Reinsurance & resilience: Luxembourg’s evolving insurance ecosystem
Financial Services: What's up?
Release Date: 05/27/2025
Why Luxembourg became Europe's hub for private debt
Financial Services: What's up?
Private debt has grown rapidly across Europe over the past decade, filling financing gaps left by traditional banks and supporting mid-sized companies. But after years of strong growth, the asset class is now facing increased scrutiny: rising default rates, tougher market conditions, and questions around lending standards. In this episode, Sandra and Björn explore, with Nicolas Payet PwC's Alternatives industry Partner, the evolution of private debt and private credit. The discussion also looks at how the market is adapting, the role of private equity, and why Luxembourg has become a...
info_outline
Looking close, thinking far: the microscope & telescope of today's CEOs
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, Sandra and Björn are joined by Cécile Liegeois, PwC Luxembourg Clients & Markets Leader, to decode the key messages of PwC's 29th Global CEO Survey through the lens of the microscope and the telescope, a way of thinking that captures how leaders balance short‑term pressure with long‑term ambition. Together, they discuss how CEOs are responding to uncertainty in the age of AI, and what this means specifically for Luxembourg's financial services market. They explore why confidence is under strain, why cybersecurity and AI governance now dominate CEO agendas, and why...
info_outline
Inside Luxembourg’s ManCo shift: finance 2.0, tokenized Funds & the future of distribution
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, Sandra and Björn sit down with Michael Horvath, Partner at PwC Luxembourg for the Risk & Regulatory practice, and special guest Serge Weyland, CEO of ALFI, to discuss the latest insights from Luxembourg’s ManCo Barometer 2025. Together, they explore why the management company ecosystem remains resilient, from the rise of third‑party ManCos to Luxembourg’s growing role in private markets and cross‑border distribution. They also tackle the regulatory and market shifts shaping the next decade: new incentives attracting senior dealmakers, Europe’s push...
info_outline
$200 trillion, lower margins: the profitability paradox in Asset & Wealth Management
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, Sandra and Björn welcome Steven Libby, EMEA Asset & Wealth Management Leader to discuss PwC's latest research, Asset and Wealth Management Revolution 2025, and the paradox reshaping the industry. While global assets under management are expected to exceed $200 trillion by the end of the decade, asset managers are facing significant pressure on profitability. The conversation explores why margins are shrinking, how fee compression and rising costs are forcing firms to rethink their business models, and which strategic paths are most likely to succeed. From the...
info_outline
Europe's new security economy: inside the rise of defense financing
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, Sandra and Björn sit down with Catherine Rückel, Partner at PwC Luxembourg and special guest Matthias Wittenburg, Senior Executive Advisor at PwC Strategy& and current lieutenant colonel in the German Army, to explore one of the most fast-moving topics in Europe today: defense financing. Together, they explore why the defense landscape is shifting, from the rise in hybrid attacks to Europe’s growing need for resilience and strategic autonomy. They break down what this means for industry players: the surge in public spending, the emergence of dual-use...
info_outline
ETFs on the rise: why everyone’s talking about them
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, Sandra and Bjorn welcome Marius Pfeiffer, PwC Luxembourg’s ETF Leader, to unpack one of the biggest trends reshaping asset management: the explosive growth of ETFs. Together, they explore what’s driving this momentum, from cost efficiency and transparency to accessibility, and why both institutional and retail investors are fueling demand.
info_outline
From human-led to machine-partnered: the shift you can’t ignore
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, Sandra and Björn discuss the evolving role of technology in the financial services industry with Olivier Carré, Deputy Managing Partner and Technology & Transformation Leader at PwC Luxembourg. Based on the Nexus 2025 conference (but not only), Olivier shares his insights on how AI and cloud are reshaping business models, sourcing strategies, and human roles. From the shift toward centralised AI to the geopolitical implications of tech dominance, they, together, explore what companies need to navigate the next wave of transformation.
info_outline
Reinsurance & resilience: Luxembourg’s evolving insurance ecosystem
Financial Services: What's up?
In this episode, our hosts discuss the dynamics of Luxembourg’s insurance and reinsurance markets with Amandine Motte - Chief Executive Officer at Barents Reinsurance S.A. and Sylvia Pucar – Insurance Leader at PwC Luxembourg. From Brexit’s impact to Luxembourg’s rise as an EU hub, our guests unpack market trends, regulatory strengths, and growth opportunities.
info_outline
What’s on the minds of Luxembourg CEOs in 2025?
Financial Services: What's up?
Join hosts Sandra and Björn as they welcome François Mousel, Managing Partner at PwC Luxembourg, to explore the Luxembourg findings of the 2025 Global CEO Survey. In this episode, they discuss how CEOs are adapting to ongoing disruption, driving digital transformation, and rethinking their strategies for sustainable growth. From talent and technology to resilience and local innovation, listen to the trends shaping executive decision-making in an ever evolving and uncertain landscape.
info_outline
Behind the Scenes: Luxembourg's Innovation Highlights
Financial Services: What's up?
Join hosts Sandra and Björn as they explore the world of innovation in Luxembourg with special guest Sasha Baillie, the CEO of Luxinnovation since 2018. In this episode, they discuss Sasha's journey from being a Luxembourg diplomat to leading the national innovation agency, the key drivers behind innovation in the country, the agency's role in fostering economic growth, and the strategies and challenges in attracting global companies to the Grand Duchy.
info_outline