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 growing dominance of private markets to the impact of digitalisation, tokenization and talent transformation, the episode offers clear insights into how asset managers can compete for relevance and return in a rapidly changing landscape.

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 innovation, and the new opportunities (and challenges) for private companies entering the sector for the first time. The conversation also highlights Luxembourg's pivotal role in financing defense-related infrastructure, cybersecurity, and venture capital initiatives.

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.

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.

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.