Converge

Convera

Converge explores the growing intersection of traditional finance (TradFi), Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and financial technology (Fintech) in a time of unprecedented technological advancement and change in financial services. As the world moves fast towards an internet-native financial system, the sharpest minds in finance and technology come together to share the latest innovations in blockchain, AI, and more.

The Market Update is sub-series of global market news covering the latest news and macroeconomic events impacting trade, payments and FX, with forward-guidance for businesses.

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20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 18 min
English

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#147
October 6 · 18 min
Euro crisis 2.0? France puts markets on alert
French sovereign stress has returned to the centre of the FX conversation. As bond spreads widen and political uncertainty complicates the path toward fiscal consolidation, Kevin Ford and George Vessey consider whether comparisons with the original euro crisis are justified and what the fallout means for the euro, sterling and the ECB. The conversation then turns to the dollar’s resilience, the retreat from crowded EM carry trades and a tougher Q4 in which policy credibility and economic fundamentals may matter more than yield alone. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#146
September 22 · 13 min
The Volatility Gap
Moving money internationally has become faster, cheaper, and easier but none of this solves the business challenges caused by currency volatility. Head of Market Insights, Steven Dooley and Content Lead, Ingmar Apinis, talk about the impact FX volatility can have on margins, cash flow, and forecasting, how businesses can rethink the relationship between payments and risk management and what global currency management looks like in practice.
#145
September 8 · 9 min
Markets rattled: Rising yields, Fed hike fears and a yen surge
Rising bond yields, hawkish Fed signals and higher oil prices drove markets, while a sharp USD/JPY sell-off added volatility. The US dollar found support from stronger US jobs data, while the Japanese yen outperformed on BOJ tightening expectations and intervention speculation. Friday US inflation report is the key event to watch. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#144
August 25 · 19 min
Is this 2025 Déjà Vu? Debt, Yields and Dollar Doubt
A relatively small Treasury intervention has sent a much larger signal across global markets. After the US announced plans to double its long-end buybacks, yields briefly retreated and the dollar came under pressure, bringing debt sustainability and policy credibility back into focus. In this Converge Market Update, Kevin Ford, Steve Dooley and Antonio Ruggiero discuss whether this is 2025 déjà vu and assess the outlook for the dollar, euro, sterling and APAC currencies heading into September. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#143
August 11 · 24 min
Markets looking through the risks
Markets continue to look through a growing list of risks. Despite ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, elevated oil prices, sticky inflation and the prospect of further central bank tightening, equities remain near record highs and volatility sits close to yearly lows. In this week's episode, George Vessey is joined by Steven Dooley and Kevin Ford to discuss whether investors have become comfortably complacent. The team explores the global macro backdrop, the implications of a surprisingly weak US payrolls report, what next week's US CPI means for the Federal Reserve, and the outlook for the USD, EUR, JPY, AUD and CAD. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#142
July 28 · 18 min
Managing currency risk in an uncertain world
How should businesses manage currency risk when volatility strikes? Convera's Rob Goldberg shares practical insights on hedging, USD exposure, geopolitical uncertainty and market sell-offs, explaining how CFOs and business leaders can manage margins, improve certainty and make better decisions in unpredictable markets. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#141
July 14 · 17 min
Geopolitics back in the spotlight
Markets have spent much of 2026 shrugging off geopolitical flare-ups and refocusing on fundamentals: inflation, labour markets, growth and interest rates. But with tensions between the US and Iran escalating again, energy prices jumping higher, and bond yields marching higher, investors are beginning to pay closer attention to geopolitical risks. In this week's podcast, George Vessey is joined by Steven Dooley to discuss whether recent developments in the Middle East are changing the market narrative, or simply adding another layer of complexity to an environment still dominated by monetary policy. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#140
June 30 · 18 min
A decade after Brexit
Ten years on from the Brexit referendum, the shock might be over but its effects on sterling remain. Steven Dooley speaks to George Vessey and Antonio Ruggiero about how Brexit redefined the pound’s trading level and risk dynamics, and what that means for businesses managing FX exposure today. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#139
June 16 · 16 min
Iran peace deal and the future of payments
What does this week's US–Iran peace deal mean for APAC FX? Shier Lee Lim breaks it down, while Ingmar Apinis dives into Payments 2026+: Liquidity in Motion — Convera’s latest report on how cross-border payments are evolving. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#138
June 2 · 14 min
Headline markets and a paralyzed FX tape
This week’s FX Weekly podcast unpacks a market that looks stable on the surface but lacks real conviction underneath. George Vessey is joined by Steven Dooley and Antonio Ruggiero to explore how unresolved geopolitics, sticky inflation, and shifting central bank dynamics are shaping FX. The team dives into softer yet still inflationary US data, the Fed’s constrained outlook, and the RBNZ’s hawkish pivot. They also assess why currencies like GBP are drifting without a clear catalyst. The discussion concludes with what could finally break the current range - from Middle East developments to key US data - and what it means for the dollar and broader FX markets. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
May 19 · 16 min
Markets Under Pressure: Yields, Tension, and the Dollar Surge
George Vessey and Antonio Ruggiero join from London with host Steven Dooley. In this episode, the team unpacks a volatile moment for global markets, with rising bond yields, persistent geopolitical tension, and a stronger US dollar shaping the macro narrative. They explore what’s driving the latest market moves, how shifting rate expectations are impacting currencies, and why the dollar continues to assert its dominance. The conversation also touches on what this means for businesses navigating cross-border risk, and the key signals to watch in the weeks ahead. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
April 8 · 41 min
How to build onchain rails banks actually want to run, with Tesser
