Now more than ever, governments around the world are recognising the importance of partnership with the private sector to deliver transformational investment re...
In this episode of Talking Global Infrastructure, we explore the multifaceted world of sustainability and ESG. Vlad Benn, GIIA’s Policy and Research Manager, is joined by Natalie Sinha, Head of Sustainability for UBS Asset Management’s Infrastructure Investments platform. Together, they discuss the current state of ESG, opportunities for investors, its integration into asset management, and the challenges posed by greenwashing, regulatory complexity, and political pushback.
Whether you're an infrastructure investor, policy advocate, or sustainability enthusiast, this discussion provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ESG and examines how it’s shaping sustainable investment and influencing the future of global infrastructure.
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Episode 27: Key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future for investors
Political shifts, market challenges, and sector opportunities—what do investors think about the future of global infrastructure?
In this episode of Talking Global Infrastructure, we discuss the findings from our Q4 2024 Pulse Survey, reflecting on the key trends that have shaped infrastructure investment throughout 2024 and exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for investors in 2025.
GIIA's Simon Montague is joined by experts from Alvarez & Marsal: Wayne Jephson, based in London, Jay Moody based in the U.S., and Craig Forrest, lead for Europe to delve into the survey's key insights. They highlight post-election optimism in the U.S., driven by reduced regulation and energy dominance, alongside challenges for renewable energy; Europe's political uncertainty, which weighs on investor sentiment, despite resilience in sustainable energy and data centres; and the UK’s lagging investor confidence, where unattractive regulation in the water and fiber sectors remains a barrier, even as the new Labour government prioritises private investment.
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Episode 26: Investing in APAC
In Episode 26, GIIA's chief executive, Jon Phillips, explores the promising investment landscape in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, driven by a US $1.7 trillion annual infrastructure gap. Recorded following GIIA's member conference in Singapore, this episode features insights from Deepali Bahl, Managing Director at Augment Infrastructure; Gerald Licnachan, a Partner at CMS based in Singapore; and Kristy Duane, Co-Head of Infrastructure at CMS.
The conversation covers APAC’s rapid urbanisation, a growing middle class, and favourable policies for foreign investment, positioning the region for substantial infrastructure expansion. Key growth areas highlighted include digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and mid-market investments, with local expertise essential for navigating regulatory diversity and seizing market opportunities.
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Episode 25: How AI is redefining the investment landscape
In this episode, we provide a comprehensive look at how AI is reshaping the infrastructure sector and where investors might find the most promising opportunities.
Delving into the impacts of AI on data centres, particularly in terms of energy consumption, regulatory hurdles, and the high costs involved, we explore the broader digital infrastructure essential for supporting AI's growth, emerging technologies and the trends that are likely to drive future investments in this field.
Guests Alexandre Villela from Digital Bridge and Brian Burns from PwC join host Nick, Elliott, GIIA's UK Policy & Public Affairs Manager, to provide an insight into the concept of AI as a new form of infrastructure, underscoring its increasing significance in the investment landscape.
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Episode 24: Investor Spotlight - Niall Mills
In a unique episode of Talking Global Infrastructure, GIIA’s Senior Communications Manager Claire McWatt interviews Niall Mills, Managing Partner and Global Head of Igneo Infrastructure Partners. Igneo, a subsidiary of First Sentier Investors, manages over $18.8 billion in infrastructure assets across 200 clients.
Niall shares his journey from civil engineering to infrastructure investment, highlighting his extensive background and passion for the field. He values the significance of learning, mentorship, and long-term career planning in the infrastructure sector, emphasising how these elements contribute to a successful and fulfilling career.
Discussing Igneo's commitment to sustainability, Niall highlights the importance of creating long-term value for communities and the environment, delivering promised returns to investors, and underscoring the need for transparent communication with pension fund members, ensuring they understand the investments and their positive impacts.
He shares examples of successful projects, such as the world's largest battery-powered ferry and the reintroduction of Iberian wolves in Portugal and looks ahead to future investments in next-generation carbon production.
Now more than ever, governments around the world are recognising the importance of partnership with the private sector to deliver transformational investment required to meet global challenges. GIIA, along with with experts in the industry, will be discussing areas that provide both challenges and opportunities in addressing the ways in which we can close the gap in infrastructure investment.
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