Topic: Macro Overview - Markets in the rising tides of populism and geopolitics

Speaker: Dr. Martin Schröder, Head of FX and Derivatives, SMBC Bank EU

Presentation: 
 Dr. Schröder will talk about Geopolitics and insights from research about this topic in his team at SMBC Bank EU

• Geopolitics and populism are increasing uncertainty and risk
• Fiscal policy is re-emerging and asserting dominance
• Inflation & Financial Repression risks are rising  

Speaker's bio: 
Dr. Martin Schröder is an experienced investment banker specializing in fixed income, derivatives, and corporate treasury solutions. As Executive Director at SMBC Bank EU AG, he leads FX and interest rate derivative sales, advising multinational corporations and financial institutions on risk management, debt structuring, and asset-liability matching. He has extensive expertise in balance sheet optimization, liquidity management, and hedging strategies, supporting treasury functions in achieving funding stability. His career spans roles at RBS and Nomura, focusing on structured financing, M&A-related hedging, and regulatory capital-efficient solutions. Holding a Ph.D. in Information Engineering, he integrates data-driven insights into financial decision-making. Martin has also contributed to AI-driven innovations in front-office applications and is an active investor and mentor in blockchain, DeFi, and fintech startups.