Macro Matters

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming financial services, but where will it have the greatest impact? Recorded live at Point Zero Forum in Zurich, this episode of Macro Matters features BWC Executive Director Emily Slater in conversation with Sarah Hammer on the launch of BWC's latest report, Generative AI and the Transformation of Risk Management and Compliance . Together, they explore...

In the wake IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings 2026, Gerry Rice joins Emily Slater to unpack a week shaped by geopolitical tension, fragile economic sentiment, and record attendance in Washington. They assess the mood of the meetings, key takeaways from the IMF and World Bank—including expanded financing commitments—and what recent outcomes from the WTO Ministerial signal for the future of global...

Stablecoins are no longer experimental; they are becoming a core part of global finance, raising new questions about regulation, monetary sovereignty, and the future of financial infrastructure. In this episode of Macro Matters, Heath Tarbert joins Emily Slater to discuss the rise of stablecoins, the evolving regulatory frameworks, and how global approaches—from Washington to Singapore—are shaping...

Latin America finds itself in a pivotal moment. Fresh from CAF’s Economic Forum in Panama City, this episode of Macro Matters explores how the region is navigating a shifting global order, renewed U.S. engagement in the Western Hemisphere, and growing momentum around regional integration. Susan Segal joins host Emily Slater to unpack key takeaways from the conference, discuss why integration has r...

India’s economic momentum is reshaping the global landscape. From rapid growth and expanding trade ties to digital innovation and a multi-alignment foreign policy, India is emerging as a central player in the world economy. In this episode, Udaibir S. Das joins host Emily Slater to unpack what’s fueling India’s rise, how its strategic choices are landing on the global stage, and what this means fo...

Recorded during the week of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, this episode of Macro Matters features Joaquim Levy. As the world enters an era of multipolar competition and rising protectionism, Brazil has taken an approach defined by economic resilience, pragmatic diplomacy, and "Active Non-Alignment." We'll be discussing the drivers behind this recent growth, Brazil's role within an expande...

For this special edition of Macro Matters, Stefan Ingves joins us in Switzerland during the BIS Innovation Summit to continue the conversation on future-proofing central banks amid a rapidly changing global financial landscape. Central banks face mounting pressures—from persistent inflation and political scrutiny to diverging policy paths around the world. At the same time, financial innovation is...

Central banking is at a crossroads. From inflation and dollar dominance to executive orders and rapid financial innovation, the Fed faces no shortage of challenges. In this episode, Bill Dudley joins host Emily Slater to discuss how the Fed and other central banks are navigating these pressures, what to expect from the September FOMC, and what central bank independence really means in today’s glob...

After decades of bipartisan support, US foreign aid architecture is undergoing significant structural and political shifts. Recent developments include a restructuring of USAID, growing support for institutions like the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and changing perspectives on multilateral engagement. With this in mind, we're asking what are the Trump administration’s priorities whe...

As global crises mount and budgets tighten, governments are rethinking how—and even whether—they deliver foreign aid. Once a cornerstone of international cooperation, foreign aid is now under growing scrutiny. On this episode of Macro Matters, Baroness Minouche Shafik joins BWC Executive Director Emily Slater to answer "Foreign Aid's Future: Crisis, Course Correction, or Comeback?" With decades of...

On this week's episode of Macro Matters, BWC Executive Director Emily Slater is joined by Nancy Jacklin to discuss whether the global economic architecture and the Bretton Woods institutions are equipped for today's global economy. Nancy is a former U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund. She served as Assistant General Counsel for the Federal Reserve Board of governors and an...

In the inaugural episode of Macro Matters, BWC Members and IMF experts, Mark Sobel and Elizabeth Shortino, sit down with Emily to discuss the current state of the IMF’s role in the global economy and recent reform proposals. Mark Sobel is the U.S. Chair of OMFIF and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Monetary and Financial Policy at the U.S. Treasury. Elizabeth Shortino is the Man...

The Bretton Woods Committee is pleased to announce the launch of Macro Matters, our newest podcast hosted by Executive Director Emily Slater. Each episode, global experts from BWC's membership offer clear-eyed analysis on global economic policy.