitrievska, Western Balkans correspondent based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Also available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, look up bneIntellinews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_267266_1674052709.mp3 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:03:30 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_262810_1668765810.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Uzbekistan is will hold its first three “People’s IPOs” before the end of the year where the first stakes in three major enterprises will sold off via the Tashkent Stock Exchange. Small stakes will be sold in some of the most attractive companies in the country: UzAuto is Uzbekistan’s major automotive complex and the maker of the ubiquitous Chevrolet cars that enjoy a 95% market share. UzMetKombint is the country’s largest steel maker that accounts for a third of the metal consumed as well as significant exports to its neighbours. QQB is a top 10 bank and the Uzbekistan’s largest mortgage lender. The IPOs are the first step in a grand plan to get the government out of business and place dozens of leading companies into the hands of private enterprises as part of the transformation begun by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2016. To discuss this and the broader economic revival Uzbekistan is going through this in detail our special guests include: Karen Srapionov, Partner and Director of Avesta Investment Group that is advising on the UzMetKombinat IPO Partner of Avesta Investment Group, joined the team in 2006. Managing leading research department on the local market with dozen of public and client market and company reports and coverage in leading local and international mass-medias. Providing expertise in financial, insurance, construction materials, food processing industries. Independent Board member of local companies, where providing the protection of minority investors rights. Chairing Board member of Society of Investment and Financial Analysts. Local expert for UNDP projects in social-economic and Islamic finance development. Certified Securities Market Professional by CMDA. Bekhruzbek Ochilov, Investment Bank with Freedom Finance that is advising on the UzAuto IPO Ochilov has worked as an economic analyst at the Toshkent Republican Stock Exchange since 2019. He joined Freedom Broker in 2020 as an investment analyst, since 2022 he has been working as an investment banking manager. He took part in the organization of the DCM transaction for the issuance of the first ever FX-indexed bonds in Uzbekistan, as well as in the Uzmetkombinat bonds placement the first bond yield auction in the history of Uzbekistan. He holds an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business, is an International Governance and Compliance Professional (IGCAP) and an Associate Member (ACSI) of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments. Named the best young analyst of 2020 by the Society of Investment and Financial Analysts (SIFA) under the Capital Market Development Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He is also the creator of the index of liquid shares of the Uzbek stock market - EqRe Blue Index Aziz Sodikov - Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz is working at Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and is co-ordinating the IPO of 7 state-owned companies and banks in Uzbekistan. He specialises in IPO's and has a strong background in Finance, Economics and investment banking. Eleanor Kramers, Head of International Communications, Artel Electronics LLC Eleanor is responsible for the development of international PR and partnerships at Artel Electronics LLC, Central Asia’s leading household appliance manufacturer and one of Uzbekistan’s largest companies. Prior to joining Artel, she worked for a leading communication and business transformation company in London, advising clients across the CIS region. Ben Aris, Editor in Chief and founder of bne IntelliNews. Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Uzbekistan is will hold its first three “People’s IPOs” before the end of the year where the first stakes in three major enterprises will sold off via the Tashkent Stock Exchange. Small stakes will be sold in some of the most attractive companies in the country: UzAuto is Uzbekistan’s major automotive complex and the maker of the ubiquitous Chevrolet cars that enjoy a 95% market share. UzMetKombint is the country’s largest steel maker that accounts for a third of the metal consumed as well as significant exports to its neighbours. QQB is a top 10 bank and the Uzbekistan’s largest mortgage lender. The IPOs are the first step in a grand plan to get the government out of business and place dozens of leading companies into the hands of private enterprises as part of the transformation begun by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2016. To discuss this and the broader economic revival Uzbekistan is going through this in detail our special guests include: Karen Srapionov, Partner and Director of Avesta Investment Group that is advising on the UzMetKombinat IPO Partner of Avesta Investment Group, joined the team in 2006. Managing leading research department on the local market with dozen of public and client market and company reports and coverage in leading local and international mass-medias. Providing expertise in financial, insurance, construction materials, food processing industries. Independent Board member of local companies, where providing the protection of minority investors rights. Chairing Board member of Society of Investment and Financial Analysts. Local expert for UNDP projects in social-economic and Islamic finance development. Certified Securities Market Professional by CMDA. Bekhruzbek Ochilov, Investment Bank with Freedom Finance that is advising on the UzAuto IPO Ochilov has worked as an economic analyst at the Toshkent Republican Stock Exchange since 2019. He joined Freedom Broker in 2020 as an investment analyst, since 2022 he has been working as an investment banking manager. He took part in the organization of the DCM transaction for the issuance of the first ever FX-indexed bonds in Uzbekistan, as well as in the Uzmetkombinat bonds placement the first bond yield auction in the history of Uzbekistan. He holds an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business, is an International Governance and Compliance Professional (IGCAP) and an Associate Member (ACSI) of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments. Named the best young analyst of 2020 by the Society of Investment and Financial Analysts (SIFA) under the Capital Market Development Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He is also the creator of the index of liquid shares of the Uzbek stock market - EqRe Blue Index Aziz Sodikov - Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz is working at Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and is co-ordinating the IPO of 7 state-owned companies and banks in Uzbekistan. He specialises in IPO's and has a strong background in Finance, Economics and investment banking. Eleanor Kramers, Head of International Communications, Artel Electronics LLC Eleanor is responsible for the development of international PR and partnerships at Artel Electronics LLC, Central Asia’s leading household appliance manufacturer and one of Uzbekistan’s largest companies. Prior to joining Artel, she worked for a leading communication and business transformation company in London, advising clients across the CIS region. Ben Aris, Editor in Chief and founder of bne IntelliNews. Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_262810_1668765810.mp3 Fri, 14 Oct 2022 08:06:34 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_259404_1665734794.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The energy crisis and soaring inflation is going to tip Europe into recession this year, but how bad will it get? join us as we delve into the possibilities and see how Emerging Europe will survive this next recession. Watch it on YouTube here To listen to this podcast on other platforms: Spotify:here Amazon: here Guests: Liam Peach - Senior Emerging Markets Economist - Capital Economics Liam works with Capital Economics and specializes in macroeconomic research, analysis and forecasts on emerging markets, with focus on Russia, Turkey and CEE. Tomas Dvorak - Senior Economist - Oxford Economics Tomas has worked with Deloitte and KPMG in the past. His focus is macroeconomics and Macro econometric modelling forecasting using high-frequency data, economic policy and computational economics. Additionally, he has experience working with the European Parliament. Ben Aris, Editor-in-Chief, bne IntelliNews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. The energy crisis and soaring inflation is going to tip Europe into recession this year, but how bad will it get? join us as we delve into the possibilities and see how Emerging Europe will survive this next recession. Watch it on YouTube here To listen to this podcast on other platforms: Spotify:here Amazon: here Guests: Liam Peach - Senior Emerging Markets Economist - Capital Economics Liam works with Capital Economics and specializes in macroeconomic research, analysis and forecasts on emerging markets, with focus on Russia, Turkey and CEE. Tomas Dvorak - Senior Economist - Oxford Economics Tomas has worked with Deloitte and KPMG in the past. His focus is macroeconomics and Macro econometric modelling forecasting using high-frequency data, economic policy and computational economics. Additionally, he has experience working with the European Parliament. Ben Aris, Editor-in-Chief, bne IntelliNews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_259404_1665734794.mp3 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:36:36 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_257962_1664451396.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The energy crisis has already cost Europe at least half a trillion euros as governments across the Continent rush out support and relief for businesses and citizens as the temperatures start to fall. Can Europe afford it and what are the long term consequences. Nicolas Véron - Senior Fellow at Bruegel Nicolas Véron is a senior fellow at Bruegel and at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC. His research is mostly about financial systems and financial reform around the world, including global financial regulatory initiatives and current developments in the European Union In September 2012, Bloomberg Markets included Véron in its second annual 50 Most Influential list with reference to his early advocacy of European banking union. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. The energy crisis has already cost Europe at least half a trillion euros as governments across the Continent rush out support and relief for businesses and citizens as the temperatures start to fall. Can Europe afford it and what are the long term consequences. Nicolas Véron - Senior Fellow at Bruegel Nicolas Véron is a senior fellow at Bruegel and at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC. His research is mostly about financial systems and financial reform around the world, including global financial regulatory initiatives and current developments in the European Union In September 2012, Bloomberg Markets included Véron in its second annual 50 Most Influential list with reference to his early advocacy of European banking union. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_257962_1664451396.mp3 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:47:07 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_253670_1660664827.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Join Ben Aris as he discusses the uncharted territories we are entering regarding Russian sanction and the effect they are going to have across Europe and the rest of the world. They touch on Russian mercantilism, The Ukraine war, Russia's technological future, and the economic impact in the long term. YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZja_6s7f80 Guest: Thane Gustafson - professor of political science at Georgetown University You can view his Substack here:https://thanegustafson.substack.com/ Join Ben Aris as he discusses the uncharted territories we are entering regarding Russian sanction and the effect they are going to have across Europe and the rest of the world. They touch on Russian mercantilism, The Ukraine war, Russia's technological future, and the economic impact in the long term. YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZja_6s7f80 Guest: Thane Gustafson - professor of political science at Georgetown University You can view his Substack here:https://thanegustafson.substack.com/ http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_253670_1660664827.mp3 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:29:45 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_249782_1657181741.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The uncertainty by the war in Ukraine has driven up energy prices and allowed Russia to bring in record revenue from its Exports of Oil and Gas. Despite large discounts compared to Western benchmarks, export income has allowed the Ruble to appreciate and may help Moscow mitigate against some of the medium- to long-term effects of Western sanctions. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxp3_mgwsMQYT Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Christof Rühl - Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York Christof Rühl is an internationally renowned economist, specializing in macroeconomics and energy economics. He has a succinct track record in business, economic policy adviceand academia, and is published and quoted widely in his fields. His most recent commercial expertise is in energy, specifically oil and gas, and in asset allocation, focussed on global macro and geopolitical trends. He combines more than 20 years of experience in senior positions in world class companies. Chris Weafer , CEO of Macro Advisory Christopher Weafer has worked in the Russia-Eurasia region for over twenty years and has been regularly voted the best business and investment strategist in polls conducted by Thomson Reuters Extol and Institutional Investor magazine The uncertainty by the war in Ukraine has driven up energy prices and allowed Russia to bring in record revenue from its Exports of Oil and Gas. Despite large discounts compared to Western benchmarks, export income has allowed the Ruble to appreciate and may help Moscow mitigate against some of the medium- to long-term effects of Western sanctions. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxp3_mgwsMQYT Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Christof Rühl - Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York Christof Rühl is an internationally renowned economist, specializing in macroeconomics and energy economics. He has a succinct track record in business, economic policy adviceand academia, and is published and quoted widely in his fields. His most recent commercial expertise is in energy, specifically oil and gas, and in asset allocation, focussed on global macro and geopolitical trends. He combines more than 20 years of experience in senior positions in world class companies. Chris Weafer , CEO of Macro Advisory Christopher Weafer has worked in the Russia-Eurasia region for over twenty years and has been regularly voted the best business and investment strategist in polls conducted by Thomson Reuters Extol and Institutional Investor magazine http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_249782_1657181741.mp3 Wed, 25 May 2022 16:18:29 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_245494_1653495509.mp3 bne IntelliNews no On May 25 a US sanctions exemption expires that could make it impossible for Russia to pay its debt obligations in foreign exchange. If that happens then Russia could be forced to default on its foreign debt for the first time since the Bolshevik Revolution. What would that mean for Russia’s future? Can the Kremlin avoid default if the exemption expires? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chiefBen Aristalks toMaximilian Hess Maximillian Hess - Analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and an expert on Russian bonds Maximilian Hess is a Central Asia Fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Max is the former head of political risk at Hawthorn Advisors and former head of research and intelligence at AKE International. He is a graduate of Franklin Marshall College and SOAS, University of London. His research focuses on the relationship between trade, debt, international relations and foreign policy, as well the overlap between political and economic networks. Watch it on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwloigdS404 On May 25 a US sanctions exemption expires that could make it impossible for Russia to pay its debt obligations in foreign exchange. If that happens then Russia could be forced to default on its foreign debt for the first time since the Bolshevik Revolution. What would that mean for Russia’s future? Can the Kremlin avoid default if the exemption expires? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chiefBen Aristalks toMaximilian Hess Maximillian Hess - Analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and an expert on Russian bonds Maximilian Hess is a Central Asia Fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Max is the former head of political risk at Hawthorn Advisors and former head of research and intelligence at AKE International. He is a graduate of Franklin Marshall College and SOAS, University of London. His research focuses on the relationship between trade, debt, international relations and foreign policy, as well the overlap between political and economic networks. Watch it on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwloigdS404 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_245494_1653495509.mp3 Wed, 11 May 2022 12:50:03 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_244022_1652273403.mp3 bne IntelliNews no A global pandemic. Food and commodity price shocks. And now a war in Ukraine. Governments around the world have a lot to cope with as they are hit with one problem after another. And Russia is in focus after it invaded Ukraine on February 24. The most extreme sanctions ever have been unrolled to cut the Kremlin off from the funds it is using to finance its war machine, while Ukraine is battling to keep its head above water. bne IntelliNews'editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Sergei Guriev, a former top economics advisor to the Kremlin from Moscow's New Economic School, but now living in self-imposed exile as a professor in Paris after his liberty was threatened by Russia's Investigation Committee. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics at France’s Institut d'Études Politiques (Sciences Po) and former EBRD chief economist. Sign up to bne IntelliNews’ podcast for free, delivered to your inbox. A global pandemic. Food and commodity price shocks. And now a war in Ukraine. Governments around the world have a lot to cope with as they are hit with one problem after another. And Russia is in focus after it invaded Ukraine on February 24. The most extreme sanctions ever have been unrolled to cut the Kremlin off from the funds it is using to finance its war machine, while Ukraine is battling to keep its head above water. bne IntelliNews'editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Sergei Guriev, a former top economics advisor to the Kremlin from Moscow's New Economic School, but now living in self-imposed exile as a professor in Paris after his liberty was threatened by Russia's Investigation Committee. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics at France’s Institut d'Études Politiques (Sciences Po) and former EBRD chief economist. Sign up to bne IntelliNews’ podcast for free, delivered to your inbox. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_244022_1652273403.mp3 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 17:19:41 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_239979_1648747181.mp3 bne IntelliNews no bneWebinar: Russia’s new virtual economy Is Russia’s economy going to be cut off from the rest of the world and what would that look like? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris discussed the question with renowned economist and Russia scholar Barry Ickes, who is best known for coining “Russia’s virtual economy” to describe the 1990s economic barter system. Prof Barry Ickes - head of the economics department at the Pennsylvania State University. He is also a non-resident senior fellow with the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings Institute and the financial director at The New Economic School in Moscow. He previously served as a chair on the board of directors of the National Council for Eurasian and East European Research. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaAozBp3Zz4- Dont forget to like and Subscribe follow us on twitter @bneintellinewsand our Editor in Chief - Ben Aris @bneeditor bneWebinar: Russia’s new virtual economy Is Russia’s economy going to be cut off from the rest of the world and what would that look like? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris discussed the question with renowned economist and Russia scholar Barry Ickes, who is best known for coining “Russia’s virtual economy” to describe the 1990s economic barter system. Prof Barry Ickes - head of the economics department at the Pennsylvania State University. He is also a non-resident senior fellow with the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings Institute and the financial director at The New Economic School in Moscow. He previously served as a chair on the board of directors of the National Council for Eurasian and East European Research. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaAozBp3Zz4- Dont forget to like and Subscribe follow us on twitter @bneintellinewsand our Editor in Chief - Ben Aris @bneeditor http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_239979_1648747181.mp3 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:14:29 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_239689_1648574069.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Join Dominic Culverwell andVolodymyr Korniienko as they discuss the views from the ground in Kyiv and the economic impacts in Ukraine and the future of this conflict. Dominic Culverwell -Social media correspondent - bne IntelliNews multimedia journalist, disinformation researcher, and award-winning artist. Currentlya correspondent for bne IntelliNews. he covers conflict, politics, and social movements. he hasreported on stories across Europe and provided articles, photos, and videos for a variety of media organisations including Thomson Reuters, Associated Press Television, Microsoft Online, Yahoo News, and more. Volodymyr Korniienko -Chief Executive Officer atSponsoreds Volodymyr is a CEO of a business based in Kyiv and he and his company are providing support to hospital and wounded soldiers in the during the conflict via his organization "Brothers of Metal" originally a organization about Rock music in Ukraine but now doing their part for Ukraine. Join Dominic Culverwell andVolodymyr Korniienko as they discuss the views from the ground in Kyiv and the economic impacts in Ukraine and the future of this conflict. Dominic Culverwell -Social media correspondent - bne IntelliNews multimedia journalist, disinformation researcher, and award-winning artist. Currentlya correspondent for bne IntelliNews. he covers conflict, politics, and social movements. he hasreported on stories across Europe and provided articles, photos, and videos for a variety of media organisations including Thomson Reuters, Associated Press Television, Microsoft Online, Yahoo News, and more. Volodymyr Korniienko -Chief Executive Officer atSponsoreds Volodymyr is a CEO of a business based in Kyiv and he and his company are providing support to hospital and wounded soldiers in the during the conflict via his organization "Brothers of Metal" originally a organization about Rock music in Ukraine but now doing their part for Ukraine. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_239689_1648574069.mp3 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 17:42:56 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_237679_1646934176.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Tune in this week as we have the experts discuss the repercussions and reverberations that are going to shock the energy market in the coming future, along with how the world will be impacted as we move away from Russia resources. You can view the live stream here Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Christof Rühl - Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York Christof Rühl is an internationally renowned economist, specializing in macroeconomics and energy economics. He has a succinct track record in business, economic policy advice and academia, and is published and quoted widely in his fields. His most recent commercial expertise is in energy, specifically oil and gas, and in asset allocation, focussed on global macro and geopolitical trends. He combines more than 20 years of experience in senior positions in world class companies. Tune in this week as we have the experts discuss the repercussions and reverberations that are going to shock the energy market in the coming future, along with how the world will be impacted as we move away from Russia resources. You can view the live stream here Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Christof Rühl - Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York Christof Rühl is an internationally renowned economist, specializing in macroeconomics and energy economics. He has a succinct track record in business, economic policy advice and academia, and is published and quoted widely in his fields. His most recent commercial expertise is in energy, specifically oil and gas, and in asset allocation, focussed on global macro and geopolitical trends. He combines more than 20 years of experience in senior positions in world class companies. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_237679_1646934176.mp3 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 16:50:58 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_236575_1646153458.mp3 bne IntelliNews no listen in to the incredibly daunting rundown of the impacts of the sanctions that have been applied to the Russian economy and russian peopleso far. This week we are joined by Elina Ribakova,Ben Aris and a special guest appearance fromIvan Tkachev from RBC Watch its here on YouTube: Link Follow us on Twitter and YouTube Elina Ribakova - Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute of International Finance Elina is an economist and expert on Emerging Markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Her field of expertise includes the Russian economy, US-Russia relations, macro-financial stability and macroeconomic research. Ben Aris is Editor-in-Chief at bne IntelliNews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. listen in to the incredibly daunting rundown of the impacts of the sanctions that have been applied to the Russian economy and russian peopleso far. This week we are joined by Elina Ribakova,Ben Aris and a special guest appearance fromIvan Tkachev from RBC Watch its here on YouTube: Link Follow us on Twitter and YouTube Elina Ribakova - Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute of International Finance Elina is an economist and expert on Emerging Markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Her field of expertise includes the Russian economy, US-Russia relations, macro-financial stability and macroeconomic research. Ben Aris is Editor-in-Chief at bne IntelliNews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_236575_1646153458.mp3 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:54:15 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_236232_1645811655.mp3 bne IntelliNews no This week we are joined by Ben Aris - Editor in Chief and Chris Weafer ofMacro-Advisory, as they discuss the business impacts of recent events. you can view the full discussion on YouTube now: Link to YouTube- like and follow our channel Follow us on Twitter @bneintellinews and @bneeditor Chris Weafer , CEO of Macro Advisory Christopher Weafer has worked in the Russia-Eurasia region for over twenty years and has been regularly voted the best business and investment strategist in polls conducted by Thomson Reuters Extol and Institutional Investor magazine. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. This week we are joined by Ben Aris - Editor in Chief and Chris Weafer ofMacro-Advisory, as they discuss the business impacts of recent events. you can view the full discussion on YouTube now: Link to YouTube- like and follow our channel Follow us on Twitter @bneintellinews and @bneeditor Chris Weafer , CEO of Macro Advisory Christopher Weafer has worked in the Russia-Eurasia region for over twenty years and has been regularly voted the best business and investment strategist in polls conducted by Thomson Reuters Extol and Institutional Investor magazine. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_236232_1645811655.mp3 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 12:09:47 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_235195_1645013387.mp3 bne IntelliNews no This Roundtable talk will focus on questions about whether the Raisi administration is able to meet international requirements for the cessation of sanctions and return to full compliance in exchange for sanctions relief. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Daniel Rád - Director at Future Economic Rural Network (FERN) South Caucasus and Iran at Intellinews. Formerly editor of @fintribune. Bijan Khajehpour - Managing Partner at Eurasian Nexus Partners Bijan is a veteran strategy advisor for the West Asian markets and has over 25 years of strategic consulting experience with global companies. He has a strategic outlook in his consulting work and provides a macro environmental view to investing in new markets, understanding PESTLE structures, and social and investment challenges. He has also been involved in mediation and negotiations of international business and investment partnerships. Roozbeh Aliabadi - Global Growth Advisors Roozbeh Aliabadi is an advisor and commentator on geopolitical risk and geo-economics, particularly the Middle East and Asia. He is a partner in the global advisory practice at GGA, a boutique international consultancy practice based in New York City since 2009. Mr. Aliabadi has served as a senior advisor in the Department of Strategic Initiatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, advising on Eurasian economic connectivity Rauf Mammadov - Non-resident fellow at Jamestown Foundation Currently, non-resident scholar at Middle East Institute and and senior advisor at Gulf State AnalyticsFormerly, energy industry expert who has spent over a decade working for the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), initially in Azerbaijan and then as the first United States-based employee of the more than 65,000-employee company FInd the Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WEgRUIVGmm8 This Roundtable talk will focus on questions about whether the Raisi administration is able to meet international requirements for the cessation of sanctions and return to full compliance in exchange for sanctions relief. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, Bne Intellinews Ben is an Eastern Europe specialist. He previously worked with the Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Euromoney before starting bne IntelliNews and covering EE and CEE. Daniel Rád - Director at Future Economic Rural Network (FERN) South Caucasus and Iran at Intellinews. Formerly editor of @fintribune. Bijan Khajehpour - Managing Partner at Eurasian Nexus Partners Bijan is a veteran strategy advisor for the West Asian markets and has over 25 years of strategic consulting experience with global companies. He has a strategic outlook in his consulting work and provides a macro environmental view to investing in new markets, understanding PESTLE structures, and social and investment challenges. He has also been involved in mediation and negotiations of international business and investment partnerships. Roozbeh Aliabadi - Global Growth Advisors Roozbeh Aliabadi is an advisor and commentator on geopolitical risk and geo-economics, particularly the Middle East and Asia. He is a partner in the global advisory practice at GGA, a boutique international consultancy practice based in New York City since 2009. Mr. Aliabadi has served as a senior advisor in the Department of Strategic Initiatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, advising on Eurasian economic connectivity Rauf Mammadov - Non-resident fellow at Jamestown Foundation Currently, non-resident scholar at Middle East Institute and and senior advisor at Gulf State AnalyticsFormerly, energy industry expert who has spent over a decade working for the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), initially in Azerbaijan and then as the first United States-based employee of the more than 65,000-employee company FInd the Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WEgRUIVGmm8 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_235195_1645013387.mp3 Fri, 11 Feb 2022 15:58:39 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_234769_1644595119.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Talk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine has reached a fever pitch, but how do people in Kyiv feel? And how is big business coping with the uncertainties? bne IntelliNews editor in chief Ben Aris talks to Jock Mendoza-Wilson, the head of communications for Systems Capital Management, the holding company of Ukraine's richest man RInat Akhmetov, about the situation and the business climate. you can also watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipSCZBFz_eI please like and subscribe to our channel and follow us on Twitter@bneintellinews Talk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine has reached a fever pitch, but how do people in Kyiv feel? And how is big business coping with the uncertainties? bne IntelliNews editor in chief Ben Aris talks to Jock Mendoza-Wilson, the head of communications for Systems Capital Management, the holding company of Ukraine's richest man RInat Akhmetov, about the situation and the business climate. you can also watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipSCZBFz_eI please like and subscribe to our channel and follow us on Twitter@bneintellinews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_234769_1644595119.mp3 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:57:58 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_234336_1644317878.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Talking Russia, Ukraine and the West - what on earth is going on and what might happen next - with the excellent Mark Galleoti and also Ben Aris our bne IntelliNews Editor in Chief. . Link to the discussion below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaY-qCgXzAc Talking Russia, Ukraine and the West - what on earth is going on and what might happen next - with the excellent Mark Galleoti and also Ben Aris our bne IntelliNews Editor in Chief. . Link to the discussion below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaY-qCgXzAc http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_234336_1644317878.mp3 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:44:01 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_233470_1643629441.mp3 bne IntelliNews no In this podcast we are joined by Elina Ribakova from IIF, as we discuss what how bad the sanctions onRussia get? during this discussion we touch on a number of topics including: - nordstrom 2 - German Gas imports - Swift - and more! tune in to hear what the experts are saying about these sanctions. In this podcast we are joined by Elina Ribakova from IIF, as we discuss what how bad the sanctions onRussia get? during this discussion we touch on a number of topics including: - nordstrom 2 - German Gas imports - Swift - and more! tune in to hear what the experts are saying about these sanctions. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_233470_1643629441.mp3 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:00:43 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_231855_1642172443.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Yesterday(14/01/2022) Editor in Chief, Ben Aris wason Zoom/YouTube for a discussion with Charles Robertson, the head of research at Renaissance Capital, a Russia veteran, to talk about the ongoing talks in Geneva on a new East/West security deal. The talks started on the 10/01/2022 but all that happened was the two sides were feeling each other out. Happily it seems they have agreed to talk as there is some common ground, but Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made it very clear that Russia will insist on a legal guarantee there will be no more NATO expansion eastwards. US Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman made it equally clear that the West will not agree to this. What are the chances for a deal? What will happen if there is no deal? Ben Aris - Editor-in-Chief Amongst the longest serving foreign correspondents in Eastern Europe, Ben Aris has been covering Russia since 1993, with stints in the Baltics and Central Asia. He co-founded bne and is a former Moscow bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph and was a contributing editor at The Banker and Euromoney for a decade amongst writing for many other publications. Charlie Robertson - Head Of Research at Renaissance Capital Experienced Chief Economist in the investment banking industry. Focused on emerging, Frontier and Africa. Charlie is known as one of the leading experts in Emerging Europe and frontier Africa. Charlie has a long history of studying Russia and many consider him a Russia veteran. You may also know him as a TED talk global speaker.REgi Yesterday(14/01/2022) Editor in Chief, Ben Aris wason Zoom/YouTube for a discussion with Charles Robertson, the head of research at Renaissance Capital, a Russia veteran, to talk about the ongoing talks in Geneva on a new East/West security deal. The talks started on the 10/01/2022 but all that happened was the two sides were feeling each other out. Happily it seems they have agreed to talk as there is some common ground, but Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made it very clear that Russia will insist on a legal guarantee there will be no more NATO expansion eastwards. US Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman made it equally clear that the West will not agree to this. What are the chances for a deal? What will happen if there is no deal? Ben Aris - Editor-in-Chief Amongst the longest serving foreign correspondents in Eastern Europe, Ben Aris has been covering Russia since 1993, with stints in the Baltics and Central Asia. He co-founded bne and is a former Moscow bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph and was a contributing editor at The Banker and Euromoney for a decade amongst writing for many other publications. Charlie Robertson - Head Of Research at Renaissance Capital Experienced Chief Economist in the investment banking industry. Focused on emerging, Frontier and Africa. Charlie is known as one of the leading experts in Emerging Europe and frontier Africa. Charlie has a long history of studying Russia and many consider him a Russia veteran. You may also know him as a TED talk global speaker.REgi http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_231855_1642172443.mp3 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:30:20 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_226227_1636374620.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Amid the global stock market rally as the world recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) has performed particularly strongly. Not only have its main indices beaten major European and US exchanges this year,it has also seen a flood of new bond and equity listings. bne IntelliNews news editor Clare Nuttall talks to BVB president Radu Hanga. Amid the global stock market rally as the world recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) has performed particularly strongly. Not only have its main indices beaten major European and US exchanges this year,it has also seen a flood of new bond and equity listings. bne IntelliNews news editor Clare Nuttall talks to BVB president Radu Hanga. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_226227_1636374620.mp3 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:07:54 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_225772_1635952074.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The jury is still out on whether the UN's COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow is a success. It will all come down to the contribution of delegates, who are now taking over from nationalleaders in discussions to form a global framework for combatting climate change. China and Russia have drawn significant criticism from Western leaders, including Joe Biden, for not sending their heads of state to the conference. Much still hangs in the balance, though, and eachy country's negotiators have been given extensive responsibilities by leaders in the hope of ending the conference with a consensus. bne IntelliNewshosts ice hockey legend Vyacheslav Fetisov, now a Russian environment ambassador and delegate to COP 26. Together with Tom Blackwell of emerging markets PR agency EM, they discuss the ecological challenges facing the world andthe chances of reaching a deal at Glasgow. Vyacheslav Fetisov Is best known as one of the greatest defensemen in the history of ice hockey. He has two Olympic gold medals and seven world championships, as well as winning acclaim in the USA with the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils. He has also had a career in politics, and has been elected to the Russian State Duma, as well as serving as the Minister of Sport from 2002-2008. Now, he is a committed environmentalist, advocating for the protection of the Arctic and the Southern Ocean. In 2018, he was appointed UN Environment Patron for Polar Regions, and he is now a Russian delegate to COP 26. Tom Blackwell The interview will be conducted by Tom Blackwell, the Chairman and co-founder of emerging markets PR agency EM. Watch the interview here. The jury is still out on whether the UN's COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow is a success. It will all come down to the contribution of delegates, who are now taking over from nationalleaders in discussions to form a global framework for combatting climate change. China and Russia have drawn significant criticism from Western leaders, including Joe Biden, for not sending their heads of state to the conference. Much still hangs in the balance, though, and eachy country's negotiators have been given extensive responsibilities by leaders in the hope of ending the conference with a consensus. bne IntelliNewshosts ice hockey legend Vyacheslav Fetisov, now a Russian environment ambassador and delegate to COP 26. Together with Tom Blackwell of emerging markets PR agency EM, they discuss the ecological challenges facing the world andthe chances of reaching a deal at Glasgow. Vyacheslav Fetisov Is best known as one of the greatest defensemen in the history of ice hockey. He has two Olympic gold medals and seven world championships, as well as winning acclaim in the USA with the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils. He has also had a career in politics, and has been elected to the Russian State Duma, as well as serving as the Minister of Sport from 2002-2008. Now, he is a committed environmentalist, advocating for the protection of the Arctic and the Southern Ocean. In 2018, he was appointed UN Environment Patron for Polar Regions, and he is now a Russian delegate to COP 26. Tom Blackwell The interview will be conducted by Tom Blackwell, the Chairman and co-founder of emerging markets PR agency EM. Watch the interview here. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_225772_1635952074.mp3 Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:54:39 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_225239_1635758394.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Retail in Russia is booming, but it's also undergoing seismic shifts. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed customers online, leading retailers to invest in technology and logistics in response to unprecedented demand. How can industry leaders keep pace with changing consumer preferences, and what does the future of Russian retail look like? bne IntelliNews Moscow correspondent Theo Normanton talks to Sergei Goncharov, CEO of Russia's largest grocery retail chain Pyaterochka, about the company's digital transformation, the revamping of its physical stores, and the pandemic as a new "business as usual". This podcast was organised in cooperation with EM, the biggest PR agency in Eastern Europe. Retail in Russia is booming, but it's also undergoing seismic shifts. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed customers online, leading retailers to invest in technology and logistics in response to unprecedented demand. How can industry leaders keep pace with changing consumer preferences, and what does the future of Russian retail look like? bne IntelliNews Moscow correspondent Theo Normanton talks to Sergei Goncharov, CEO of Russia's largest grocery retail chain Pyaterochka, about the company's digital transformation, the revamping of its physical stores, and the pandemic as a new "business as usual". This podcast was organised in cooperation with EM, the biggest PR agency in Eastern Europe. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_225239_1635758394.mp3 Wed, 06 Oct 2021 19:33:50 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_222916_1633548830.m4a bne IntelliNews no Natural gas prices are at historical highs and breaking records on a nearly daily basis. Are sky-high prices here to stay? What is driving the surge? bne IntelliNews hosts three veterans of the Russian market to discuss the issues that between them have more than 100 years of experience. Christof Ruehl Currently at the Centre on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and Senior Fellow, M-RCBG, Harvard Kennedy School. Previously, Christof was Chief Economist at BP from 2005 to 2014 and Global Head of Research at ADIA between 2014 and 2018. Andrei Gaidamaka Has been in senior management positions in oil gas and investment banking sectors for almost 30 years as Vice-president at Lukoil, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, United Bank of Switzerland, Regent European Securities, PriceWaterhouse, World Bank. He has actively cooperated with international energy agencies such as IHS CERA, OPEC, IEA and others. Investment teams lead by Andrei managed more than $50bn of investment projects at Luakoil, Rosneft, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, KazMunaiGas, Uzbekneftegaz, GAZ (Gorkovsky Automotive Plant), ALROSA, Gazprom, etc. Christof and Andrei are two of the world's leading energy experts, and have been working in the sector for most of the last three decades. Roland Nash The panel will be co-moderated by Roland, who is a Partner and Chief Investment Strategist of VP Capital. Roland has 25 years’ experience in the Russian and FSU markets. Roland helped build Renaissance Capital, one of Russia’s leading investment banks. Between 2003-2010 he was a Chief Equity Strategist there, from 2006 till 2010 sat on the Executive Committee at Renaissance Capital, and from 2008 to 2010, he was also Co-Head of the Equity Product Group. Roland was voted the number one strategist for Russia in every All-Russia Institutional Investor survey. Ben Aris The other co-moderator, Ben is the founder and editor-in-chief of business new europe (bne), the leading English-language publication covering business, economics, finance and politics of the 30 countries of the former Soviet Union, Central and Southeastern Europe and Eurasia. Ben has been covering Russia since 1993 and is a former Daily telegraph Moscow bureau chief for the end of the Yeltsin era and start of the Putin era. He set up in 2006, which is now the only independent publication in English covering the region and market leader. Natural gas prices are at historical highs and breaking records on a nearly daily basis. Are sky-high prices here to stay? What is driving the surge? bne IntelliNews hosts three veterans of the Russian market to discuss the issues that between them have more than 100 years of experience. Christof Ruehl Currently at the Centre on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and Senior Fellow, M-RCBG, Harvard Kennedy School. Previously, Christof was Chief Economist at BP from 2005 to 2014 and Global Head of Research at ADIA between 2014 and 2018. Andrei Gaidamaka Has been in senior management positions in oil gas and investment banking sectors for almost 30 years as Vice-president at Lukoil, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, United Bank of Switzerland, Regent European Securities, PriceWaterhouse, World Bank. He has actively cooperated with international energy agencies such as IHS CERA, OPEC, IEA and others. Investment teams lead by Andrei managed more than $50bn of investment projects at Luakoil, Rosneft, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, KazMunaiGas, Uzbekneftegaz, GAZ (Gorkovsky Automotive Plant), ALROSA, Gazprom, etc. Christof and Andrei are two of the world's leading energy experts, and have been working in the sector for most of the last three decades. Roland Nash The panel will be co-moderated by Roland, who is a Partner and Chief Investment Strategist of VP Capital. Roland has 25 years’ experience in the Russian and FSU markets. Roland helped build Renaissance Capital, one of Russia’s leading investment banks. Between 2003-2010 he was a Chief Equity Strategist there, from 2006 till 2010 sat on the Executive Committee at Renaissance Capital, and from 2008 to 2010, he was also Co-Head of the Equity Product Group. Roland was voted the number one strategist for Russia in every All-Russia Institutional Investor survey. Ben Aris The other co-moderator, Ben is the founder and editor-in-chief of business new europe (bne), the leading English-language publication covering business, economics, finance and politics of the 30 countries of the former Soviet Union, Central and Southeastern Europe and Eurasia. Ben has been covering Russia since 1993 and is a former Daily telegraph Moscow bureau chief for the end of the Yeltsin era and start of the Putin era. He set up in 2006, which is now the only independent publication in English covering the region and market leader. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_222916_1633548830.m4a Tue, 25 May 2021 19:33:29 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_211442_1621971209.mp3 bne IntelliNews no On May 23 Belarus scrambled a MiG-29 fighter to force down a Ryanair passenger plane flying over its territory and arrested a passenger, the former editor and co-founder of the opposition Nexta Telegram channel. He is now being held in the KGB detention centre in central Minsk but has not yet been formally charged. His girlfriend Sofia Sapega was also arrested and is in the same jail. Both of them have released videos, obviously made by their captors, where they seemingly confessed to their crimes. The incident has caused outrage in the rest of Europe, which has closed Belarusian airspace to EU flights and western governments have called for the couple's immediate release. Even Hamas, which Minsk claimed was sending a bomb to Minsk, has condemned the actions of the Belarusian government. bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks with Tadeusz Giczan, who replaced Protasevich as editor-in-chief of Belarus opposition Telegram channel Nexta about what we know so far and how the opposition intends to continue its struggle against the incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Tadeusz Giczan, editor-in-chief of Nexta On May 23 Belarus scrambled a MiG-29 fighter to force down a Ryanair passenger plane flying over its territory and arrested a passenger, the former editor and co-founder of the opposition Nexta Telegram channel. He is now being held in the KGB detention centre in central Minsk but has not yet been formally charged. His girlfriend Sofia Sapega was also arrested and is in the same jail. Both of them have released videos, obviously made by their captors, where they seemingly confessed to their crimes. The incident has caused outrage in the rest of Europe, which has closed Belarusian airspace to EU flights and western governments have called for the couple's immediate release. Even Hamas, which Minsk claimed was sending a bomb to Minsk, has condemned the actions of the Belarusian government. bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks with Tadeusz Giczan, who replaced Protasevich as editor-in-chief of Belarus opposition Telegram channel Nexta about what we know so far and how the opposition intends to continue its struggle against the incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Tadeusz Giczan, editor-in-chief of Nexta http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_211442_1621971209.mp3 Tue, 02 Mar 2021 20:29:54 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_204376_1614716994.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The world was hit by a global pandemic and an oil shock in 2020 but as 2021 gets underway the economies in Emerging Europe are bouncing back surprisingly quickly. What is driving the recovery? What problems remain? How will Ukraine cope with the suspension of its IMF programme? Just how exposed it Russia to US sanctions? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks with Evghenia Sleptsova, senior economist for Russia and the CIS at Oxford Economics and Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance about these problems and more. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Evghenia Sleptsova, senior economist for Russia and the CIS at Oxford Economics Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance The world was hit by a global pandemic and an oil shock in 2020 but as 2021 gets underway the economies in Emerging Europe are bouncing back surprisingly quickly. What is driving the recovery? What problems remain? How will Ukraine cope with the suspension of its IMF programme? Just how exposed it Russia to US sanctions? bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks with Evghenia Sleptsova, senior economist for Russia and the CIS at Oxford Economics and Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance about these problems and more. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Evghenia Sleptsova, senior economist for Russia and the CIS at Oxford Economics Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_204376_1614716994.mp3 Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:14:52 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_197469_1606335292.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine has been on a rollercoaster ride this year. After the wild optimism following the election of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the hectic reform legislative drive of the first six months of his administration, the whole programme seems to have been derail and the IMF programme has de facto been suspended thanks to back racking. With money in the bank and solid macro fundamentals, for now, Ukraine will get to the end of this year ok, but with a heavy debt repayment schedule in the second half of 2021 there is no way the country can cope without kissing and making up with the IMF. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chieftalked to two of the leading experts about the details of Ukraine's economic health and the prospects for getting through another year ahead. This is the podcast version of a webinar that can be found on YouTube here. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist of the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Evghenia Sleptsova, senior economist for Russia CIS at Oxford Economics Ukraine has been on a rollercoaster ride this year. After the wild optimism following the election of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the hectic reform legislative drive of the first six months of his administration, the whole programme seems to have been derail and the IMF programme has de facto been suspended thanks to back racking. With money in the bank and solid macro fundamentals, for now, Ukraine will get to the end of this year ok, but with a heavy debt repayment schedule in the second half of 2021 there is no way the country can cope without kissing and making up with the IMF. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chieftalked to two of the leading experts about the details of Ukraine's economic health and the prospects for getting through another year ahead. This is the podcast version of a webinar that can be found on YouTube here. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist of the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Evghenia Sleptsova, senior economist for Russia CIS at Oxford Economics http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_197469_1606335292.mp3 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 13:10:20 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_196996_1605871070.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The Uzbek Ministry of Energy hosted an international webinar on current and future developments in the country’s energy sector in cooperation with bne IntelliNews that was hosted by Ben Aris, the editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews. Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched a five-year reform plan in 2019 and it is well underway. The state-owned power company Uzbekenergo has already been unbundled into its respective generation, distribution and transmission parts in a prelude to privatisation. A draft market-based legal framework has also been drafted and will be introduced soon that will underpin the effort to attract investment. The state-owned oil company Uzbekneftegaz has also been restructured and shorn of all its supervision functions as part of an effort to turn it into a classic exploration and production company. Finally a major push has started to attract foreign investment into renewables and several projects have already begun. The government is committed to building up renewables to make them a larger part of the energy mix. Bottom line is energy reforms are one of the most active and most advanced parts of the new government’s effort to modernise the economy. This podcast is an abridged audio version of the longer webinar which you can see on YouTube here. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Bekhzot Narmatov, Deputy MinisterofEnergy, Uzbekistan Bakhrom Umarbekov, Deputy Director,Reforms ImplementationOffice, Uzbekistan The Uzbek Ministry of Energy hosted an international webinar on current and future developments in the country’s energy sector in cooperation with bne IntelliNews that was hosted by Ben Aris, the editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews. Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched a five-year reform plan in 2019 and it is well underway. The state-owned power company Uzbekenergo has already been unbundled into its respective generation, distribution and transmission parts in a prelude to privatisation. A draft market-based legal framework has also been drafted and will be introduced soon that will underpin the effort to attract investment. The state-owned oil company Uzbekneftegaz has also been restructured and shorn of all its supervision functions as part of an effort to turn it into a classic exploration and production company. Finally a major push has started to attract foreign investment into renewables and several projects have already begun. The government is committed to building up renewables to make them a larger part of the energy mix. Bottom line is energy reforms are one of the most active and most advanced parts of the new government’s effort to modernise the economy. This podcast is an abridged audio version of the longer webinar which you can see on YouTube here. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Bekhzot Narmatov, Deputy MinisterofEnergy, Uzbekistan Bakhrom Umarbekov, Deputy Director,Reforms ImplementationOffice, Uzbekistan http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_196996_1605871070.mp3 Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:45:01 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_190018_1597841101.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The political crisis in Belarus has reached a new stage. The protestors have taken control of the streets, withstood a brutal crackdown by the police, and the biggest companies are on strike. but Lukashenko remains in office. Now things are getting political. The opposition’s Coordinating Council just met for the first time. The EU is holding emergency meetings to thrash out a policy. And a top FSB officer was in Minsk last night for a three hour meeting with the president. A lot is up in the air. Will Russia invade? Just how close to Russia is the opposition? What can the EU do to help? How can Lukashenko be unseated? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks Tadeusz Giczan, a Belarusian PhD candidate at University College London School of Slavonic East European Studies and a leading source of information on twitter about what it all means. Follow Tadeusz on Twitter here: @TadeuszGiczan Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Tadeusz Giczan, a Belarusian PhD candidate at University College London School of Slavonic East European Studies The political crisis in Belarus has reached a new stage. The protestors have taken control of the streets, withstood a brutal crackdown by the police, and the biggest companies are on strike. but Lukashenko remains in office. Now things are getting political. The opposition’s Coordinating Council just met for the first time. The EU is holding emergency meetings to thrash out a policy. And a top FSB officer was in Minsk last night for a three hour meeting with the president. A lot is up in the air. Will Russia invade? Just how close to Russia is the opposition? What can the EU do to help? How can Lukashenko be unseated? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks Tadeusz Giczan, a Belarusian PhD candidate at University College London School of Slavonic East European Studies and a leading source of information on twitter about what it all means. Follow Tadeusz on Twitter here: @TadeuszGiczan Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Tadeusz Giczan, a Belarusian PhD candidate at University College London School of Slavonic East European Studies http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_190018_1597841101.mp3 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:27:40 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_189798_1597649260.mp3 bne IntelliNews no It seems the entire population of Belarus has risen up against self-appointed president Alexander Lukashenko following a massive falsification of election results on August 9. But what does the potential regime change mean for business? There are two Belarusian economies: the Soviet legacy giant machine and vehicle producers, such as the famous tractor and giant mine truck plants, and the new highly profitable IT sector. Belarus has become a global hub for software engineering and earned $2bn from IT exports last year. The fact that the sector could flourish in the midst of a neo-Soviet command economy says much about the intelligence entrepreneurial nature of the Belarusian people. Potentially the country could boom if it can shrug off Lukashenko’s shackles. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to panel of Belarus-based business from IT and the renewable energy sector as well as Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance (IIF), about the business climate and the country’s potential. This panel was organised in cooperation with EM Communications, the biggest PR agency in Eastern Europe. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Yury Melnichek, Partner at Bulba ventures Mikita Mikado, CEO PandaDoc Torsten Merkel, CEO Pure Energy Intelligence It seems the entire population of Belarus has risen up against self-appointed president Alexander Lukashenko following a massive falsification of election results on August 9. But what does the potential regime change mean for business? There are two Belarusian economies: the Soviet legacy giant machine and vehicle producers, such as the famous tractor and giant mine truck plants, and the new highly profitable IT sector. Belarus has become a global hub for software engineering and earned $2bn from IT exports last year. The fact that the sector could flourish in the midst of a neo-Soviet command economy says much about the intelligence entrepreneurial nature of the Belarusian people. Potentially the country could boom if it can shrug off Lukashenko’s shackles. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to panel of Belarus-based business from IT and the renewable energy sector as well as Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance (IIF), about the business climate and the country’s potential. This panel was organised in cooperation with EM Communications, the biggest PR agency in Eastern Europe. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist with the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Yury Melnichek, Partner at Bulba ventures Mikita Mikado, CEO PandaDoc Torsten Merkel, CEO Pure Energy Intelligence http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_189798_1597649260.mp3 Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:42:46 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_189706_1597408966.mp3 bne IntelliNews no It seems that the entire population of Belarus has risen up against Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko, who has hit back with a brutal police operation. Events are moving very fast, but Lukashenko has clearly lost all legitimacy and is attempting to stay on through brute force alone. The nature of the crisis has gone to a new level after workers at the most important companies walked out on general strike on August 13. And the interior minister apologised for arresting people “by mistake.” A 1,000 were released this morning. What will happen next? Does former English teacher and nominal victor in Belarus’ presidential election Svetlana Tikhanovskaya play any role? What will Russia do? And what can the EU do to help? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus 2007-09 about what is going on and what will happen next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Nigel Gould-Davies, former ambassador to Belarus andEditor of Strategic Survey; Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia at IISS It seems that the entire population of Belarus has risen up against Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko, who has hit back with a brutal police operation. Events are moving very fast, but Lukashenko has clearly lost all legitimacy and is attempting to stay on through brute force alone. The nature of the crisis has gone to a new level after workers at the most important companies walked out on general strike on August 13. And the interior minister apologised for arresting people “by mistake.” A 1,000 were released this morning. What will happen next? Does former English teacher and nominal victor in Belarus’ presidential election Svetlana Tikhanovskaya play any role? What will Russia do? And what can the EU do to help? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus 2007-09 about what is going on and what will happen next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Nigel Gould-Davies, former ambassador to Belarus andEditor of Strategic Survey; Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia at IISS http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_189706_1597408966.mp3 Fri, 03 Jul 2020 06:45:35 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_186805_1593758735.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is facing his most serious challenge of the 26 years in power. Unprecedented protests have swept the country as three creditable opposition candidates are attempting to run against him in the August 9 elections. Two of those candidates have been jailed and the third has already been disqualified from the race after half his signatures in his application petition were invalidated. Will any of the candidates be allowed to stand? And what are the prospects of a Maidan-style revolution? If Lukashenko “wins” the election, as seems highly likely, what concessions will he make to the obvious growing dissatisfaction with his neo-Soviet style of rule? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Alex Kokcharov, a political analyst with IHS Markit about what is going on and what to expect next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Alex Kokcharov, Principal Analyst for Europe CIS at IHS Markit Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is facing his most serious challenge of the 26 years in power. Unprecedented protests have swept the country as three creditable opposition candidates are attempting to run against him in the August 9 elections. Two of those candidates have been jailed and the third has already been disqualified from the race after half his signatures in his application petition were invalidated. Will any of the candidates be allowed to stand? And what are the prospects of a Maidan-style revolution? If Lukashenko “wins” the election, as seems highly likely, what concessions will he make to the obvious growing dissatisfaction with his neo-Soviet style of rule? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Alex Kokcharov, a political analyst with IHS Markit about what is going on and what to expect next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Alex Kokcharov, Principal Analyst for Europe CIS at IHS Markit http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_186805_1593758735.mp3 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:03:54 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_186057_1592939034.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Minsk saw and unprecedented protest over the weekend after people from across the country took to the streets to demonstrate against the arrest of leading opposition candidate in August’s president elections Viktor Babariko. The incumbent Alexander Lukashenko is facing the biggest challenge to his 26 years in power as the people are angry at his mismanagement of the economy, the boorish attitude of the political elite and his total mishandling of the coronacrisis. Now the police are starting to crack down, randomly arresting citizens who are simply lining up for a sale outside a shop or legally queuing up to add their signatures to the petitions of would-be opposition candidates. They have been shocked by state’s blatant repression. While a Maidan in Minsk doesn't seem to be on the cards, the situation is fluid and unstable. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Hanna Liubakova, a freelance journalist and media trainer in Minsk about what is going on and what to expect next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Hanna Liubakova, journalist Minsk saw and unprecedented protest over the weekend after people from across the country took to the streets to demonstrate against the arrest of leading opposition candidate in August’s president elections Viktor Babariko. The incumbent Alexander Lukashenko is facing the biggest challenge to his 26 years in power as the people are angry at his mismanagement of the economy, the boorish attitude of the political elite and his total mishandling of the coronacrisis. Now the police are starting to crack down, randomly arresting citizens who are simply lining up for a sale outside a shop or legally queuing up to add their signatures to the petitions of would-be opposition candidates. They have been shocked by state’s blatant repression. While a Maidan in Minsk doesn't seem to be on the cards, the situation is fluid and unstable. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Hanna Liubakova, a freelance journalist and media trainer in Minsk about what is going on and what to expect next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Hanna Liubakova, journalist http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_186057_1592939034.mp3 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:18:23 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_185941_1592835503.mp3 bne IntelliNews no On July 1 Russians will vote in a referendum to approve changes to the constitution that will reset the clock on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s term count to zero and so in effect allow him to stand for an extra two terms in office after his current term expires in 2024. He doesn't have to hold a referendum and there are several theories to explain what is going on. Some think that Putin was always intending to stay in office forever. Others argue that its all a ruse to prevent him becoming a lame duck and to head off a potentially damaging succession fight amongst the elite. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Ben Noble, a lecturer in Russian politics at University College London’s School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies, and Mark Galeotti, who is the author of “We need to talk about Putin” and an honorary professor, also at UCLSSEES. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ben Noble, lecturer in Russian politics at University College London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies Mark Galeotti, director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence and Honorary Professor at University College London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies On July 1 Russians will vote in a referendum to approve changes to the constitution that will reset the clock on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s term count to zero and so in effect allow him to stand for an extra two terms in office after his current term expires in 2024. He doesn't have to hold a referendum and there are several theories to explain what is going on. Some think that Putin was always intending to stay in office forever. Others argue that its all a ruse to prevent him becoming a lame duck and to head off a potentially damaging succession fight amongst the elite. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Ben Noble, a lecturer in Russian politics at University College London’s School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies, and Mark Galeotti, who is the author of “We need to talk about Putin” and an honorary professor, also at UCLSSEES. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ben Noble, lecturer in Russian politics at University College London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies Mark Galeotti, director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence and Honorary Professor at University College London’s School of Slavonic and East European Studies http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_185941_1592835503.mp3 Tue, 26 May 2020 14:01:32 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_184062_1590501692.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Uzbekistan was quick to clamp down as the coronavirus epidemic gathered pace and as Central Asia’s most populous country it had good reason to be worried. But now the peak has passed and the biggest of the Central Asian five ‘Stans its back to work and return to the comprehensive reform programme. Uzbekistan is hot as one of the most prospective of the Former Soviet Union markets. Sturgeon Capital have set up the first closed-end London listed funds to give investors exposure to this burgeoning market. After being a closed market for most of the last three decades, a lot of the reforms that have swept through the region have passed Tashkent by, but that is now rapidly changing. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Kiyan Zandiyeh and Alex Branton, investment managers at Sturgeon that has been working in the region since the early days about the progress the country has made and where the opportunities lie. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Kiyan Zandiyeh. director ofSturgeonCapital Alex Branton, Investment Director atSturgeonCapital Uzbekistan was quick to clamp down as the coronavirus epidemic gathered pace and as Central Asia’s most populous country it had good reason to be worried. But now the peak has passed and the biggest of the Central Asian five ‘Stans its back to work and return to the comprehensive reform programme. Uzbekistan is hot as one of the most prospective of the Former Soviet Union markets. Sturgeon Capital have set up the first closed-end London listed funds to give investors exposure to this burgeoning market. After being a closed market for most of the last three decades, a lot of the reforms that have swept through the region have passed Tashkent by, but that is now rapidly changing. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Kiyan Zandiyeh and Alex Branton, investment managers at Sturgeon that has been working in the region since the early days about the progress the country has made and where the opportunities lie. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Kiyan Zandiyeh. director ofSturgeonCapital Alex Branton, Investment Director atSturgeonCapital http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_184062_1590501692.mp3 Tue, 05 May 2020 08:17:09 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_182477_1588666629.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading fast in Russia, but while most of the infections are concentrated in Moscow, the large isolated mono-cities in the hinterland are at high risk. Russia’s big business has moved fast to contain the infection, but at the same time most of them need to keep their factories and mines working or face an equally debilitating economic crisis. bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris interviewed Dmitry Konov, the CEO and chairman of the management board of Sibur, Russia’s largest petrochemical plant, by phone about how the company is dealing with the pandemic and how it is affecting business. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Dmitry Konov, CEO and chairman of the management board, Sibur The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading fast in Russia, but while most of the infections are concentrated in Moscow, the large isolated mono-cities in the hinterland are at high risk. Russia’s big business has moved fast to contain the infection, but at the same time most of them need to keep their factories and mines working or face an equally debilitating economic crisis. bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris interviewed Dmitry Konov, the CEO and chairman of the management board of Sibur, Russia’s largest petrochemical plant, by phone about how the company is dealing with the pandemic and how it is affecting business. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Dmitry Konov, CEO and chairman of the management board, Sibur http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_182477_1588666629.mp3 Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:32:37 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_181676_1587652357.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The world is going through its biggest crisis since the Great Depression. A global pandemic of a killer virus has come on top of an oil price shock that drove down prices into negative numbers for the first time in history. And a climate crisis continues to run in the background. Where will it end? To be frank, no one knows. We are in uncharted waters, but bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talked to the well-known commentator Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, about what could happen next. Oil prices will stay low for a long time, but a low oil price usually leads to democratisation, was one of the likely results of the current crisis, Aslund believes. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Anders Aslund, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council The world is going through its biggest crisis since the Great Depression. A global pandemic of a killer virus has come on top of an oil price shock that drove down prices into negative numbers for the first time in history. And a climate crisis continues to run in the background. Where will it end? To be frank, no one knows. We are in uncharted waters, but bne IntelliNews’ editor-in-chief Ben Aris talked to the well-known commentator Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, about what could happen next. Oil prices will stay low for a long time, but a low oil price usually leads to democratisation, was one of the likely results of the current crisis, Aslund believes. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Anders Aslund, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_181676_1587652357.mp3 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:05:09 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_180477_1586271909.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the world’s economy to a shuddering stop. In many respects it is the biggest crisis humanity have face in decades, if not ever. But once the virus burns out what will happen then? There are two scenarios: a rapid bounce back or the beginnings of a years-long Great Depression. The truth lies somewhere in between these extremes, but a lot will depend on how governments act now. The virus is moving very fast so time is of the essence. And like the victims of the illness, the affect on countries will heavily depend on how healthy their economies were at the beginning of the crisis, says Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist for the Institute of International Finance (IIF). Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist for the Institute of International Finance (IIF) The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the world’s economy to a shuddering stop. In many respects it is the biggest crisis humanity have face in decades, if not ever. But once the virus burns out what will happen then? There are two scenarios: a rapid bounce back or the beginnings of a years-long Great Depression. The truth lies somewhere in between these extremes, but a lot will depend on how governments act now. The virus is moving very fast so time is of the essence. And like the victims of the illness, the affect on countries will heavily depend on how healthy their economies were at the beginning of the crisis, says Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist for the Institute of International Finance (IIF). Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist for the Institute of International Finance (IIF) http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_180477_1586271909.mp3 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 21:51:59 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_178123_1583790719.