- Home
- Insights
- Podcasts
Strategic Alternatives podcast
Raise capital. Create value. Drive growth.
Start listening
Anarchy in the UK? - Strategic Alternatives
Anarchy in the UK?
Episode 51 • 20th May 2026 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:16:32
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
Sterling markets have had a rough ride over the last few weeks. In part this is against the backdrop of the oil price shock, but it is also due to the domestic political uncertainty that has once again come to the fore. Peter Schaffrik, Head of UK/European Rates & Economics, and Cathal Kennedy, Senior UK Economist, unpick the difficult situation, provide a view on the outcome of the recent turmoil along with an outlook on what the political landscape in the UK might look like in the months and years to come.
Follow
Links
Chapters
Video
More from YouTube
Listen and subscribe on:
Explore the latest episodes
Search podcast
clear
MAY 15, 2026\ \ Anarchy in the UK? \ \ Sterling under pressure from oil shocks and UK political turmoil. Experts unpack the outlook for British markets ahead.\ \ 16 min 9 min
Play episode
Anarchy in the UK? - Strategic Alternatives
Anarchy in the UK?
Episode 51 • 20th May 2026 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:16:32
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
Sterling markets have had a rough ride over the last few weeks. In part this is against the backdrop of the oil price shock, but it is also due to the domestic political uncertainty that has once again come to the fore. Peter Schaffrik, Head of UK/European Rates & Economics, and Cathal Kennedy, Senior UK Economist, unpick the difficult situation, provide a view on the outcome of the recent turmoil along with an outlook on what the political landscape in the UK might look like in the months and years to come.
Follow
Links
Chapters
Video
More from YouTube
MAY 6, 2026\ \ Why this global crisis hasn’t knocked banks off course \ \ Banks are typically vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. The Middle East war is different, for now.\ \ 27 min 3 min
Play episode
Why this global crisis hasn’t knocked banks off course - Strategic Alternatives
Why this global crisis hasn’t knocked banks off course
Episode 49 • 30th April 2026 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:27:42
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
The global banking sector is navigating a crosscurrent of geopolitical uncertainty, a historic regulatory reset, and powerful structural forces — from AI adoption to the rise of private credit and stablecoins. In this episode, Gerard Cassidy and Anke Reingen, Co-Heads of Global Financials Research at RBC Capital Markets, discuss where U.S. and European banks stand today and what investors should be watching next.
- Banks’ fundamentals are strong, but the sector is vulnerable to sustained high oil prices.
- Smaller regional banks are outperforming the market.
- AI deployment, consolidation, and a resilient credit outlook are growth drivers.
- U.S. regulators are supportive; European regulation is softening to match.
- U.S. commercial loan growth is accelerating, supported by tax changes.
- Investment banks are posting growth and could benefit from a revival in IPOs.
Chapter markers:
- Introductions[00:07]
Host Joe Coletti introduces the podcast and guests: Gerard Cassidy and Anke Reingen, Co-Heads of Global Financials Research. They discuss the strong underlying fundamentals of the banking industry, despite continuing risk from prolonged war in the Middle East.
- Growth Drivers[06:58]
AI deployment, the growth of stablecoins, and continuing consolidation are among the main structural themes driving growth. Loans to NFDIs are a potential concern but banks are less vulnerable than the private credit sector.
- Regulation[13:30]
U.S. regulation is pro-bank, and the easing of capital requirements will feed balance sheet growth, dividend payments, acquisitions, and stock buybacks. Proposed regulation in Europe may soften to ensure its sector is not disadvantaged.
- Lending Volume [18:15]
Commercial loans, bolstered by tax changes, are the biggest element of U.S. loan volume growth. Incentives in Europe also boosted corporate loans, but confidence has since declined.
- Investment Banks [22:48]
Deregulation is strengthening the deal pipeline for investment banks. A rush to M&A before the end date of the U.S. administration could benefit them further.
Follow
Links
Chapters
Video
More from YouTube
MAY 5, 2026\ \ What is driving the next phase of ETF innovation? \ \ What’s driving the shift as ETFs are taking on a more central role in portfolio construction — and how can investors navigate an increasingly complex landscape?\ \ 17 min 5 min
Play episode
What is driving the next phase of ETF innovation? - Strategic Alternatives
What is driving the next phase of ETF innovation?
Episode 50 • 5th May 2026 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:17:17
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
Once defined by low-cost index exposure, ETFs are increasingly used to deliver active strategies, structured outcomes and targeted portfolio solutions across global markets. In this episode, Bryan Johanson, Head of North American Client ETF Markets, and Valerie Grimba, Global ETF Strategist, examine how innovation, market structure and investor demand are redefining what ETFs can do – and what comes next.
Follow
Links
Chapters
Video
More from YouTube
APR 27, 2026\ \ The great recalibration offers a roadmap to the future \ \ RBC Imagine explores disruptive new forces reshaping society. How will they play out and how can businesses and investors be ready?\ \ 17 min 3 min
Play episode
The Great Recalibration Offers a Roadmap to the Future - Strategic Alternatives
The Great Recalibration Offers a Roadmap to the Future
Episode 48 • 24th April 2026 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:17:44
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
From fragmenting global power to widening gaps in health and wealth, disruptive forces are reshaping industries, economies and societies. RBC’s latest Imagine research identifies five new converging themes and analyzes how they might play out. In this episode, Nik Modi, Global Co-Head of Consumer Research, and Robert Kwan, Head of Global Power Utilities and Infrastructure Research, look ahead to the implications for policy, trade, and individuals.
