ISSUE #1
"May You Live In
Interesting Times"
Interesting Times"
~ Ancient Chinese Proverb
Interesting Times delivers curated articles about events and trends that lie outside lenders’ conventional view of borrower risk. It helps them understand how changes in the global macroeconomy impact their lending and risk mitigation strategies.
Supply Storm: DHL Flags Top 5 Global Risks
Global Package and Logistics player DHL has published a comprehensive report on the top 5 global supply chain risks. First among the risks is extreme weather, a timely forecast given the hurricanes that recently pummeled the Southeastern US. Rounding out the top 5 are commodity shortages, geopolitical instability, protectionist policies and environmental regulation. Read More >>
Banks Join Forces to Capture $1.7T Private Credit Market
Big banks and private equity firms are forming alliances to capture a larger share of the $1.7 trillion private credit market. Recent partnerships include Citigroup and Apollo, BNP Paribas and Atlas, and Wells Fargo with Centerbridge Partners, allowing the banks to offer private financing options without holding debt on their balance sheets. Private credit has grown rapidly, with experts predicting $5-$6 trillion in loans shifting from banks to private lenders over the next decade. Banks without such partnerships will have to evolve their lending strategies to compete in the new environment. Read More >>
Cyber-Attack Hits American Water, Billing Paused Amid Rising Threats
American Water, the largest U.S. water utility, reported a cyber-attack on October 3, affecting internal systems, the latest in a growing trend of cybersecurity breaches in major companies. As a precaution, the company paused billing and is working with law enforcement to investigate. This breach highlights cybersecurity challenges in U.S. critical infrastructure, particularly in underfunded sectors like water utilities, facing increasing threats from a broad array of actors. Read More >>
Hurricane Milton Puts $30B in Florida Municipal Debt at Risk
Hurricane Milton is threatening Florida’s debt, placing $30 billion in municipal debt at risk, including bonds for hospitals, utilities, and senior living facilities. Florida's borrowers have recently tapped debt markets to support infrastructure due to population growth. While municipal defaults from storms are rare, recent storms highlight concerns over climate risks in the debt market. Florida’s reinsurance program and FEMA’s disaster funds may provide support despite potential financial strain. Read More >>
In an uncertain world, your best protection is a well-trained team.
Fortify your team’s skills with Shockproof Training.
Fortify your team’s skills with Shockproof Training.