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The oil price war that has broken out between Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US sent oil price tumbling this week. The fears of a global coronavirus pandemic has only made the collapse worse. But these things didn't cause the crisis. It only made them worse, argues Murray Gunn, an analyst with Elliott Wave, a consultancy that specialises in how societal moods affect asset valuations. The world was already ripe for a crunch as sentiment has been blackening over the last few years. “This is the collapse of a prolonged bull market. This is the start of something new,” says Gunn, who adds the crisis could last for months or even years. Sentiment was already bad before, but the double whammy of coronavirus and an oil price shock will only make things worse. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Murray Gunn, Head of Global Research at Elliott Wave International The oil price war that has broken out between Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US sent oil price tumbling this week. The fears of a global coronavirus pandemic has only made the collapse worse. But these things didn't cause the crisis. It only made them worse, argues Murray Gunn, an analyst with Elliott Wave, a consultancy that specialises in how societal moods affect asset valuations. The world was already ripe for a crunch as sentiment has been blackening over the last few years. “This is the collapse of a prolonged bull market. This is the start of something new,” says Gunn, who adds the crisis could last for months or even years. Sentiment was already bad before, but the double whammy of coronavirus and an oil price shock will only make things worse. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Murray Gunn, Head of Global Research at Elliott Wave International http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_178123_1583790719.mp3 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 14:28:53 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_172372_1574864933.mp3 bne IntelliNews no In order to grow Russia needs to respect the rule of law. Russia and Gazprom are upsetting the European energy security as they are ignoring rules and arbitration rulings they had agreed to respect. And this is happening as so few of our European leaders are willing to stand up and demand that Russia be bound by the law. Time has almost run out for Ukraine’s national gas company Naftogaz to cut a new transit deal with Gazprom before the old contract expires on January 1. The talks are going down to the wire, but Ukraine is calling on its European partners to have its back and hold Russia to account. Naftogaz executive director Yuriy Vitrenko was in Berlin on November 26 to ask for Germany’s strong support in a series of meetings due in the coming weeks and gave a speech to assembled journalists, diplomats, analysts and politicians. Naftogaz executive director Yuriy Vitrenko In order to grow Russia needs to respect the rule of law. Russia and Gazprom are upsetting the European energy security as they are ignoring rules and arbitration rulings they had agreed to respect. And this is happening as so few of our European leaders are willing to stand up and demand that Russia be bound by the law. Time has almost run out for Ukraine’s national gas company Naftogaz to cut a new transit deal with Gazprom before the old contract expires on January 1. The talks are going down to the wire, but Ukraine is calling on its European partners to have its back and hold Russia to account. Naftogaz executive director Yuriy Vitrenko was in Berlin on November 26 to ask for Germany’s strong support in a series of meetings due in the coming weeks and gave a speech to assembled journalists, diplomats, analysts and politicians. Naftogaz executive director Yuriy Vitrenko http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_172372_1574864933.mp3 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 13:28:05 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_170852_1572787685.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The initial excitement about the changes taking place in Uzbekistan since Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev took over two years ago are starting to wear off as the enormity of the challenge becomes clear. There is no lack of good ideas coming out of Tashkent, or even enthusiasm. What is lacking is the people to put those ideas in place. However, progress is being made, especially in some of the easier sectors to transform like textiles. Mirziyoyev also has a difficult geopolitical game to play as he tries to repair relationships with his Central Asian neighbours and at the same time has to balance the interests of Russia and China that sandwich the region. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Eugene Chausovsky, the senior Eurasia analyst with US think tank Stratfor who is just back from Tashkent on a fact finding mission to discuss the issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Eugene Chausovsky, senior Eurasia Analyst with Stratfor The initial excitement about the changes taking place in Uzbekistan since Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev took over two years ago are starting to wear off as the enormity of the challenge becomes clear. There is no lack of good ideas coming out of Tashkent, or even enthusiasm. What is lacking is the people to put those ideas in place. However, progress is being made, especially in some of the easier sectors to transform like textiles. Mirziyoyev also has a difficult geopolitical game to play as he tries to repair relationships with his Central Asian neighbours and at the same time has to balance the interests of Russia and China that sandwich the region. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Eugene Chausovsky, the senior Eurasia analyst with US think tank Stratfor who is just back from Tashkent on a fact finding mission to discuss the issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Eugene Chausovsky, senior Eurasia Analyst with Stratfor http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_170852_1572787685.mp3 Mon, 21 Oct 2019 10:36:39 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_170054_1571654199.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s economy is emerging from a nasty crisis in 2014-2016, but everyone agrees that growth is capped at 2% at best and incomes have been stagnant for six years already. Russia needs a new economic model and the Kremlin has launched a RUB27 trillion spending programme to transform the country. But spending that amount of money, and spending it effectively, is not going to be easy. The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) for one is worried about soaring inflation and a consumer credit bubble for one. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Andrea Klepach, the chief economist at Vnesheconombank that is going to oversee at least two thirds of the spending to discuss the issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Andrey Klepach, chief economists of Vnesheconombank Russia’s economy is emerging from a nasty crisis in 2014-2016, but everyone agrees that growth is capped at 2% at best and incomes have been stagnant for six years already. Russia needs a new economic model and the Kremlin has launched a RUB27 trillion spending programme to transform the country. But spending that amount of money, and spending it effectively, is not going to be easy. The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) for one is worried about soaring inflation and a consumer credit bubble for one. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Andrea Klepach, the chief economist at Vnesheconombank that is going to oversee at least two thirds of the spending to discuss the issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Andrey Klepach, chief economists of Vnesheconombank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_170054_1571654199.mp3 Mon, 14 Oct 2019 11:38:44 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_169673_1571053124.mp3 bne IntelliNews no WoE: high tensions in the Middle East Tensions are escalating in the Middle East after US president Donald Trump’s announcement that he was pulling US troops out of Syria. That gave a greenlight to Turkish president Recep TayyipErdogan’s desired incursion over the Syrian board to cleans the area of Kurdish fighters. On top this Iran has locked horns with the US over sanctions, Saudi oil production facilities were recently bombed and an Iranian tanker was struck by missiles last week. in short the situation is fraught. All this plays well for Russia. President Vladimir Putin has found himself on both sides of several of these arguments -- friends with both the Kurds and the Turks, friends with both Tehran and Riyadh – and is emerging as a major broker in the region. I sat down with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for an interview during the annual Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum to talk over the politics of the Middle East and how Russia fits into this fast changing picture. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel WoE: high tensions in the Middle East Tensions are escalating in the Middle East after US president Donald Trump’s announcement that he was pulling US troops out of Syria. That gave a greenlight to Turkish president Recep TayyipErdogan’s desired incursion over the Syrian board to cleans the area of Kurdish fighters. On top this Iran has locked horns with the US over sanctions, Saudi oil production facilities were recently bombed and an Iranian tanker was struck by missiles last week. in short the situation is fraught. All this plays well for Russia. President Vladimir Putin has found himself on both sides of several of these arguments -- friends with both the Kurds and the Turks, friends with both Tehran and Riyadh – and is emerging as a major broker in the region. I sat down with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for an interview during the annual Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum to talk over the politics of the Middle East and how Russia fits into this fast changing picture. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_169673_1571053124.mp3 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 09:49:24 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_167952_1568627364.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine has a new president and parliament. A raft of reformist legislation has been passed in just the first two weeks and the hectic agenda calls for a lot more by the end of the year. But many questions remain unanswered. So far investment has flooded into the local bond market and yields have dropped 400bp in a matter of months. But until foreign direct investment (FDI), privatisation is restarted and MA begin the jury is still out on the new administration. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Mykhaylo Demkiv, an analyst at ICU investment bank in Kyiv about the prospects for real reform and a long-overdue boom in Ukaine. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Mykhaylo Demkiv, analyst at ICU investment bank Ukraine has a new president and parliament. A raft of reformist legislation has been passed in just the first two weeks and the hectic agenda calls for a lot more by the end of the year. But many questions remain unanswered. So far investment has flooded into the local bond market and yields have dropped 400bp in a matter of months. But until foreign direct investment (FDI), privatisation is restarted and MA begin the jury is still out on the new administration. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Mykhaylo Demkiv, an analyst at ICU investment bank in Kyiv about the prospects for real reform and a long-overdue boom in Ukaine. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Mykhaylo Demkiv, analyst at ICU investment bank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_167952_1568627364.mp3 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 20:16:46 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_167256_1567541806.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s e-commerce is booming, growing ten-times faster than the traditional economy but it still only accounts for 4.5% of the total retail turnover. But as the leading online retailers start over taking their bricks and mortar rivals the race is on to grab as much market share as possible before the business starts to consolidate. E-commerce is perfect for a country like Russia. Spread out over 11-time zones with huge swaths of sparsely populated regions, online retail is a simply way for producers to service the biggest population in Europe without having to store inventory over half the surface of the planet. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Alexander Shulgin, the CEO of Ozon, one of Russia’s big three e-retailers about the rapid growth of the business and where it is headed. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Alexander Shulgin, CEO of Ozon Russia’s e-commerce is booming, growing ten-times faster than the traditional economy but it still only accounts for 4.5% of the total retail turnover. But as the leading online retailers start over taking their bricks and mortar rivals the race is on to grab as much market share as possible before the business starts to consolidate. E-commerce is perfect for a country like Russia. Spread out over 11-time zones with huge swaths of sparsely populated regions, online retail is a simply way for producers to service the biggest population in Europe without having to store inventory over half the surface of the planet. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Alexander Shulgin, the CEO of Ozon, one of Russia’s big three e-retailers about the rapid growth of the business and where it is headed. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Alexander Shulgin, CEO of Ozon http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_167256_1567541806.mp3 Thu, 15 Aug 2019 09:19:07 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_166141_1565860747.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s stock market is up over 20% YTD making it one of the best performing markets in the world. The RTS also finally broke out of its 900-1300 trading band where it has been stuck for most of the last five years since the annexation of Crimea. And Russian stocks pay the highest dividends in the world – twice the MSCI EM benchmark average. But no one is talking about a boom on the Russian stock market yet. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Jacob Grapengiesser, head Eastern Europe for Sweden’s East Capital, the biggest retail fund covering emerging Europe and beyond. The economy is recovering and sanctions fears are receding, but Russia has not quite returned to normal. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Jacob Grapengiesser, partner and head of Eastern Europe at East Capital Russia’s stock market is up over 20% YTD making it one of the best performing markets in the world. The RTS also finally broke out of its 900-1300 trading band where it has been stuck for most of the last five years since the annexation of Crimea. And Russian stocks pay the highest dividends in the world – twice the MSCI EM benchmark average. But no one is talking about a boom on the Russian stock market yet. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Jacob Grapengiesser, head Eastern Europe for Sweden’s East Capital, the biggest retail fund covering emerging Europe and beyond. The economy is recovering and sanctions fears are receding, but Russia has not quite returned to normal. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Jacob Grapengiesser, partner and head of Eastern Europe at East Capital http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_166141_1565860747.mp3 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 17:56:52 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_165864_1565373412.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Bank Lviv is a medium sized bank in the beautiful city of Lviv in western Ukraine and unusually, it is owned by Icelander Margeir Petursson, who is also a former world chess champion. As a man who obviously understands strategy, Petursson has bet on the growth of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the region, but the bank has been on a roller coaster rise as Ukraine lurched from boom to bust in the last decade. Now it looks like it might lurch back to boom, following the election of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but like any good bank manager chairman of the management board of the bank Ashot Abrahamyan is being cautious. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Abrahamyan about building up a banking business in Ukraine’s regions as the economy recovers and the changes the sector has seen following the high successful clean up carried out by former National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) governor Valeriya Gontareva. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ashot Abrahamyan, chairman of the management board of Bank Lviv Bank Lviv is a medium sized bank in the beautiful city of Lviv in western Ukraine and unusually, it is owned by Icelander Margeir Petursson, who is also a former world chess champion. As a man who obviously understands strategy, Petursson has bet on the growth of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the region, but the bank has been on a roller coaster rise as Ukraine lurched from boom to bust in the last decade. Now it looks like it might lurch back to boom, following the election of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but like any good bank manager chairman of the management board of the bank Ashot Abrahamyan is being cautious. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Abrahamyan about building up a banking business in Ukraine’s regions as the economy recovers and the changes the sector has seen following the high successful clean up carried out by former National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) governor Valeriya Gontareva. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ashot Abrahamyan, chairman of the management board of Bank Lviv http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_165864_1565373412.mp3 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 10:44:33 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_165160_1564483473.mp3 bne IntelliNews no After nearly three decades many of the emerging markets have already more or less emerged. Russia, for example, is already classed as a high income market by the UNDP. The changes are being felt in the fund business too where there is a process of consolidation going on. The Stockholm based East Capital made its name by setting up a Russia fund in 2008 to capitalise on the emerging middle class, but it has been expanding its geography since then. It already bought a China fund several years ago and in the last 24 months it has bought another 18 funds, including some develop market funds. Following the 2008 crisis the business was consolidating anyway, even without the maturation of the emerging markets and funds now need a certain scale to operate. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Albin Rosengren, chairman of East Capital’s Financial Institution Fund and head of distribution about these changes and more. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Albin Rosengren, chairman of East Capital’s Financial Institution Fund and head of distribution After nearly three decades many of the emerging markets have already more or less emerged. Russia, for example, is already classed as a high income market by the UNDP. The changes are being felt in the fund business too where there is a process of consolidation going on. The Stockholm based East Capital made its name by setting up a Russia fund in 2008 to capitalise on the emerging middle class, but it has been expanding its geography since then. It already bought a China fund several years ago and in the last 24 months it has bought another 18 funds, including some develop market funds. Following the 2008 crisis the business was consolidating anyway, even without the maturation of the emerging markets and funds now need a certain scale to operate. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Albin Rosengren, chairman of East Capital’s Financial Institution Fund and head of distribution about these changes and more. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Albin Rosengren, chairman of East Capital’s Financial Institution Fund and head of distribution http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_165160_1564483473.mp3 Fri, 05 Jul 2019 14:22:04 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_163993_1562336524.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Once Ukraine’s biggest commercial bank, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) nationalised Privatbank in December 2016 and poured money into a huge hole left in the balance sheet after the former owners drained it of cash. A new team was installed in the now state-owned owned bank that are tasked with repairing the damage and getting it ready for privatisation sometime in 2022-23. The irony is that Privatbank actually has a very solid retail banking business, but as Privatbank CFO Anna Samarina explains to bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris there were two banks: one that did traditional banking business and another that was a “fraud machine.” Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Anna Samarina, CFO of Privatbank Once Ukraine’s biggest commercial bank, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) nationalised Privatbank in December 2016 and poured money into a huge hole left in the balance sheet after the former owners drained it of cash. A new team was installed in the now state-owned owned bank that are tasked with repairing the damage and getting it ready for privatisation sometime in 2022-23. The irony is that Privatbank actually has a very solid retail banking business, but as Privatbank CFO Anna Samarina explains to bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris there were two banks: one that did traditional banking business and another that was a “fraud machine.” Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Anna Samarina, CFO of Privatbank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_163993_1562336524.mp3 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 16:59:06 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_163170_1561049946.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia has rock solid fundamentals and some of the best macroeconomic numbers in the world as part of president Vladimir Putin’s efforts to build a financial fortress to insulate Russia from western sanctions. But at the same time real incomes have been stagnant for six years, the propensity to protest is up and the population is depressed. Is Russia in a good place or a bad place? What will win out: the improving business or the deteriorating geopolitical relations with the developed world? Does Putin even have an ideology? It started with a weak hand but Putin has masterfully played on the chinks in the west’s armour. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Sean Guillory, Digital Scholarship Curator in the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the SRB Podcast about where Russia is in the European context and how Russia’s relations with the rest of the world will work out. Sean Guillory, Digital Scholarship Curator in the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the SRB Podcast Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Russia has rock solid fundamentals and some of the best macroeconomic numbers in the world as part of president Vladimir Putin’s efforts to build a financial fortress to insulate Russia from western sanctions. But at the same time real incomes have been stagnant for six years, the propensity to protest is up and the population is depressed. Is Russia in a good place or a bad place? What will win out: the improving business or the deteriorating geopolitical relations with the developed world? Does Putin even have an ideology? It started with a weak hand but Putin has masterfully played on the chinks in the west’s armour. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Sean Guillory, Digital Scholarship Curator in the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the SRB Podcast about where Russia is in the European context and how Russia’s relations with the rest of the world will work out. Sean Guillory, Digital Scholarship Curator in the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the SRB Podcast Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_163170_1561049946.mp3 Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:28:02 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_162874_1560526082.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine is facing a very nasty crisis. Several courts have ruled that the formerly largest commercial bank in the country, Privatbank that was nationalised in December 2016, should be given back to its former owner, oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. Valaria Gontareva was the governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) at the time and oversaw the process. She says the regulator could see the bank had been emptied of funds and the owners failed to stick to the agreements reached with the shareholders so the state took it over. Now the “corrupt courts” are being used to try and take it back, which would not only cause the bank to collapse again, but could spark a wider systemic banking crisis and would almost certainly halt the IMF bailout programme. Gontareva takes bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris through the details of the run up to the decision to nationalise the bank and the reforms that she managed to put in place. However, she warns all this maybe for naught and warns the NBU is under attack by the same vested interests. Valaria Gontareva, former governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Ukraine is facing a very nasty crisis. Several courts have ruled that the formerly largest commercial bank in the country, Privatbank that was nationalised in December 2016, should be given back to its former owner, oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. Valaria Gontareva was the governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) at the time and oversaw the process. She says the regulator could see the bank had been emptied of funds and the owners failed to stick to the agreements reached with the shareholders so the state took it over. Now the “corrupt courts” are being used to try and take it back, which would not only cause the bank to collapse again, but could spark a wider systemic banking crisis and would almost certainly halt the IMF bailout programme. Gontareva takes bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris through the details of the run up to the decision to nationalise the bank and the reforms that she managed to put in place. However, she warns all this maybe for naught and warns the NBU is under attack by the same vested interests. Valaria Gontareva, former governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_162874_1560526082.mp3 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 19:30:03 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_162387_1559763003.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia has been building a financial fortress by paying down its debt and building up its currency reserves. The result is president Vladimir Putin has made Russia largely sanction proof, but it is not a model that produces growth. On the flip side the US is one of the most powerful countries in the world but it also has some of the most debt in the world; when you control the debt you have the power. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks about these and other issues with Harish Natarajan, Head of Economic Risk at AKE International and Maximilian Hess, Head of Political Risk at AKE International. Harish Natarajan, Head of Economic Risk at AKE International Maximilian Hess, Head of Political Risk at AKE International. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Russia has been building a financial fortress by paying down its debt and building up its currency reserves. The result is president Vladimir Putin has made Russia largely sanction proof, but it is not a model that produces growth. On the flip side the US is one of the most powerful countries in the world but it also has some of the most debt in the world; when you control the debt you have the power. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks about these and other issues with Harish Natarajan, Head of Economic Risk at AKE International and Maximilian Hess, Head of Political Risk at AKE International. Harish Natarajan, Head of Economic Risk at AKE International Maximilian Hess, Head of Political Risk at AKE International. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_162387_1559763003.mp3 Tue, 28 May 2019 11:51:04 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Russian banks, making money in a time of uncertainty .mp3 bne IntelliNews no After five years of crisis and no profits, Russia’s banking is back in profit and starting to grow again. But it's a lacklustre growth as companies are not borrowing and growth is well below potential. The uncertainty over sanctions, who will come after president Vladimir Putin and the increasingly predatory nature of the state-owned enterprises (SOE) are weighing on sentiment. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director at Ratings Agency Expert RA, who says that the directors of commercial banks have grown tired and earn for more certainties. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director, Ratings Agency Expert RA After five years of crisis and no profits, Russia’s banking is back in profit and starting to grow again. But it's a lacklustre growth as companies are not borrowing and growth is well below potential. The uncertainty over sanctions, who will come after president Vladimir Putin and the increasingly predatory nature of the state-owned enterprises (SOE) are weighing on sentiment. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director at Ratings Agency Expert RA, who says that the directors of commercial banks have grown tired and earn for more certainties. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director, Ratings Agency Expert RA http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Russian banks, making money in a time of uncertainty .mp3 Tue, 28 May 2019 11:51:04 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Russian banks, making money in a time of uncertainty .mp3 bne IntelliNews no After five years of crisis and no profits, Russia’s banking is back in profit and starting to grow again. But it's a lacklustre growth as companies are not borrowing and growth is well below potential. The uncertainty over sanctions, who will come after president Vladimir Putin and the increasingly predatory nature of the state-owned enterprises (SOE) are weighing on sentiment. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director at Ratings Agency Expert RA, who says that the directors of commercial banks have grown tired and earn for more certainties. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director, Ratings Agency Expert RA After five years of crisis and no profits, Russia’s banking is back in profit and starting to grow again. But it's a lacklustre growth as companies are not borrowing and growth is well below potential. The uncertainty over sanctions, who will come after president Vladimir Putin and the increasingly predatory nature of the state-owned enterprises (SOE) are weighing on sentiment. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director at Ratings Agency Expert RA, who says that the directors of commercial banks have grown tired and earn for more certainties. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Vladimir Gorchakov, Associate director, Ratings Agency Expert RA http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Russian banks, making money in a time of uncertainty .mp3 Mon, 20 May 2019 10:48:34 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_161457_1558349314.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Romania has been growing very fast in recent years and GDP per capita has doubled. But that growth is about to slow and while incomes have soared now the state is running a twin deficit. The country has fallen into a middle income trap and has reached the stage where it needs to break through its structural limitations if it is going to continue its convergence with the rest of Europe. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Dr Andrei Radulescu, director of macroeconomic research and the Banca Transilvania about what needs to come next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Dr Andrei Radulescu, director of macroeconomic research, Banca Transilvania Romania has been growing very fast in recent years and GDP per capita has doubled. But that growth is about to slow and while incomes have soared now the state is running a twin deficit. The country has fallen into a middle income trap and has reached the stage where it needs to break through its structural limitations if it is going to continue its convergence with the rest of Europe. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Dr Andrei Radulescu, director of macroeconomic research and the Banca Transilvania about what needs to come next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Dr Andrei Radulescu, director of macroeconomic research, Banca Transilvania http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_161457_1558349314.mp3 Thu, 09 May 2019 13:34:15 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_160925_1557408855.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Moldova has long been a money-laundering black hole. Then in 2014 they had a shock when more than $1bn was stolen from the bank sector – equivalent to 15% of GDP. Belatedly the government is now responding. Stakes in three of the countries biggest banks, which together account for about 80% of the sector’s assets, have been sold to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and private investors and the central bank has been given real teeth to enforce regulations. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to special advisor to the president and head of strategic planning at the country's biggest bank,Moldova-Agroindbank (MAIB), Corneliu Munteanu and asks if Moldova’s banking sector has turned the corner. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Corneliu Munteanu, special advisor to the president of Moldova, head of strategic planning at MAIB Moldova has long been a money-laundering black hole. Then in 2014 they had a shock when more than $1bn was stolen from the bank sector – equivalent to 15% of GDP. Belatedly the government is now responding. Stakes in three of the countries biggest banks, which together account for about 80% of the sector’s assets, have been sold to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and private investors and the central bank has been given real teeth to enforce regulations. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to special advisor to the president and head of strategic planning at the country's biggest bank,Moldova-Agroindbank (MAIB), Corneliu Munteanu and asks if Moldova’s banking sector has turned the corner. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Corneliu Munteanu, special advisor to the president of Moldova, head of strategic planning at MAIB http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_160925_1557408855.mp3 Fri, 03 May 2019 07:57:28 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_160611_1556870248.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The gas war between Ukraine’s national monopolist Naftogaz and the Russian behemoth Gazprom is rushing towards a climax. Last December Naftogaz won a historic $2.6bn award from Gazprom after the Stockholm arbitration court, but Gazprom refused to pay and now the Ukranian energy company is trying to recover the money by seizing assets. But the showdown between the two corporate giants will crescendo in at the end of this year when Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline comes online that will allow Gazprom to cut Ukraine out of the delivery loop entirely. Naftogaz base case scenario isRussia will stop sending any gas through the Ukrainian pipelines even if Nord Stream 2 is not ready. Both companies are building up reserves in preparation. At home Naftogaz is fighting another set of battles. The company is in profit and the biggest tax payer to the government, but it is in the midst of reforming the energy sector, which remains for the moment uninvestable. Moreover a nasty fight has broken out between Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Naftogaz’s CEO Andriy Kobolev. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Naftogaz’s executive director Yuriy Vitrenko about these and other issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Yuriy Vitrenko, Executive director Naftogaz The gas war between Ukraine’s national monopolist Naftogaz and the Russian behemoth Gazprom is rushing towards a climax. Last December Naftogaz won a historic $2.6bn award from Gazprom after the Stockholm arbitration court, but Gazprom refused to pay and now the Ukranian energy company is trying to recover the money by seizing assets. But the showdown between the two corporate giants will crescendo in at the end of this year when Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline comes online that will allow Gazprom to cut Ukraine out of the delivery loop entirely. Naftogaz base case scenario isRussia will stop sending any gas through the Ukrainian pipelines even if Nord Stream 2 is not ready. Both companies are building up reserves in preparation. At home Naftogaz is fighting another set of battles. The company is in profit and the biggest tax payer to the government, but it is in the midst of reforming the energy sector, which remains for the moment uninvestable. Moreover a nasty fight has broken out between Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Naftogaz’s CEO Andriy Kobolev. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Naftogaz’s executive director Yuriy Vitrenko about these and other issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Yuriy Vitrenko, Executive director Naftogaz http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_160611_1556870248.mp3 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:10:46 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_160380_1556547046.mp3 bne IntelliNews no At the end of April Ukraine’s domestic hryvnia-denominate debt market is set to be hooked up to the international Clearstream payment and settlement system that will open the market to a whole new pool of investment capital. Bond traders will be able to buy and sell Ukraine’s local debt directly from the comfort of their dealing desks in London and New York. This year $1bn of new capital has already entered the market and Goldman Sachs estimates that between $2-$6bn of new money could arrive in 2019. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Paul McNamara, an emerging markets veteran investment director in charge of EM bonds and currency about the pitfalls and risks of buying these extremely high yielding bonds. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Paul McNamara, investment director, GAM Investments At the end of April Ukraine’s domestic hryvnia-denominate debt market is set to be hooked up to the international Clearstream payment and settlement system that will open the market to a whole new pool of investment capital. Bond traders will be able to buy and sell Ukraine’s local debt directly from the comfort of their dealing desks in London and New York. This year $1bn of new capital has already entered the market and Goldman Sachs estimates that between $2-$6bn of new money could arrive in 2019. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Paul McNamara, an emerging markets veteran investment director in charge of EM bonds and currency about the pitfalls and risks of buying these extremely high yielding bonds. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief,bne IntelliNews Paul McNamara, investment director, GAM Investments http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_160380_1556547046.mp3 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 17:21:28 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_159422_1554916888.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev surprised everyone and no one by stepping down from office last month after nearly three decades in power. We are now in a transition phases where Nazarbayev eases himself out of office, but clearly he intends to remain fully in control of the process. On April 9 a snap presidential election was called that will be held in June and is likely to confirm interim Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as the permanent head of the country. What is not clear is what happens next? Will be continue Kazakhstan’s policies? Will he strike out in a new direction? Will he go after regional integration? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Professor Alexey Malashenko, the Chief Researcher at Dialogue of the Civilizations in Moscow, about that could happen next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Professor Alexey Malashenko, the Chief Researcher at Dialogue of the Civilizations Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev surprised everyone and no one by stepping down from office last month after nearly three decades in power. We are now in a transition phases where Nazarbayev eases himself out of office, but clearly he intends to remain fully in control of the process. On April 9 a snap presidential election was called that will be held in June and is likely to confirm interim Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as the permanent head of the country. What is not clear is what happens next? Will be continue Kazakhstan’s policies? Will he strike out in a new direction? Will he go after regional integration? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Professor Alexey Malashenko, the Chief Researcher at Dialogue of the Civilizations in Moscow, about that could happen next. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Professor Alexey Malashenko, the Chief Researcher at Dialogue of the Civilizations http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_159422_1554916888.mp3 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:29:58 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_158917_1554204598.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia has many flourishing sectors like oil and agriculture, but the rise of the middle class has given rise to increasingly sophisticated services. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talked to KDL’s CEO Yuri Leonov, who runs one of Russia’s largest privately owned medical laboratory service companies. While the state is obliged to provide free health care to everyone, Russians are willing to pay for better service and more sophisticated results. The EBRD and UFG Asset Mangers invested in the company in 2012 and now it is a top two player with $75mn turnover, and growing at over 30% a year. But the sector is in no way consolidated as the race is on to capture market share before the inevitable MA and IPOs start. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Yuri Leonov, CEO KDL Russia has many flourishing sectors like oil and agriculture, but the rise of the middle class has given rise to increasingly sophisticated services. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talked to KDL’s CEO Yuri Leonov, who runs one of Russia’s largest privately owned medical laboratory service companies. While the state is obliged to provide free health care to everyone, Russians are willing to pay for better service and more sophisticated results. The EBRD and UFG Asset Mangers invested in the company in 2012 and now it is a top two player with $75mn turnover, and growing at over 30% a year. But the sector is in no way consolidated as the race is on to capture market share before the inevitable MA and IPOs start. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Yuri Leonov, CEO KDL http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_158917_1554204598.mp3 Thu, 14 Mar 2019 20:14:52 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_157966_1552594492.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The Russian leading stock index the dollar denominated Russia Trading System (RTS) has been largely range bound for most of the last four years trading between 1,000 and 1,200, but underneath at the corporate level a lot has been happening. The various crises have caused a consolidation in many sectors and the rise in oil prices has also driven some spectacular recoveries. The best names have seen their shares double in value and Russia continues to pay the highest dividends in the world. On top of this it is becoming increasingly clear that the US Federal Reserve bank has stopped its tightening cycle and will ease, which have created a “wall of money” that is headed back into the Emerging Markets. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews talks with Slava Smolyaninov, the chief strategist at BCS GM about some of the more interesting stories in the market including: Lukoil, Novatek, Gazprom, Sberbank, Tinkoff Bank and RusAl. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Slava Smolyaninov, chief strategist, BCS Global Markets The Russian leading stock index the dollar denominated Russia Trading System (RTS) has been largely range bound for most of the last four years trading between 1,000 and 1,200, but underneath at the corporate level a lot has been happening. The various crises have caused a consolidation in many sectors and the rise in oil prices has also driven some spectacular recoveries. The best names have seen their shares double in value and Russia continues to pay the highest dividends in the world. On top of this it is becoming increasingly clear that the US Federal Reserve bank has stopped its tightening cycle and will ease, which have created a “wall of money” that is headed back into the Emerging Markets. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews talks with Slava Smolyaninov, the chief strategist at BCS GM about some of the more interesting stories in the market including: Lukoil, Novatek, Gazprom, Sberbank, Tinkoff Bank and RusAl. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Slava Smolyaninov, chief strategist, BCS Global Markets http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_157966_1552594492.mp3 Mon, 11 Mar 2019 11:57:23 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_157722_1552305443.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Everyone needs medicine but Russia is a long way from being able to produce everything for itself; despite the import-substitution drive, Russia remains dependent on imports. Pharmaceuticals is a good example of the development of the retail business and has been largely unaffected by the crises. Santens Logistic Service LLC was set up almost 20 years ago and is a specialist distribution company that helps international companies bring in their goods and distribute them in this highly regulated business. At the same time it is building a logistic system that can reach down and deliver drugs to every pharmacy in every town in the country. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief talked to Andrey Osipov, the CEO of Santens about his business and the pharmaceutical sector in general Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor in chief Andrey Ospiov, CEO Santens Logistic Service LLC Everyone needs medicine but Russia is a long way from being able to produce everything for itself; despite the import-substitution drive, Russia remains dependent on imports. Pharmaceuticals is a good example of the development of the retail business and has been largely unaffected by the crises. Santens Logistic Service LLC was set up almost 20 years ago and is a specialist distribution company that helps international companies bring in their goods and distribute them in this highly regulated business. At the same time it is building a logistic system that can reach down and deliver drugs to every pharmacy in every town in the country. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief talked to Andrey Osipov, the CEO of Santens about his business and the pharmaceutical sector in general Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor in chief Andrey Ospiov, CEO Santens Logistic Service LLC http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_157722_1552305443.mp3 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 13:12:59 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_156343_1550063579.mp3 bne IntelliNews no WoE ITI Funds democratising the asset management business Since the fall of the Soviet Union Russia has embraced capitalism and the one thing it is really good at is managing money. World Bank studies have found Russia financial system is on a par with western peers and the Russian Central Bank’s clean up of the sector is in its end game. At the same time Russian’s wholesale embrace of new technologies are pioneering fintech innovations. There are things that you can do with your bank and telephone in Moscow that you can’t do in the west. ITI Funds has set up five platforms – three in Luxembourg and two in the Cayman Islands – that dramatically reduce the cost of entry to the fund management business. The low cost will democratise the asset management business and turn the pyramid on its head. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to the CEO of ITI Funds Gleb Yakovlev about his business and the services that the company offers. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Gleb Yakovlev, CEO of ITI Funds WoE ITI Funds democratising the asset management business Since the fall of the Soviet Union Russia has embraced capitalism and the one thing it is really good at is managing money. World Bank studies have found Russia financial system is on a par with western peers and the Russian Central Bank’s clean up of the sector is in its end game. At the same time Russian’s wholesale embrace of new technologies are pioneering fintech innovations. There are things that you can do with your bank and telephone in Moscow that you can’t do in the west. ITI Funds has set up five platforms – three in Luxembourg and two in the Cayman Islands – that dramatically reduce the cost of entry to the fund management business. The low cost will democratise the asset management business and turn the pyramid on its head. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to the CEO of ITI Funds Gleb Yakovlev about his business and the services that the company offers. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Gleb Yakovlev, CEO of ITI Funds http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_156343_1550063579.mp3 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 06:26:35 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_155499_1548743195.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s taxi business has become ultra-competitive. Already running for several years, the incumbent Yandex.Taxi subsidies its drivers and won’t go into profit until maybe this year. It has already forced Uber into a merger and may IPO in the next two years. In this shark tank the gypsy cabs have all but disappeared as it is cheaper to take an official cab, but there is room in the market for several players. Vezet is Russia’s second largest taxi aggregator and grew up in regions on the wrong side of the Ural mountains. It is battling it out with the incumbent but has a solid toehold in Russia’s biggest and not so big regional cities. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ilya O’Guy, development office of Vezet Russia’s taxi business has become ultra-competitive. Already running for several years, the incumbent Yandex.Taxi subsidies its drivers and won’t go into profit until maybe this year. It has already forced Uber into a merger and may IPO in the next two years. In this shark tank the gypsy cabs have all but disappeared as it is cheaper to take an official cab, but there is room in the market for several players. Vezet is Russia’s second largest taxi aggregator and grew up in regions on the wrong side of the Ural mountains. It is battling it out with the incumbent but has a solid toehold in Russia’s biggest and not so big regional cities. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ilya O’Guy, development office of Vezet http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_155499_1548743195.mp3 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 18:59:59 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_154623_1547405999.mp3 bne IntelliNews no A record 56mn Russians - one in three people in the country - went to the movies last year earning the leading cinema chains a record box office take of $200mn. The industry has been growing by 10% a year for the last five years – three times faster than the real economy – making itthe biggest movie market in Europe. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief ofbne IntelliNewstalked to the CEO of Karo, one of Russia’s three biggest cinema chains and owner of the legendary Oktyabra cinema on Novy Arbat in the heart of Moscow, the biggest cinema in Russia to talk about the business and changing tastes. Battling piracy is a big issue, but a lot of progress has been made on that front in 2018. At the same time the domestic movie industry is churning out over a 100 films a year and they are starting to get really good, says Olga Zinyakova. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Olga Zinyakova, CEO of Karo A record 56mn Russians - one in three people in the country - went to the movies last year earning the leading cinema chains a record box office take of $200mn. The industry has been growing by 10% a year for the last five years – three times faster than the real economy – making itthe biggest movie market in Europe. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief ofbne IntelliNewstalked to the CEO of Karo, one of Russia’s three biggest cinema chains and owner of the legendary Oktyabra cinema on Novy Arbat in the heart of Moscow, the biggest cinema in Russia to talk about the business and changing tastes. Battling piracy is a big issue, but a lot of progress has been made on that front in 2018. At the same time the domestic movie industry is churning out over a 100 films a year and they are starting to get really good, says Olga Zinyakova. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Olga Zinyakova, CEO of Karo http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_154623_1547405999.mp3 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 14:19:10 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_154140_1546438750.mp3 bne IntelliNews no 2018 was a tough year for New Europe with the military conflict in Eastern Europe escalating following a naval clash between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov and a full scale currency crisis in Turkey that has hobbled the economy dominating the headlines. And the prospects for 2019 don't look much better with crucial presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled in Ukraine, more sanctions in the pipeline for Russia and a flagging global economy to turn the screws on all emerging markets. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sits down with Eugene Chausovsky, senior Eurasia analyst with Stratfor to review the year that just ended and peer ahead into the year that just started. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Eugene Chausovsky, senior Eurasia analyst, Stratfor 2018 was a tough year for New Europe with the military conflict in Eastern Europe escalating following a naval clash between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov and a full scale currency crisis in Turkey that has hobbled the economy dominating the headlines. And the prospects for 2019 don't look much better with crucial presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled in Ukraine, more sanctions in the pipeline for Russia and a flagging global economy to turn the screws on all emerging markets. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sits down with Eugene Chausovsky, senior Eurasia analyst with Stratfor to review the year that just ended and peer ahead into the year that just started. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Eugene Chausovsky, senior Eurasia analyst, Stratfor http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_154140_1546438750.mp3 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:14:29 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_153960_1545214469.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia has been called a petroecongomy and over reliant on the simple business of pulling oil and gas out of the ground and sending it down a pipeline to the international markets. Sibur is Russia’s biggest petrochemical company and is going up the value chain. The company’s $9bn ZapSib plant based in the former Siberian capital of Tobolsk will go online in April and will treble the company’s production as well as doubling its revenues. The company is a leading example of Russia’s on going development as it plays to its strengths and the leading businessmen are starting to invest for the long term and make more of what it has. The ZapSib plant is the last big investment project for the meantime as the company reaches maturity. It has also been dogged by a focus on its sanctioned oligarch shareholder Gennady Timchenko and board member Kirill Shamalov, who was reportedly married to Russian president Vladimir Putin’s daughter. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Sobur CEO Dmitry Konov about all these topics as well asthe possibility of an IPO for the companyin 2019. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Dmitry Konov, CEO Sibur Russia has been called a petroecongomy and over reliant on the simple business of pulling oil and gas out of the ground and sending it down a pipeline to the international markets. Sibur is Russia’s biggest petrochemical company and is going up the value chain. The company’s $9bn ZapSib plant based in the former Siberian capital of Tobolsk will go online in April and will treble the company’s production as well as doubling its revenues. The company is a leading example of Russia’s on going development as it plays to its strengths and the leading businessmen are starting to invest for the long term and make more of what it has. The ZapSib plant is the last big investment project for the meantime as the company reaches maturity. It has also been dogged by a focus on its sanctioned oligarch shareholder Gennady Timchenko and board member Kirill Shamalov, who was reportedly married to Russian president Vladimir Putin’s daughter. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Sobur CEO Dmitry Konov about all these topics as well asthe possibility of an IPO for the companyin 2019. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Dmitry Konov, CEO Sibur http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_153960_1545214469.mp3 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:48:08 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_153641_1544698088.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Crisis, sanctions, an economic slow down have all impacted the appeal of Russia’s equity story and the pie has gotten smaller. However, as the big international houses scale back and move their research to London, while the household broker/dealer names from the 90s have either sold to state-owned banks or are a shadow of their former selves following the capital market reforms of 2012 the pieces of pie on offer are bigger for the local players that are still in the game. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Kirill Chuyko, head of research at BCS Global Markets to talk about the changes in the equity market. The “new kid on the block” Chuyko says that not only are there fewer brokers in Moscow the many of mid-tier players in the international market are also “dead.” BCS has expanded its research of not only the Russian market but the leading names in neighbouring markets like Kazakhstan and Ukraine where the number of interesting names are fewer, but those that exist are large and liquid. At the same time while the Russian index has been largely range bound for most of the last four years, some individual corporate stories are very attractive. Because of its lack of foreign investment (and the oil production) Russia is actually a safe have, argues Chuyko, and with the highest dividend yields in the world Russia can be a very attractive investment – if you have the right partners. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Kirill Chuyko, head of research at BCS Global Markets Crisis, sanctions, an economic slow down have all impacted the appeal of Russia’s equity story and the pie has gotten smaller. However, as the big international houses scale back and move their research to London, while the household broker/dealer names from the 90s have either sold to state-owned banks or are a shadow of their former selves following the capital market reforms of 2012 the pieces of pie on offer are bigger for the local players that are still in the game. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Kirill Chuyko, head of research at BCS Global Markets to talk about the changes in the equity market. The “new kid on the block” Chuyko says that not only are there fewer brokers in Moscow the many of mid-tier players in the international market are also “dead.” BCS has expanded its research of not only the Russian market but the leading names in neighbouring markets like Kazakhstan and Ukraine where the number of interesting names are fewer, but those that exist are large and liquid. At the same time while the Russian index has been largely range bound for most of the last four years, some individual corporate stories are very attractive. Because of its lack of foreign investment (and the oil production) Russia is actually a safe have, argues Chuyko, and with the highest dividend yields in the world Russia can be a very attractive investment – if you have the right partners. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Kirill Chuyko, head of research at BCS Global Markets http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_153641_1544698088.mp3 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 11:21:37 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_152532_1543144897.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Fintech and e-commerce is growing ten-times faster than the rest of the Russian economy as the leading companies leapfrog over several stages of development. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris hosted a fintech panel at the recent Moscow Exchange (MOEX) annual investment summit in New York where several of Russia’s leading technology companies participated. We post the whole session here (one hour long) as a rare chance to hear from the horse’s mouth what these ground breaking companies are doing and how they see the sector developing in the coming years. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Oliver Hughes, CEO, Tinkoff Bank Oleg Ryazhenov-Siems, QIWI, head of fintech projects Esther Dyson, Independent Director, Yandex Pavel Tulubiev, board member Russian Post Office Bank, head of customer relations Fintech and e-commerce is growing ten-times faster than the rest of the Russian economy as the leading companies leapfrog over several stages of development. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris hosted a fintech panel at the recent Moscow Exchange (MOEX) annual investment summit in New York where several of Russia’s leading technology companies participated. We post the whole session here (one hour long) as a rare chance to hear from the horse’s mouth what these ground breaking companies are doing and how they see the sector developing in the coming years. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Oliver Hughes, CEO, Tinkoff Bank Oleg Ryazhenov-Siems, QIWI, head of fintech projects Esther Dyson, Independent Director, Yandex Pavel Tulubiev, board member Russian Post Office Bank, head of customer relations http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_152532_1543144897.mp3 Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:02:58 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_150022_1539183778.mp3 bne IntelliNews no p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana} The military phase of the conflict in Syria seems to be coming to an end. There is only one rebel hold out in Idlib and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has officially said Russia will pull out (although the Russian forces there have yet to leave). However, the situation remains very tense. Earlier in September the Syrian air defence accidently shot down a Russian bomber when they were aiming at two Israeli fighters flying sorties against Iranian positions in Syria. There are several players in the conflict with different agendas and that of Russia and Israel is especially complex. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sits down with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has negotiated with Putin many times on the question of Syria to discuss the situation. Olmert believes Russia has stepped into a vacuum created by the US pull back from involvement in the region and that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad days are numbered. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana} The military phase of the conflict in Syria seems to be coming to an end. There is only one rebel hold out in Idlib and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has officially said Russia will pull out (although the Russian forces there have yet to leave). However, the situation remains very tense. Earlier in September the Syrian air defence accidently shot down a Russian bomber when they were aiming at two Israeli fighters flying sorties against Iranian positions in Syria. There are several players in the conflict with different agendas and that of Russia and Israel is especially complex. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sits down with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has negotiated with Putin many times on the question of Syria to discuss the situation. Olmert believes Russia has stepped into a vacuum created by the US pull back from involvement in the region and that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad days are numbered. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_150022_1539183778.mp3 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:42:09 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_149612_1538581329.mp3 bne IntelliNews no BCS Global Markets is the new kid on the block and a fast growing broker/dealer. Having founded a successful business in Russia it is now diversifying into western markets. It recently became the first Russian investment bank to get access to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and has a big office in London. Non-Russian business already makes up some 60% of its revenues and with a tie up with Tigress Partners in the US it hopes to continue to build up this new business. bne editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with BCS GM CEO Roman Lokhov on the sidelines of the annual MOEX New York investment summit to talk over the bank's plans. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Roman Lokhov, CEO BCS Global Markets BCS Global Markets is the new kid on the block and a fast growing broker/dealer. Having founded a successful business in Russia it is now diversifying into western markets. It recently became the first Russian investment bank to get access to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and has a big office in London. Non-Russian business already makes up some 60% of its revenues and with a tie up with Tigress Partners in the US it hopes to continue to build up this new business. bne editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with BCS GM CEO Roman Lokhov on the sidelines of the annual MOEX New York investment summit to talk over the bank's plans. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Roman Lokhov, CEO BCS Global Markets http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_149612_1538581329.mp3 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:45:06 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_147548_1535471106.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine is running out of money. It has over a $1bn of debt that comes due this autumn and the governmenthas managed to scrap together enough to meet this payment thanks to dollar and euro Eurobond issues on the domestic market as well as a $750mn Eurobond private placement on August 23. However, next year the debt payments balloon and with only $17.7bn in reserves – almost exactly the three months import cover needed to ensure the stability of the currency – its crunch time. An IMF team is in Kyiv at the start of September and the government needs to strike a deal if it is to avoid another currency crisis. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Mykhaylo Demkiv, an analyst with ICU in Kyiv about the prospects of a deal and the problems of refinancing the country’s debt Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Mykhaylo Demkiv, financial analyst with ICU, Ukraine’s leading investment bank Ukraine is running out of money. It has over a $1bn of debt that comes due this autumn and the governmenthas managed to scrap together enough to meet this payment thanks to dollar and euro Eurobond issues on the domestic market as well as a $750mn Eurobond private placement on August 23. However, next year the debt payments balloon and with only $17.7bn in reserves – almost exactly the three months import cover needed to ensure the stability of the currency – its crunch time. An IMF team is in Kyiv at the start of September and the government needs to strike a deal if it is to avoid another currency crisis. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Mykhaylo Demkiv, an analyst with ICU in Kyiv about the prospects of a deal and the problems of refinancing the country’s debt Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Mykhaylo Demkiv, financial analyst with ICU, Ukraine’s leading investment bank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_147548_1535471106.mp3 Thu, 21 Jun 2018 09:32:24 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_143864_1529573544.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s falling interest rates have fundamentally changed the way the average Russian thinks about their life savings. Following the years of hyperinflation during the 90s the interest rate sensitive Russians have traditionally sought out banks that pay the highest deposit rates in an effort to at least slow the attrition from inflation. Now the game has changed. Inflation has fallen to a post-Soviet low of about 2.4% and the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has cut its rates to 7.25% so returns from deposit accounts have fallen as well. After more than two decades the average Russian punter has started to cast about for an investment that has better returns. The government is also keen to tap into the tens of billions of dollars worth of “mattress money” most Russians keep in reserve against fresh crises. It has launched tax beneficial “investment accounts” to encourage people to start salting something away for their retirement. Another initiative has been the float of “the people’s bond” – a state bond that targets retail investors. Russia’s leading brokerage has launched new investment products that allow retail investors to buy into stocks, bonds and other securities and seen the volumes soar. It is still early days but a retail investment culture is finally beginning to emerge in Russia. bne IntelliNews’s editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Vyacheslav Smolyaninov, the head of research at BCS, about the changing shape of Russia’s retail investment universe. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Vyacheslav Smolyaninov chief strategist and deputy head of research at BCS Global Markets, the biggest brokerage in Russia Russia’s falling interest rates have fundamentally changed the way the average Russian thinks about their life savings. Following the years of hyperinflation during the 90s the interest rate sensitive Russians have traditionally sought out banks that pay the highest deposit rates in an effort to at least slow the attrition from inflation. Now the game has changed. Inflation has fallen to a post-Soviet low of about 2.4% and the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has cut its rates to 7.25% so returns from deposit accounts have fallen as well. After more than two decades the average Russian punter has started to cast about for an investment that has better returns. The government is also keen to tap into the tens of billions of dollars worth of “mattress money” most Russians keep in reserve against fresh crises. It has launched tax beneficial “investment accounts” to encourage people to start salting something away for their retirement. Another initiative has been the float of “the people’s bond” – a state bond that targets retail investors. Russia’s leading brokerage has launched new investment products that allow retail investors to buy into stocks, bonds and other securities and seen the volumes soar. It is still early days but a retail investment culture is finally beginning to emerge in Russia. bne IntelliNews’s editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Vyacheslav Smolyaninov, the head of research at BCS, about the changing shape of Russia’s retail investment universe. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Vyacheslav Smolyaninov chief strategist and deputy head of research at BCS Global Markets, the biggest brokerage in Russia http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_143864_1529573544.mp3 Thu, 14 Jun 2018 11:13:22 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_143461_1528974802.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Turkey and Ukraine have been having a hard time of it this year and the worst maybe yet to come – both countries are facing potential crises. Turkey has been suffering from a currency meltdown that has seen the value of the lira tumble forcing the reluctant central bank to put in two emergency rate hikes. And as the devaluation will push up inflation more hikes are on the way. The economy is already starting to slow that puts even more pressure on the heavily indebted corporate sector. Ukraine is also in a bad way with only $18bn in reserves – just enough to ensure the stability of the hryvnia – but with $10bn of debt redemptions due in the next 18 months and the possible suspension of the IMF programme analysts are talking about an imminent devaluation and default. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Gunter Deuber, the chief economist at Raiffeisen International Bank about the problems both countries face and their outlook. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Gunter Deuber, chief economist at Raiffeisen International Bank Turkey and Ukraine have been having a hard time of it this year and the worst maybe yet to come – both countries are facing potential crises. Turkey has been suffering from a currency meltdown that has seen the value of the lira tumble forcing the reluctant central bank to put in two emergency rate hikes. And as the devaluation will push up inflation more hikes are on the way. The economy is already starting to slow that puts even more pressure on the heavily indebted corporate sector. Ukraine is also in a bad way with only $18bn in reserves – just enough to ensure the stability of the hryvnia – but with $10bn of debt redemptions due in the next 18 months and the possible suspension of the IMF programme analysts are talking about an imminent devaluation and default. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Gunter Deuber, the chief economist at Raiffeisen International Bank about the problems both countries face and their outlook. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Gunter Deuber, chief economist at Raiffeisen International Bank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_143461_1528974802.mp3 Fri, 11 May 2018 10:15:54 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_141470_1526033754.mp3 bne IntelliNews no In Novemberlast year bne ran a cover story CEE Booms as the countries, especially in Central Europe came into their own. However, the boom seems to have peaked as the same countries start running into structural limits. Labour markets across the region are drum tight. Wages are rising rapidly. And the general geopolitical tensions are unsettling investors. bne IntelliNews’s editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Elliott Auckland, chief economist at the multinational development bank International Investment Bank (IIB) that works with many of the countries in the region. Bottom line is that growth is still strong in the entire region and the countries can cope with the challenges they face. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Elliott Auckland, chief economist at International Investment Bank In Novemberlast year bne ran a cover story CEE Booms as the countries, especially in Central Europe came into their own. However, the boom seems to have peaked as the same countries start running into structural limits. Labour markets across the region are drum tight. Wages are rising rapidly. And the general geopolitical tensions are unsettling investors. bne IntelliNews’s editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Elliott Auckland, chief economist at the multinational development bank International Investment Bank (IIB) that works with many of the countries in the region. Bottom line is that growth is still strong in the entire region and the countries can cope with the challenges they face. Ben Aris, editor-in-chiefbne IntelliNews Elliott Auckland, chief economist at International Investment Bank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_141470_1526033754.mp3 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:09:50 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_139977_1523628590.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Last year Russia smashed all records bringing in 134mn tonnes of grain and earned a whopping $20bn from exports – more than it gets from selling arms abroad. Russia is now the biggest exporter of grain in the world and it is only getting started. Ukraine is also seeing a revival of its agricultural sector where a handful of big companies are flourishing, despite the countries economic woes. However, both countries are still operating well below their potential thanks to the lack of reform, underinvestment and endemic corruption. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Mike Lee, an independent agricultural consultant that has just returned from his annual tour of the Black Sea region about the state of this year’s crop (its going to be good) and the prospects for the sector. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Mike Lee, independent agricultural consultant Last year Russia smashed all records bringing in 134mn tonnes of grain and earned a whopping $20bn from exports – more than it gets from selling arms abroad. Russia is now the biggest exporter of grain in the world and it is only getting started. Ukraine is also seeing a revival of its agricultural sector where a handful of big companies are flourishing, despite the countries economic woes. However, both countries are still operating well below their potential thanks to the lack of reform, underinvestment and endemic corruption. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Mike Lee, an independent agricultural consultant that has just returned from his annual tour of the Black Sea region about the state of this year’s crop (its going to be good) and the prospects for the sector. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Mike Lee, independent agricultural consultant http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_139977_1523628590.mp3 Fri, 30 Mar 2018 07:35:45 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_139172_1522395345.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russian president Vladimir Putin made a lot of big promises in his State of the Nation speech on March 1, but how realistic are they? In the second part of a two part series bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to BCS Global Markets chief economist Vladimir Tikhomirov to discuss these issues and more. In this episode we cover what is driving dividend payments at Russia's state owned enterprises and delve into the mechanics of rising incomes and the outlook for the middle class in the next six years. The first thing that Russian president Vladimir Putin did on taking office in 2000 was introduce a very low flat tax regime that is the bedrock of his popularity. However, as Russia becomes an increasingly normal country but needs to pay for all the things that come with that status, like schools and hospitals, there are very likely some "nasty surprises" in store for the popuation on this front in Putin's last term. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Vladimir Tikhomirov, chief economist BCS Global Markets Russian president Vladimir Putin made a lot of big promises in his State of the Nation speech on March 1, but how realistic are they? In the second part of a two part series bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to BCS Global Markets chief economist Vladimir Tikhomirov to discuss these issues and more. In this episode we cover what is driving dividend payments at Russia's state owned enterprises and delve into the mechanics of rising incomes and the outlook for the middle class in the next six years. The first thing that Russian president Vladimir Putin did on taking office in 2000 was introduce a very low flat tax regime that is the bedrock of his popularity. However, as Russia becomes an increasingly normal country but needs to pay for all the things that come with that status, like schools and hospitals, there are very likely some "nasty surprises" in store for the popuation on this front in Putin's last term. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Vladimir Tikhomirov, chief economist BCS Global Markets http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_139172_1522395345.mp3 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:27:49 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_138825_1521827855.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russian president Vladimir Putin made a lot of big promises in his State of the Nation speech on March 4, but how realistic are they? And how will the Russian government pay for everything? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with BCS Global Markets chief economist Vladimir Tikhomirov to discuss these issues and more in the first of a two part interview. In this episode we cover: the affect of defence spending cuts on industrial production, the 50% GDP growth target in six years, just how much of the Russian economy does the state control,labour reform and the demographic outlook in Russia, and why full privatisation will never happen. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Vladimir Tikhomirov, chief economist BCS Global Markets Russian president Vladimir Putin made a lot of big promises in his State of the Nation speech on March 4, but how realistic are they? And how will the Russian government pay for everything? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with BCS Global Markets chief economist Vladimir Tikhomirov to discuss these issues and more in the first of a two part interview. In this episode we cover: the affect of defence spending cuts on industrial production, the 50% GDP growth target in six years, just how much of the Russian economy does the state control,labour reform and the demographic outlook in Russia, and why full privatisation will never happen. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Vladimir Tikhomirov, chief economist BCS Global Markets http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_138825_1521827855.mp3 Mon, 19 Mar 2018 05:12:32 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_138503_1521436352.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia went to the polls on March 18 to elect a new president. There was never any doubt over who they would choose. President Vladimir Putin was a shoo-in to be re-elected for a forth term in office. Is that a good thing or bad? bne editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Tom Blackwell, founder and CEO of EM Communications to discuss what the elections mean. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Tom Blackwell, CEO EM Communications Russia went to the polls on March 18 to elect a new president. There was never any doubt over who they would choose. President Vladimir Putin was a shoo-in to be re-elected for a forth term in office. Is that a good thing or bad? bne editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Tom Blackwell, founder and CEO of EM Communications to discuss what the elections mean. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Tom Blackwell, CEO EM Communications http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_138503_1521436352.mp3 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:08:47 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_137610_1519934927.mp3 bne IntelliNews no On March 1 Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered what was maybe the most aggressive speech of his career. Irked by the broken promises by Nato not to expand eastwards and fed up with being ignored, he spent the second half of his speech showcasing Russia’s new generation of nuclear missiles, which he claims can negate America’s defensive capabilities. Have we now drifted into a real Cold War II? Will Putin’s next six year term be all about geopolitical show downs? Is there any way to walk back the obvious escalating tensions with the west? bne IntelliNews’s editor-in-chief talks to Mark Galeotti, senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague and the director of Mayak Intelligence, about these issues and more. Mark Galeotti, senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague and the director of Mayak Intelligence Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief On March 1 Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered what was maybe the most aggressive speech of his career. Irked by the broken promises by Nato not to expand eastwards and fed up with being ignored, he spent the second half of his speech showcasing Russia’s new generation of nuclear missiles, which he claims can negate America’s defensive capabilities. Have we now drifted into a real Cold War II? Will Putin’s next six year term be all about geopolitical show downs? Is there any way to walk back the obvious escalating tensions with the west? bne IntelliNews’s editor-in-chief talks to Mark Galeotti, senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague and the director of Mayak Intelligence, about these issues and more. Mark Galeotti, senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague and the director of Mayak Intelligence Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_137610_1519934927.mp3 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 06:58:26 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_136170_1517554706.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Tinkoff Bank is Russia's only purely online bank and one of the largest online banks in the world. A relatively new entry into the sector it has built up an entire business from a single credit card offering to today's range of services. Now the bank wants to build a super app that changes the meaning of what a bank does. Forget the deposits services and consumer loans, now the focus will be on how to get the most out of spending money - be it the customer's or the banks. And investors love it. Following the bank's IPO in London in 2013 that raised $1.1bn the share price tanked after Russia annexed the Crimea. However, by November 2017 the stock had made back all the ground lost and then some. Analysts have Tinkoff bank marked down as one of two conviction buys in the sector along with state owned retail banking giant Sberbank. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down withMaxim Evdokimov, vice president of Tinkoff and head of mobile to talk about the bank's strategy going foward. Maxim Evdokimov, vice president of Tinkoff and head of mobile Ben Aris,bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Tinkoff Bank is Russia's only purely online bank and one of the largest online banks in the world. A relatively new entry into the sector it has built up an entire business from a single credit card offering to today's range of services. Now the bank wants to build a super app that changes the meaning of what a bank does. Forget the deposits services and consumer loans, now the focus will be on how to get the most out of spending money - be it the customer's or the banks. And investors love it. Following the bank's IPO in London in 2013 that raised $1.1bn the share price tanked after Russia annexed the Crimea. However, by November 2017 the stock had made back all the ground lost and then some. Analysts have Tinkoff bank marked down as one of two conviction buys in the sector along with state owned retail banking giant Sberbank. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down withMaxim Evdokimov, vice president of Tinkoff and head of mobile to talk about the bank's strategy going foward. Maxim Evdokimov, vice president of Tinkoff and head of mobile Ben Aris,bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_136170_1517554706.mp3 Fri, 26 Jan 2018 12:07:20 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_135818_1516968440.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia’s equity market is coming back to life as the economy recovers and investors start to relieve their pent up demand for exposure to high yielding growth stories. The leading dollar denominated Russia Trading System (RTS) index was up by half in 2016 and while it was essentially flat in 2017 a string of IPOs and SPOs came to a willing market, starting with Russian children’s toy retailer Detsky Mir, the second-largest IPO in three years. Russia's economy is growing again and that means comapnies, especially mid-cap firms catering to the domestic population, need access to capital. The IPO/SPO pipeline is now filling up and at least a half dozen more listings are expected in 2018. Investment bank and brokerage BCS Global Markets organised its first two debut IPOs in 2017.Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chiefsat down with Yuri Prilipov, BCS GM’ head of investment banking, and Alexey Kletenkov, the head of equity capital markets, to talk about the stock market outlook for 2018. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Yuri Prilipov, BCS’s head of investment banking Alexey Kletenkov, BCS's head of equity capital markets Russia’s equity market is coming back to life as the economy recovers and investors start to relieve their pent up demand for exposure to high yielding growth stories. The leading dollar denominated Russia Trading System (RTS) index was up by half in 2016 and while it was essentially flat in 2017 a string of IPOs and SPOs came to a willing market, starting with Russian children’s toy retailer Detsky Mir, the second-largest IPO in three years. Russia's economy is growing again and that means comapnies, especially mid-cap firms catering to the domestic population, need access to capital. The IPO/SPO pipeline is now filling up and at least a half dozen more listings are expected in 2018. Investment bank and brokerage BCS Global Markets organised its first two debut IPOs in 2017.Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chiefsat down with Yuri Prilipov, BCS GM’ head of investment banking, and Alexey Kletenkov, the head of equity capital markets, to talk about the stock market outlook for 2018. Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Yuri Prilipov, BCS’s head of investment banking Alexey Kletenkov, BCS's head of equity capital markets http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_135818_1516968440.mp3 Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:10:38 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_133823_1512749438.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The market for ICOs is exploding. Investors have poured over $3bn into more than 200 ICOs this year, according to data from Coinschedule.com, and the tech-savvy Russia is a major player in the game. At the crossroads between crowdfunding and traditional IPOs, Russians already account for a disproportionately high share of ICOs. Hype or revolution? Still in its infancy, the question of where the blockchain technology will go remains an open question. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris caught up with three experts on the topic in Moscow: Pavel Suhachev, co-founder of KEYICO, an international consortium providing a turnkey solution including legal, marketing and financial expertise to companies looking to ICO. Vlad Dobrynin, CEO of Humans, a US-based online business, which brings together people offering their skills and people in need of jobs done. Humans plans to provide additional services in the future, ranging from blockchain backed financial services, peer-to-peer lending, sharing of goods and assets, currency exchange, promotions and advertising. Tom Blackwell, CEO of EM, a leader in financial communications of IPOs coming out of Russia and the CIS. EM is also involved in several upcoming ICOs. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Pavel Suhachev, co-founder of KEYICO Vlad Dobrynin, CEO of Humans Tom Blackwell, CEO of EM The market for ICOs is exploding. Investors have poured over $3bn into more than 200 ICOs this year, according to data from Coinschedule.com, and the tech-savvy Russia is a major player in the game. At the crossroads between crowdfunding and traditional IPOs, Russians already account for a disproportionately high share of ICOs. Hype or revolution? Still in its infancy, the question of where the blockchain technology will go remains an open question. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris caught up with three experts on the topic in Moscow: Pavel Suhachev, co-founder of KEYICO, an international consortium providing a turnkey solution including legal, marketing and financial expertise to companies looking to ICO. Vlad Dobrynin, CEO of Humans, a US-based online business, which brings together people offering their skills and people in need of jobs done. Humans plans to provide additional services in the future, ranging from blockchain backed financial services, peer-to-peer lending, sharing of goods and assets, currency exchange, promotions and advertising. Tom Blackwell, CEO of EM, a leader in financial communications of IPOs coming out of Russia and the CIS. EM is also involved in several upcoming ICOs. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Pavel Suhachev, co-founder of KEYICO Vlad Dobrynin, CEO of Humans Tom Blackwell, CEO of EM http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_133823_1512749438.mp3 Sun, 03 Dec 2017 09:04:56 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_133445_1512291896.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Fintech is exploding in Russia, albeit from a very low base. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Campbell Bethwaite, the managing partner of Redstone Capital (recently renamed from Finteca) to talk about the sector and its prospects. Redstone is a holding company that has set up a number of fintech businesses in Russia that are seeing exponential growth. Redstone's lending business, Simple Finance, has already built up an $80mn loan book and is currently extending about $5mn worth of new loans per week by offering credits to SMEs that can’t borrow from Russian banks. The company has already taken in a private equity investment and issued its first $30mn Eurobond in June of this year to fund what is expected to be double digit expansion for the foreseeable future. The problem Simple Finance addresses is that small Russian companies cannot meet all 12 of the CBR requirements, which require banks to put aside 100% of the loan value as a provision against potential losses. The result is that, despite a government drive to promote the SME sector, banks cannot profitably lend to them. SimpleFinance can. Using its technology-based platform to assess applications it canmake a loan decision in one hour. It is licensed as a micro-finance lender instead of a bank, meaning its prudential requirements are much lower. This means that it is both disruptive, as it takes business from banks, but also complimentary, as banks make a commission when they pass on clients to Simple Finance – clients that are otherwise off limits to them. And fintech will only grow from here. Simple Finance has a range of financial products aimed at all the different niches that lie outside the competence, or interest, of established banks, yet for which there is high demand. “Compared to other markets I have worked in around the world, in many ways Russian financial services, in terms of functionality and speed, are better,” says Bethwaite. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Campbell Bethwaite, managing partner Redstone Fintech is exploding in Russia, albeit from a very low base. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Campbell Bethwaite, the managing partner of Redstone Capital (recently renamed from Finteca) to talk about the sector and its prospects. Redstone is a holding company that has set up a number of fintech businesses in Russia that are seeing exponential growth. Redstone's lending business, Simple Finance, has already built up an $80mn loan book and is currently extending about $5mn worth of new loans per week by offering credits to SMEs that can’t borrow from Russian banks. The company has already taken in a private equity investment and issued its first $30mn Eurobond in June of this year to fund what is expected to be double digit expansion for the foreseeable future. The problem Simple Finance addresses is that small Russian companies cannot meet all 12 of the CBR requirements, which require banks to put aside 100% of the loan value as a provision against potential losses. The result is that, despite a government drive to promote the SME sector, banks cannot profitably lend to them. SimpleFinance can. Using its technology-based platform to assess applications it canmake a loan decision in one hour. It is licensed as a micro-finance lender instead of a bank, meaning its prudential requirements are much lower. This means that it is both disruptive, as it takes business from banks, but also complimentary, as banks make a commission when they pass on clients to Simple Finance – clients that are otherwise off limits to them. And fintech will only grow from here. Simple Finance has a range of financial products aimed at all the different niches that lie outside the competence, or interest, of established banks, yet for which there is high demand. “Compared to other markets I have worked in around the world, in many ways Russian financial services, in terms of functionality and speed, are better,” says Bethwaite. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Campbell Bethwaite, managing partner Redstone http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_133445_1512291896.mp3 Fri, 03 Nov 2017 14:04:09 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_131901_1509718246.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia and China were frenemies during the Cold War, but in recent years they have been driven closer together in what has been described as the “best synergy on the planet.” What may have started as a marriage of convenience is now turning into a real military-economic alliance. The advantages for Russia’s pivot east are obvious, but what is in it for the Chinese? I talked to professor Jia Qingguo, the dean of the school of international studies at Peking University to try and get a handle on what the Chinese want from this increasingly warm relation. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Professor Jia Qingguo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University Russia and China were frenemies during the Cold War, but in recent years they have been driven closer together in what has been described as the “best synergy on the planet.” What may have started as a marriage of convenience is now turning into a real military-economic alliance. The advantages for Russia’s pivot east are obvious, but what is in it for the Chinese? I talked to professor Jia Qingguo, the dean of the school of international studies at Peking University to try and get a handle on what the Chinese want from this increasingly warm relation. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Professor Jia Qingguo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_131901_1509718246.mp3 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 09:11:20 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Nataliya Kaspersky president of InfoWatch FINAL.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia has become infatuated with tech and Natalya Kasperskaya has been there from the beginning. She is one of Russia’s top businesswomen and a co-founder of anti-virus powerhouse Kaspersky Labs, which she set up with her former husband in 1994. However, following their separation ten years ago, she went into business for herself, founding InfoWatch which provides B2B and G2B internet security based on the idea of using anti-spam software backwards to prevent info leaks. Today InfoWatch has half the Russian market for providing data security and includes many of Russia’s major corporates — everyone from Lukoil to Sberbank Kasperskaya has a blue chip CV: she has a higher degree in maths from Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics; she has won Kommersant’s top Russian manager award twice; she is one of the ten richest women in Russia; and, she sits on the presidential tech advisory council. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Natalya Kaspersky president of InfoWatch Group of companies Russia has become infatuated with tech and Natalya Kasperskaya has been there from the beginning. She is one of Russia’s top businesswomen and a co-founder of anti-virus powerhouse Kaspersky Labs, which she set up with her former husband in 1994. However, following their separation ten years ago, she went into business for herself, founding InfoWatch which provides B2B and G2B internet security based on the idea of using anti-spam software backwards to prevent info leaks. Today InfoWatch has half the Russian market for providing data security and includes many of Russia’s major corporates — everyone from Lukoil to Sberbank Kasperskaya has a blue chip CV: she has a higher degree in maths from Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics; she has won Kommersant’s top Russian manager award twice; she is one of the ten richest women in Russia; and, she sits on the presidential tech advisory council. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Natalya Kaspersky president of InfoWatch Group of companies http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Nataliya Kaspersky president of InfoWatch FINAL.mp3 Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:57:56 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_130655_1507881476.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Things are moving very fast in Central Asia. Following the death of Uzbek president Islam Karimov that country is rapidly opening and beginning the process of improving political and economic ties with its neighbours. And this weekend the Kyrgyz go to the polls to choose a new president in a rare example of democracy in action. Most of the other leaders in the region have been in power for more than 20 years. Finally the Chinese are everywhere and the country's One Belt One Road project could be transformational. It has already caused a major re-think in foreign policy in all the 'Stans. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Djoomart Otorbaev, former Prime Minister ofKyrgyzstan, at theRhodes Forum that hosts the Dialogue of Civilisations conference to discuss all these issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Djoomart Otorbaev, former Prime Minister ofKyrgyzstan 2014-15 Things are moving very fast in Central Asia. Following the death of Uzbek president Islam Karimov that country is rapidly opening and beginning the process of improving political and economic ties with its neighbours. And this weekend the Kyrgyz go to the polls to choose a new president in a rare example of democracy in action. Most of the other leaders in the region have been in power for more than 20 years. Finally the Chinese are everywhere and the country's One Belt One Road project could be transformational. It has already caused a major re-think in foreign policy in all the 'Stans. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Djoomart Otorbaev, former Prime Minister ofKyrgyzstan, at theRhodes Forum that hosts the Dialogue of Civilisations conference to discuss all these issues. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Djoomart Otorbaev, former Prime Minister ofKyrgyzstan 2014-15 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_130655_1507881476.mp3 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 12:06:57 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_130306_1507464417.mp3 bne IntelliNews no After a summer hiatus bne IntelliNews podcasts are back from the Rhodes Forum that hosts the Dialogue of Civilisations conference that brings together academics, top politicians and civil activists to discuss the problems of the world. Our editor-in-chief Ben Aris met withIan Goldin, former vice-president of theWorld Bank and now a professor ofGlobalisation and Development at Oxford University. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ian Goldin, former vice-president World Bank, professor Globalisation and Development at Oxford university After a summer hiatus bne IntelliNews podcasts are back from the Rhodes Forum that hosts the Dialogue of Civilisations conference that brings together academics, top politicians and civil activists to discuss the problems of the world. Our editor-in-chief Ben Aris met withIan Goldin, former vice-president of theWorld Bank and now a professor ofGlobalisation and Development at Oxford University. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Ian Goldin, former vice-president World Bank, professor Globalisation and Development at Oxford university http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_130306_1507464417.mp3 Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:41:53 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_122988_1496756513.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ameria Bank is the biggest bank in Armenia, controlling about a third of the market. The banking sector is recoving well as the region comes out of recession and could IPO soon. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Gevorg Tarumyan, the deputy CEO of Ameria Bank to talk about his business and the outlook for the sector. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Gevorg Tarumyan, deputy CEO Ameria Bank Ameria Bank is the biggest bank in Armenia, controlling about a third of the market. The banking sector is recoving well as the region comes out of recession and could IPO soon. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Gevorg Tarumyan, the deputy CEO of Ameria Bank to talk about his business and the outlook for the sector. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Gevorg Tarumyan, deputy CEO Ameria Bank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_122988_1496756513.mp3 Fri, 19 May 2017 08:26:58 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_121845_1495182418.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Where is the ruble headed this year? The outlook is particularly unclear as both oil prices and the Kremlin’s economic strategy remain volatile. At the same time Russia is about to adopted a long-term economic reform strategy, but there is a big debate within the Kremlin on which direction is best for the country. The choice boils down to prudence or crony capitalism, argues Sergey Guriev, the EBRD’s chief economist and one time political exile from Russia. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Sergey Guriev, chief economists at the EBRD Where is the ruble headed this year? The outlook is particularly unclear as both oil prices and the Kremlin’s economic strategy remain volatile. At the same time Russia is about to adopted a long-term economic reform strategy, but there is a big debate within the Kremlin on which direction is best for the country. The choice boils down to prudence or crony capitalism, argues Sergey Guriev, the EBRD’s chief economist and one time political exile from Russia. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Sergey Guriev, chief economists at the EBRD http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_121845_1495182418.mp3 Mon, 15 May 2017 10:19:40 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_121482_1494843580.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The development of capital markets in emerging Europe remains a mixed bag and is incomplete across the board. However, a lot of progress has been made and these markets will play a crucial role in spurring the development of countries in the region. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Andre Kuusvek, the EBRD’s director of local currency and capital markets development, on the sidelines of the development bank’s annual meeting in Nicosia to discuss the issue. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Andre Kuusvek, local currency and capital markets development at EBRD The development of capital markets in emerging Europe remains a mixed bag and is incomplete across the board. However, a lot of progress has been made and these markets will play a crucial role in spurring the development of countries in the region. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Andre Kuusvek, the EBRD’s director of local currency and capital markets development, on the sidelines of the development bank’s annual meeting in Nicosia to discuss the issue. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Andre Kuusvek, local currency and capital markets development at EBRD http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_121482_1494843580.mp3 Fri, 12 May 2017 16:15:57 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_121408_1494605757.