- Five new forces of exponential change are explored in RBC’s latest Imagine research.
- These cross-sector trends are reshaping individual consumer experiences as well as geopolitics.
- Transformative technologies are starting to revolutionize production and supply.
- Geopolitical convulsions provide an opportunity for North American energy export.
- Businesses need to adopt strategies to stay resilient and thrive in this dynamic environment.
Chapter Markers
- Introductions[00:10]
Host Joe Coletti introduces the podcast and guests: Nik Modi, Global Co-Head of Consumer Research, and Robert Kwan, Head of Global Power Utilities and Infrastructure Research. They summarize the RBC Imagine research project and the latest update, which identifies five new globally transformative forces.
- Consumer Experience[05:53]
The convergence of global forces is set to impact consumer experience and behavior, including through greater personalization. Retail and commerce can respond by transforming their business models.
- Tech and Energy[12:59]
Speed to market is driving datacenter development as technology growth and energy constraints converge. The aftermath of the Iran war provides opportunity for North America, and particularly Canada, to export more energy to countries that have relied on the Middle East.
- Responding to Cross-Sector Forces[14:11]
Companies can build resilience through measures such as partnerships, supply chain remodeling and employee training. Cross-sector opportunities are emerging from increasing energy demand.
Follow
Links
Chapters
00:00:00
00:00:10
Introductions
00:05:53
Consumer Experience
00:12:59
Tech and Energy
00:14:11
Responding to Cross-Sector Forces
Video
More from YouTube
MAR 27, 2026\ \ How Commerzbank sees the future of finance \ \ Commerzbank CEO Dr. Bettina Orlopp is driving the bank’s leadership on AI, cryptocurrency, and digital assets.\ \ 11 min 3 min
Play episode
How Commerzbank sees the future of finance - Strategic Alternatives
How Commerzbank sees the future of finance
Episode 47 • 27th March 2026 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:11:03
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
Developments in technology, sustainability, and global competition will reshape financial institutions. In a conversation at RBC Capital Markets’ Global Financial Institutions Conference, Dr. Bettina Orlopp, CEO of Germany’s Commerzbank, explains her organization’s approach to these forces.
Follow
Links
Chapters
Video
More from YouTube
Load more episodes
Have any feedback? Please share below.
Get the latest insights from Strategic Alternatives delivered to your inbox.
Listen and subscribe to other RBC Capital Markets podcasts.
Previous
Listen now Powering Sustainable Ideas
Powering Sustainable Ideas
Meet the leaders and companies powering the sustainable future.
Listen now Article on Markets in Motion
Markets in Motion
Fresh perspective and nuanced, data driven view of the forces shaping U.S. equity markets.
Listen now Macro Minutes
Macro Minutes
Macro and market strategy series – explores the latest financial market and economic developments.
Listen now Pathfinders in Biopharma
Pathfinders in Biopharma
Perspectives from the cutting edge of biotech and pharma.
Listen now Powering Sustainable Ideas
Powering Sustainable Ideas
Meet the leaders and companies powering the sustainable future.
Listen now Article on Markets in Motion
Markets in Motion
Fresh perspective and nuanced, data driven view of the forces shaping U.S. equity markets.
Listen now Macro Minutes
Macro Minutes
Macro and market strategy series – explores the latest financial market and economic developments.
Listen now Pathfinders in Biopharma
Pathfinders in Biopharma
Perspectives from the cutting edge of biotech and pharma.
Listen now Powering Sustainable Ideas
Powering Sustainable Ideas
Meet the leaders and companies powering the sustainable future.
Listen now Article on Markets in Motion
Markets in Motion
Fresh perspective and nuanced, data driven view of the forces shaping U.S. equity markets.
Listen now Macro Minutes
Macro Minutes
Macro and market strategy series – explores the latest financial market and economic developments.
Next
- Go to slide 1
- Go to slide 2
- Go to slide 3
- Go to slide 4
Stay informed
Get the latest insights from RBC Capital Markets delivered to your inbox.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Linkedin Autofill Sign in with LinkedIn
AutoFill your information
Yes, you may use the information I provide on this form to send me future insights from RBC Capital Markets. View Privacy Policy
Yes, you may use the information I provide on this form to send me future insights from RBC Capital Markets.
Sign up
Podcast Audio player
AI will not kill software – but vendors must pivot to survive - Strategic Alternatives
AI will not kill software – but vendors must pivot to survive
Episode 31 • 14th November 2025 • Strategic Alternatives • RBC Capital Markets
00:00:0000:19:43
1
Notes
Links
Follow
Notes
Links
Follow
Share Episode
ShareCopy link
Start at
EmbedCopy code
Download Audio Share to Facebook Share to X Share to LinkedIn
Shownotes
The prevailing bear case suggests AI's rapid rise is eclipsing traditional software growth. New research from RBC Capital Markets takes a more nuanced view. In this episode of Strategic Alternatives, Matthew Hedberg, Head of Global TIMT Research, and Nate Mahrer, TMT Desk Sector Strategist, examine why reports of software's decline have been overstated and discuss how software vendors can strategically position themselves to capitalize on AI opportunities.
Follow
Links
Chapters
Video
More from YouTube
Marketo Forms 2 Cross Domain request proxy frame