In this episode, Alex Lawrence, Alanna Frost and Akash Patel sit down with Geetha Panchapakesan, Founder and CEO of Tesser and Dana Weinstein, Head of Product and Operations at Tesser to unpack why cross-border payments are still so broken, how stablecoins can make money movement faster and more predictable, and why banks and PSPs don’t need to become crypto startups to get on chain. They also explore the hidden costs of pre-funding, the pressure on financial institutions to modernize, and what it takes to build compliant infrastructure for the future of payments. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#135
April 1 · 12 min
Market update: Q1 2026 market review - Volatile geopolitics, AI, and market uncertainty
In this Market Update, host Alex Lawrence sits down with Kevin Ford to break down a volatile Q1 2026 shaped by geopolitical shocks, uneven market performance, and rising uncertainty around inflation and growth. They discuss how the US‑Iran conflict, higher oil prices, and tightening financial conditions are affecting markets—alongside pressure from large‑scale AI spending and growing concerns in private credit. Looking ahead, the conversation explores what could come next if tensions persist into Q2, including the potential impact on inflation, central bank policy, currencies, and risk appetite. Topics covered include:• Geopolitics as the dominant driver of markets• Equity performance across regions and major tech names• AI investment, private credit stress, and investor concern• Oil prices, inflation risks, and central bank positioning• What markets may be pricing in as Q2 begins Follow Converge for regular market updates and insights into the forces shaping global finance. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
March 25 · 26 min
Building Trust in Global Digital Infrastructure with The Hashgraph Group | Hedera
This week, we sat down with Stefan Deiss, CEO of The Hashgraph Group, to discuss the transformative potential of Hedera Hashgraph in cross-border payments, digital identity, ESG markets, and enterprise solutions. Stefan reveals how trust, transparency, and innovative projects are shaping the future of digital infrastructure, with highlights of impactful financial services projects built for the Hedera Hashgraph ecosystem, one of the most promising public blockchains for enterprise use cases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hashgraph and DLT 02:58 The Role of Hashgraph in Cross-Border Payments 06:08 Hashgraph Group's Mission and Enterprise Solutions 09:09 Venture Fund and Investment Thesis 11:59 Web3 Development and Hackathons in Africa 14:50 Innovative Projects for Financial Inclusion 18:06 Partnerships with Consultancy Firms 20:58 Regulatory Compliance and Product Launches 24:08 Conversations from Davos and Industry Insights Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
March 18 · 10 min
Market Update: AI-driven froth, middle east volatility shake up markets
This week, host Alex Lawrence sat down with FX and Macro Analyst Antonio Ruggiero to analyze the impact of the escalating Middle East conflict on global markets, central bank policies, and the US dollar. They explore how geopolitical tensions influence energy prices, inflation expectations, and currency dynamics, providing insights for investors navigating uncertain times. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
March 9 · 20 min
A Career Crossing Borders: Female Leadership and the Future of Payments with Convera CCO Meaghan Riley.
This week, host Alex Lawrence sat down with Meaghan Riley, newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Convera, to dive into her journey as a female leader in tech and finance in celebration of International Women's Day. Meaghan shares her views on the importance of diversity and inclusion, and explores the future of cross-border payments and AI in financial services where the signal is going beyond the noise. Meaghan also shares her practical advice for women in fintech, the impact of global culture on leadership, and how Convera is specifically innovating in the payments industry as it enters a transformative year for cross border commerce and global money movement. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#131
March 4 · 14 min
Market Update: Fast-moving conflict roils markets, fueling oil-led macro risks
In this episode, Steven Dooley, head of market insights at Convera, discusses the recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, their impact on global markets, oil prices, safe havens, and implications for risk management and macroeconomic outlooks. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#130
February 25 · 13 min
Market Update: AI's disruptive impact amidst ongoing tariff uncertainty
On this episode of Converge, host Alex Lawrence sits down with market strategist George Vessey to unpack the chaos shaping today’s global economy. From the shockwaves of AI disruption to mounting trade friction and escalating geopolitical tensions, George breaks down what’s driving the turbulence — and what it all means for investors trying to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
February 18 · 30 min
The Trust Factor: Solving the Cross-Border Verification Gap with IPID
Join host Alex Lawrence, Akash Patel and Alanna Frost of Convera as they sit down with Damian Dugauquier, co-founder and CEO of IPID (International Payment Identity). With experience at SWIFT, Damian and his team are building the "seat belts" for the global financial highway. In this episode, we dive into: The Power of the "Green Tick": How real-time account verification is revolutionizing user experience and building ironclad trust. Beyond Speed and Cost: Damian shares three "unsexy" but transformative shifts in cross-border payments, from the explosion of rail optionality to the power of inbound tracking. The Mission for Universal Validation: Why the end goal is a world where every payment—domestic or cross-border—is pre-verified before a single cent moves. They also discuss the challenges and improvements in the payment landscape, the role of partnerships in enhancing payment verification, and the future of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust, user experience, and global coverage in payment verification solutions. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.
#127
February 11 · 9 min
Market Update: Jobs report surprises amidst AI boom and K-shaped recovery
In this episode, Alex Lawrence and Kevin Ford break down the latest US job numbers and what they reveal about the current state of the economy. Their conversation examines the fragility of the labor market, the unexpected job growth seen in January, and the growing disconnect between economic expansion and job creation. They also discuss how AI is influencing productivity and employment trends, as well as the uneven pace of economic recovery across different income groups. Together, these insights offer a snapshot of today’s evolving economic environment, marked by a “jobless boom” and the complexities introduced by rapid technological change. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

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