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine has a couple of strong suits it can play to and high tech is one its best. Already a player on the international market, Urkaine has become a hub for software development. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Olga Afanasyeva, director of Ukraine's Venture Capital Association to talk about where the sector is headed. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Olga Afanasyeva, director of Ukraine's Venture Capital Association Ukraine has a couple of strong suits it can play to and high tech is one its best. Already a player on the international market, Urkaine has become a hub for software development. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Olga Afanasyeva, director of Ukraine's Venture Capital Association to talk about where the sector is headed. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Olga Afanasyeva, director of Ukraine's Venture Capital Association http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_121408_1494605757.mp3 Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:35:14 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_119736_1492522514.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The worst of the crisis is fading and CEE banks are on the path to recovery. However, the boom of the noughties will not repeat itself anytime soon and some countries, especially in eastern Europe, are still struggling to shake off bad debt and being held back by the lack of reform. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Gunter Deuber, the head of economicsat Raiffeisen Bank International in Budapest to talk abotu the success stories and challenges that the sector faces going foward. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Gunter deuber,the head of economics, fixed income and FX Research at Raiffeisen International Bank The worst of the crisis is fading and CEE banks are on the path to recovery. However, the boom of the noughties will not repeat itself anytime soon and some countries, especially in eastern Europe, are still struggling to shake off bad debt and being held back by the lack of reform. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Gunter Deuber, the head of economicsat Raiffeisen Bank International in Budapest to talk abotu the success stories and challenges that the sector faces going foward. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Gunter deuber,the head of economics, fixed income and FX Research at Raiffeisen International Bank http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_119736_1492522514.mp3 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 08:10:07 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_118688_1490947807.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine's untold story is the western firms that are quietly setting up in the west of the country to take advantage of the winning combination of low wages and a highly skilled work force. A small auto-parts sector has already emerged to supply factories in western Europe as the country launches its drive to integrate into global supply chains. bne IntelliNews's editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Daniel Bilak, the director of the state promotion agency UkraineInvest and special advisor to President Petro Poroshenko during Strategy Council's Ukraine Investment Roadshow in London. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Daniel Bilak, director UkraineInvest Ukraine's untold story is the western firms that are quietly setting up in the west of the country to take advantage of the winning combination of low wages and a highly skilled work force. A small auto-parts sector has already emerged to supply factories in western Europe as the country launches its drive to integrate into global supply chains. bne IntelliNews's editor-in-chief Ben Aris sat down with Daniel Bilak, the director of the state promotion agency UkraineInvest and special advisor to President Petro Poroshenko during Strategy Council's Ukraine Investment Roadshow in London. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Daniel Bilak, director UkraineInvest http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_118688_1490947807.mp3 Fri, 10 Feb 2017 13:01:41 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_115592_1487238824.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Half a million Romanians took to the street last weekend to protest against laws legalising government corruption and more protests are expected to happen this weekend. Is the country about to be plunged into a violent revolution or is it burnishing its democratic credentials? bne IntelliNews's SE bureau chief Clare Nuttall has been on Bucharest'sstreets since the start of the popular protests andshares her impressions with Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Clare Nuttall, SE bureau chief,bne IntelliNews Half a million Romanians took to the street last weekend to protest against laws legalising government corruption and more protests are expected to happen this weekend. Is the country about to be plunged into a violent revolution or is it burnishing its democratic credentials? bne IntelliNews's SE bureau chief Clare Nuttall has been on Bucharest'sstreets since the start of the popular protests andshares her impressions with Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Clare Nuttall, SE bureau chief,bne IntelliNews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_115592_1487238824.mp3 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:25:58 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Jacob Grapengiesser 2017-01-10_1.mp3 bne IntelliNews no This edition of Window on the East features Jacob Grapengiesser, a founding partner at Sweden-based East Capital, a top 5 performing fund in 2016 according to MorningStar. Russia’s stocks had an extraordinary run in 2016, returning more than 50% to investors. Grapengiesser discusses what is behind the rally, how far it has to run and what sort of stocks to invest into in 2017. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Jacob Grapengiesser, partner East Capital This edition of Window on the East features Jacob Grapengiesser, a founding partner at Sweden-based East Capital, a top 5 performing fund in 2016 according to MorningStar. Russia’s stocks had an extraordinary run in 2016, returning more than 50% to investors. Grapengiesser discusses what is behind the rally, how far it has to run and what sort of stocks to invest into in 2017. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Jacob Grapengiesser, partner East Capital http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/temporary://filefield_paths/WoE Jacob Grapengiesser 2017-01-10_1.mp3 Wed, 07 Dec 2016 12:13:40 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_111748_1481112820.mp3 bne IntelliNews no This edition of Window on the East features Evgeny Fetisov, Chief Financial Officer of MoEX - the Moscow Exchange - which hosts trading in Russian equities, bonds, currencies and other financial instruments. Speaking at MoEx’s London conference, Fetisov discusses the recent rise in the Russian market, the on-going under-valuation of Russian stocks in the minds of many investors and the latest progress on corporate governance. With the ruble-denominated MICEX index of Russian stocks up 23pc year-to-date, at an all-time high, and even the dollar-denominated RTS index through the psychologically-important 1,000 mark, does Fetisov think Russia - despite slow growth and on-going sanctions - is about to turn a corner? Liam Halligan, Editor-at-Large, bne IntelliNews Evgeny Fetisov, Chief Financial Officer, Moscow Exchange This edition of Window on the East features Evgeny Fetisov, Chief Financial Officer of MoEX - the Moscow Exchange - which hosts trading in Russian equities, bonds, currencies and other financial instruments. Speaking at MoEx’s London conference, Fetisov discusses the recent rise in the Russian market, the on-going under-valuation of Russian stocks in the minds of many investors and the latest progress on corporate governance. With the ruble-denominated MICEX index of Russian stocks up 23pc year-to-date, at an all-time high, and even the dollar-denominated RTS index through the psychologically-important 1,000 mark, does Fetisov think Russia - despite slow growth and on-going sanctions - is about to turn a corner? Liam Halligan, Editor-at-Large, bne IntelliNews Evgeny Fetisov, Chief Financial Officer, Moscow Exchange http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_111748_1481112820.mp3 Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:18:34 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_111632_1481012314.mp3 bne IntelliNews no p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.7px Verdana; color: #1a1a1a; -webkit-text-stroke: #1a1a1a} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} The iconic investor and economist Marc Faber thinks that “Western recession is overdue” and Donald Trump “may end up being a mainstream Republican. Talking with bne Intellinews Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan in Warsaw, the Author of the widely-read Gloom, Boom Doom monthly newsletter discusses “de-globalisation” and the implications of Brexit. He also shares his views on Central and Eastern Europe - where, he says, stocks are “very undervalued relative to the rest of the world”. Liam Halligan: Editor-at-Largebne IntelliNews MarcFaber: Author “Gloom, Boom Doom” newsletter p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.7px Verdana; color: #1a1a1a; -webkit-text-stroke: #1a1a1a} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} The iconic investor and economist Marc Faber thinks that “Western recession is overdue” and Donald Trump “may end up being a mainstream Republican. Talking with bne Intellinews Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan in Warsaw, the Author of the widely-read Gloom, Boom Doom monthly newsletter discusses “de-globalisation” and the implications of Brexit. He also shares his views on Central and Eastern Europe - where, he says, stocks are “very undervalued relative to the rest of the world”. Liam Halligan: Editor-at-Largebne IntelliNews MarcFaber: Author “Gloom, Boom Doom” newsletter http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_111632_1481012314.mp3 Thu, 10 Nov 2016 13:20:26 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_110039_1478784026.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia's economy is flat on its back, but is expected to return to growth in 2017, albeit anaemic. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris discusses the outlook for the recently launched reform programme with the EBRD's new chief economist Sergei Guriev, as well as the prospects for the rest of the region, including Ukraine. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Sergei Guriev, chief economist, EBRD Russia's economy is flat on its back, but is expected to return to growth in 2017, albeit anaemic. bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris discusses the outlook for the recently launched reform programme with the EBRD's new chief economist Sergei Guriev, as well as the prospects for the rest of the region, including Ukraine. Ben Aris, editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews Sergei Guriev, chief economist, EBRD http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_110039_1478784026.mp3 Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:37:59 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_109832_1478761096.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Romania has been one of the few outstanding success strories in New Europe in the last few years. Now Bucharest wants to upgrade the country's capital market from Frontier Market status to Emerging Market. bne IntelliNews's editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to the Bucharest Stock Exchange CEO Ludwik Sobolewski about the stock market and the prospects for investment into the country. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Ludwik Sobolewski, CEO of the Bucharest Stock Exchange Listen to this podcast on Soundcloud here Romania has been one of the few outstanding success strories in New Europe in the last few years. Now Bucharest wants to upgrade the country's capital market from Frontier Market status to Emerging Market. bne IntelliNews's editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to the Bucharest Stock Exchange CEO Ludwik Sobolewski about the stock market and the prospects for investment into the country. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Ludwik Sobolewski, CEO of the Bucharest Stock Exchange Listen to this podcast on Soundcloud here http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_109832_1478761096.mp3 Sun, 09 Oct 2016 15:23:08 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_107737_1476026588.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Belarus is in an economic hole and has launched a raft of liberal reforms that could improve transaprency, efficiency and makes state owned companies accountable. Is this a new paradigm, or just business as usual: all talk and little action.bne IntelliNewsEditor-in-Chief Ben Aris talks to Matthais Morgner, an analyst with Berlin Economics that follow events in the country Ben Aris,Editor-in-Chiefbne IntelliNews Matthais Morgner, analyst with Berlin Economics Belarus is in an economic hole and has launched a raft of liberal reforms that could improve transaprency, efficiency and makes state owned companies accountable. Is this a new paradigm, or just business as usual: all talk and little action.bne IntelliNewsEditor-in-Chief Ben Aris talks to Matthais Morgner, an analyst with Berlin Economics that follow events in the country Ben Aris,Editor-in-Chiefbne IntelliNews Matthais Morgner, analyst with Berlin Economics http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_107737_1476026588.mp3 Sun, 09 Oct 2016 15:13:47 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_107736_1476026027.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Austria is uncomfortable with the way that the EU is being run, but surrounded by EU members it can't and won't leave.bne IntelliNewsEditor-in-chief talks with former Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer about where the trade club can go from here. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Alfred Gusenbauer, former Chancellor of Austria, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria Austria is uncomfortable with the way that the EU is being run, but surrounded by EU members it can't and won't leave.bne IntelliNewsEditor-in-chief talks with former Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer about where the trade club can go from here. Ben Aris, Editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Alfred Gusenbauer, former Chancellor of Austria, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_107736_1476026027.mp3 Thu, 06 Oct 2016 14:03:54 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_107592_1475763424.mp3 bne IntelliNews no The countries of Central Europe are unhappy with the direction the EU is taking, but lying at the heart of Europe none of them are willing to do an Exit. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to VaclavKlaus, the second president of the Czech Republic 2003-2013, about the crises Europe is facing and the future of the EU. Ben Aris, Editor-in-Chief,bne IntelliNews VaclavKlaus, president of the Czech Republic 2003-2013 The countries of Central Europe are unhappy with the direction the EU is taking, but lying at the heart of Europe none of them are willing to do an Exit. bne IntelliNewseditor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to VaclavKlaus, the second president of the Czech Republic 2003-2013, about the crises Europe is facing and the future of the EU. Ben Aris, Editor-in-Chief,bne IntelliNews VaclavKlaus, president of the Czech Republic 2003-2013 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_107592_1475763424.mp3 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:03:06 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_106144_1473955386.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russians go to the polls on September 18 to vote for a new Duma. The result is a foregone conclusion, but vote rigging in the previous parliamentary elections ended in mass street protests. What is on the cards this time round bne IntelliNews' editor-in-chief Ben Aristalks to Professor Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague and one to today's leading commentators on Russian current affairs Russians go to the polls on September 18 to vote for a new Duma. The result is a foregone conclusion, but vote rigging in the previous parliamentary elections ended in mass street protests. What is on the cards this time round bne IntelliNews' editor-in-chief Ben Aristalks to Professor Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague and one to today's leading commentators on Russian current affairs http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_106144_1473955386.mp3 Mon, 05 Sep 2016 16:34:16 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_105441_1473330637.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Ukraine is struggling with a fight against the endemic corruption. Progress has been slow and its western donors are getting impatient. Can it succeed? bne IntelliNews'editor-in-chief talks to Ukrainian activists and leading independent journalistKateryna Krukand Hromadske International founder Maxim Eristavi. Ukraine is struggling with a fight against the endemic corruption. Progress has been slow and its western donors are getting impatient. Can it succeed? bne IntelliNews'editor-in-chief talks to Ukrainian activists and leading independent journalistKateryna Krukand Hromadske International founder Maxim Eristavi. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_105441_1473330637.mp3 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 11:51:33 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_104726_1472125893.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russia is building up its military forces on Ukraine’s border. Will it invade this time, or is this all part of a geopolitical dance ahead of the G20 summit in China on September 4th? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Swedish economist and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington Anders Aslund about the escalating tensions and chances for peace. Ben Aris editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Anders Aslund senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Russia is building up its military forces on Ukraine’s border. Will it invade this time, or is this all part of a geopolitical dance ahead of the G20 summit in China on September 4th? bne IntelliNews editor-in-chief Ben Aris talks to Swedish economist and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington Anders Aslund about the escalating tensions and chances for peace. Ben Aris editor-in-chief bne IntelliNews Anders Aslund senior fellow at the Atlantic Council http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_104726_1472125893.mp3 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103169_1470575767.mp3 bne IntelliNews no As the dust settles in Turkey following a failed military coup, bne IntelliNews Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris speaks to our correspondents to make sense of what happened. Has the failed coup strengthened President Erdogan's hand as he creeps closer to his long-term goal of an executive presidency? Who masterminded the ill-fated attempt to snatch power from him? And what does this mean for Turkey's future relations with the West? Ben Aris, Editor-in-Chief, bne IntelliNews Kivanc Dundar, Turkey bureau chief, bne IntelliNews Carmen Valache, Turkey correspondent, bne IntelliNews Suna Erdem, ‘Beyond the Bosphorus’ columnist, bne IntelliNews As the dust settles in Turkey following a failed military coup, bne IntelliNews Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris speaks to our correspondents to make sense of what happened. Has the failed coup strengthened President Erdogan's hand as he creeps closer to his long-term goal of an executive presidency? Who masterminded the ill-fated attempt to snatch power from him? And what does this mean for Turkey's future relations with the West? Ben Aris, Editor-in-Chief, bne IntelliNews Kivanc Dundar, Turkey bureau chief, bne IntelliNews Carmen Valache, Turkey correspondent, bne IntelliNews Suna Erdem, ‘Beyond the Bosphorus’ columnist, bne IntelliNews http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103169_1470575767.mp3 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103168_1470575501.mp3 bne IntelliNews no How about Iran as investment destination? With sanctions lifted and moderate president Hassan Rouhani installed, Iran is increasingly seen as an investable market. bne IntelliNews' Editor-At-Large Liam Halligan speaks with Sturgeon Capital founder Clemente Cappello and Kiyan Zandiyar, their Iran fund portfolio manager. How about Iran as investment destination? With sanctions lifted and moderate president Hassan Rouhani installed, Iran is increasingly seen as an investable market. bne IntelliNews' Editor-At-Large Liam Halligan speaks with Sturgeon Capital founder Clemente Cappello and Kiyan Zandiyar, their Iran fund portfolio manager. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103168_1470575501.mp3 Fri, 08 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103167_1470624097.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Did Vladimir Putin want Brexit? Has the UK electorate handed the Kremlin a significant geopolitical gain? What does Britain's historic decision to leave the European Union mean for the Russian economy - and the prospect of the EU lifting sanctions? And why are some investment banks now describing Russia as "a safe haven"? bne Intellinews Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan engages in a lively discussion with Moscow correspondent Jason Corcoran. Did Vladimir Putin want Brexit? Has the UK electorate handed the Kremlin a significant geopolitical gain? What does Britain's historic decision to leave the European Union mean for the Russian economy - and the prospect of the EU lifting sanctions? And why are some investment banks now describing Russia as "a safe haven"? bne Intellinews Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan engages in a lively discussion with Moscow correspondent Jason Corcoran. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103167_1470624097.mp3 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103166_1470624187.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Prague-based Managing Editor Nicholas Watson and Kateryna Kruk, who is based in Kiev, join Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan to discuss Brexit. How is the UK's historic decision to leave the European Union viewed in Ukraine, and also across the Visegrad countries - Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia? Prague-based Managing Editor Nicholas Watson and Kateryna Kruk, who is based in Kiev, join Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan to discuss Brexit. How is the UK's historic decision to leave the European Union viewed in Ukraine, and also across the Visegrad countries - Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia? http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103166_1470624187.mp3 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103165_1470624276.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris and Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan dissect Russian president Vladimir Putin's keynote speech and at this year's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Far more economically-oriented than last year's Spief keynote from Putin, the speech marks the return to real influence of Alexei Kudrin – Russia's highly-respected former Finance Minister. Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris and Editor-at-Large Liam Halligan dissect Russian president Vladimir Putin's keynote speech and at this year's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Far more economically-oriented than last year's Spief keynote from Putin, the speech marks the return to real influence of Alexei Kudrin – Russia's highly-respected former Finance Minister. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103165_1470624276.mp3 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103163_1470574019.mp3 bne IntelliNews no bne IntelliNews' Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris talks to Tehran's Financial Tribune editor, Daniel Khazeni-Rad, about Iran's re-emergence as a major player in the global oil market. bne IntelliNews' Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris talks to Tehran's Financial Tribune editor, Daniel Khazeni-Rad, about Iran's re-emergence as a major player in the global oil market. http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103163_1470574019.mp3 Sat, 28 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103162_1470573430.mp3 bne IntelliNews no Russian sanctions to end in 6 months while oil price to fall after this week's OPEC summit, say bne IntelliNews analysts in this new podcast. The podcast features an expert discussion of the G7 summit in Japan and the Vienna OPEC summit with three high-experienced analysts. Chris Weafer, Senior Partner at Macro Advisory Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews Editor-in-Chief Liam Halligan, bne IntelliNews Editor-at-Large Russian sanctions to end in 6 months while oil price to fall after this week's OPEC summit, say bne IntelliNews analysts in this new podcast. The podcast features an expert discussion of the G7 summit in Japan and the Vienna OPEC summit with three high-experienced analysts. Chris Weafer, Senior Partner at Macro Advisory Ben Aris, bne IntelliNews Editor-in-Chief Liam Halligan, bne IntelliNews Editor-at-Large http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103162_1470573430.mp3 Thu, 12 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103161_1470624391.mp3 bne IntelliNews no An expert discussion of events during the second and final day of the EBRD 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting in London, from bne IntelliNews. Editor-in-Chief, Ben Aris Moscow Correspondent, Jason Corcoran An expert discussion of events during the second and final day of the EBRD 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting in London, from bne IntelliNews. Editor-in-Chief, Ben Aris Moscow Correspondent, Jason Corcoran http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103161_1470624391.mp3 Wed, 11 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103160_1470576206.mp3 bne IntelliNews no An expert discussion of events during the first day of the EBRD 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting in London, from bne IntelliNews. Editor-in-Chief, Ben Aris Moscow Correspondent, Jason Corcoran Caucasus Correspondent, Carmen Valache Editor-at-Large, Liam Halligan An expert discussion of events during the first day of the EBRD 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting in London, from bne IntelliNews. Editor-in-Chief, Ben Aris Moscow Correspondent, Jason Corcoran Caucasus Correspondent, Carmen Valache Editor-at-Large, Liam Halligan http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103160_1470576206.mp3 Mon, 02 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103159_1470576376.mp3 bne IntelliNews no bne IntelliNews Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris talks to Istanbul bureau chief Kivanc Dundar about the surprise win for Turkey's president Erdogan in the general elections on Nov 1, 2015 bne IntelliNews Editor-in-Chief Ben Aris talks to Istanbul bureau chief Kivanc Dundar about the surprise win for Turkey's president Erdogan in the general elections on Nov 1, 2015 http://d39raawggeifpx.cloudfront.net/podcastimages/audio/audio_103159_1470576376.mp3