Planning your time at Invisso and AFME’s Global ABS conference is annual struggle, and requests for meetings and party invitations tend to pile up. To help avoid the regret that you didn’t make it to any panels, there's an extra day this year. Even better, GlobalCapital has picked out the ones not to miss this year.
Keynote: FSB project, with Benjamin Weigert – June 4, 12:15-13:00
Behind the acronym hides a rare chance to hear about the Financial Stability Board’s work straight from the source. Benjamin Weigert has been director general for financial stability at Deutsche Bundesbank since 2016. He works with central banks, finance ministries and finance watchdogs across the world to ensure financial stability, the foundation of our economies and societies. We expect fascinating views from the control room of international financial systems.
Track A: Traders’ Roundtable – June 4, 16:10-17:00
No one has their finger on the pulse quite like a trader, so it's crucial to attend this panel to hear what Invisso’s website says will be a “traders’ perspectives on current market issues and capital treatment EU vs UK”. As ever, conference organisers Invisso and AFME have delivered a strong line-up for this panel with big players represented.
A considerable section of last year’s discussion focussed on how interest rates might move. Now there is more certainty there, it will be fascinating to hear how the panellists think that affects the market.
Track A: Economic & Regulatory Drivers for Securitisation – June 5, 14:30-15:20
Some the most experienced practitioners in the market make this panel a must not miss. Invisso’s website succinctly summarises the panel as covering, the “impact of monetary policy and prudential regulation on market activity and credit quality”.
It is a crucial topic, though perhaps not one that comes up during everyday work for most people. In other words, it's perfect for a conference. There are only 50 minutes allocated to this panel for a topic that could be discussed for hours, so every insight should be high quality.
Exploring The Middle Market: Considerations & The Latest Developments in Specialty Finance and Direct Lending – June 6, 13:10-14:00
In the good old tradition of saving the best for last, the conference should end on a high. At that sweet hour when the Wednesday night hangover has subsided but the rush to the airport is still a moment away, six coryphes of the world of direct lending will discuss the latest developments in this booming market.
Europe is still grappling with ratings problems and portfolio diversity, but CLOs are a core tool to finance middle market lending. The panel reads like the one-stop shop for the latest trends and ideas from both sides of the pond.
Another Fine Mezz: Live! – June 4, 14:10-14:50
Last but not least, join us for the first ever live recording of our securitization podcast, Another Fine Mezz, which will take place on the spotlight stage in the exhibition hall.
Alongside discussing the biggest news of the week and what to expect from this week in Barcelona, we'll be getting into the best (and worst) merch, and the hottest parties. With Victoria covering CLOs, George on ABS and Tom as a rare regulation lover, expect a light-hearted but informative look at all things securitization, as well as some of the best stories from Global ABS in years gone by.