Talking Global Infrastructure

Episode 28: The evolving landscape of sustainability

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Episode: 'Bridging the gap' with ASCE

How can the U.S. sustain for the long term what has been a massive increase in infrastructure investment since 2021, following the passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act?
That has been the question at the heart of this year’s Infrastructure Week in Washington D.C., where the ASCE published its appropriately titled report ‘Bridging the Gap’, warning that the Federal Government must maintain the same baseline of funding after these two giant infrastructure bills expire in 2026. And that all levels of government must collaborate with the private sector to further support the country’s vital needs.
Jon Phillips, chief executive of GIIA, met up with Marsia Geldert-Murphey, president of the ASCE,  in Washington D.C. to talk about progress so far, and what needs to happen next.

Episode 23: Key trends driving investment

In recent years, the infrastructure landscape has undergone a significant transformation. As the global economy grapples with the aftermath of a pandemic, and ambitious targets to reach net zero across the world, the need for robust and resilient infrastructure has never been more pressing. With high competition for private capital, governments across the world are working to ensure they put in place the right environment to attract investment.
In this episode, we discuss the latest trends in infrastructure investment, following the recently published results of our latest Infrastructure Pulse Survey. Economic uncertainties and political shifts across Europe and the US are shaping investment trends in critical sectors such as data centres, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Regulatory environments and policy changes are key drivers influencing where and how investments are made. We delve into insights into these dynamics, helping listeners to navigate the complexities of the global infrastructure market.
Joining Harvey Chandler, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at GIIA, are industry experts from Alvarez & Marsal: Wayne Jephson, Jay Moody, and Michael Farkas.

Episode 22: The future of the bipartisan infrastructure bills

In this episode, hosts Simon Montague, Director of Corporate Affairs, and David Quam, Senior US Advisor to GIIA, provide insights from Washington DC during Infrastructure Week and discuss the significance of its role in advocating for increased investment in American infrastructure.
They also delve into highlights of the recently launched report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which emphasises the importance of forward-looking policies and public-private collaboration, to enable the US to remain as the top destination for global infrastructure investment.
The episode also features an interview with Giancarlo Peressutti from IFM Investors, who reflects on the tangible progress made during this year’s Infrastructure Week, as well as Sia Kusha from Plenary Americas, discussing the effectiveness of the bipartisan infrastructure bills and the crucial decisions Congress faces as they approach expiration.

Episode 21: Making 'Cents' of Funding the Green Transition

In the transition towards a greener future, substantial investments are imperative for renewable energy projects and sustainable infrastructure developments. But where does the funding come from, and how is it being deployed to tackle the immense challenges posed by climate change?
 
GIIA's Policy and Research Manager Vlad Benn is joined by CMS's Ana Radnev, a Partner specialising in International Finance and Sustainability based in Bucharest and Francis Beechinor-Collins, an Associate in the Energy and Infrastructure team based in London, to delve into the intricate landscape of climate finance. Together they explore the strategies, successes, and stumbling blocks the infrastructure sector faces and provide an insight as to how private investors are reshaping their portfolios to align with environmental objectives, driving innovation, and catalysing positive change.

Episode 20: In Berlin as GIIA tops 100, and members explore new markets

In this special episode of Talking Global Infrastructure, we celebrate GIIA passing the 100 members milestone from Berlin, where our Membership Officer Sophia Taylor was on the ground to catch up with some of our members about the growth of the industry, and what’s next for infrastructure investors globally. 
We’re joined by GIIA’s Chief Executive Jon Phillips to reflect on the growth of the association and how we will continue to work for our members in years to come, as well as Gautam Bhandari, Chief Investment Officer at I Squared, who delves into the developing opportunities for the private sector in the United States; Viktor Kats, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Augment Infrastructure, to explore the momentum for sustainable infrastructure in growth markets; and Mark Hector, Head of Infrastructure at Aware Super, to reflect on the growth of the sector from its early origins in Australia to a globally established feature of pension fund portfolios.