Ep 95: Breaking the Spell: Questioning the Narratives That Shape Our World - David Buckham
Following the release of The Spell, David Buckham joined Michael Avery to unpack the book’s key themes. Drawing on examples like Saudi Arabia’s Project NEOM and the global AI race, David explained how powerful narratives reveal the dangers of unchecked power, complicit institutions, and belief systems masquerading as progress.
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Ep 94: Measuring Progress: How African Markets Are Maturing - Jeff Gable & Precious Dube
In this episode, Michael Avery spoke with Jeff Gable, Chief Economist at Absa, and Precious Dube, Macroeconomist for Broader Africa at RMB, about the ninth annual Absa Africa Financial Markets Index, which measures financial market maturity across 29 African nations.
They discussed Africa’s growing financial resilience, progress in market reforms, and the continent’s shift from aid dependency to investment-led growth. Through examples across key economies, the conversation highlighted how reform, innovation, and regional collaboration are shaping Africa’s economic future.
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Ep 93: From Insight to Impact: Data as a Strategic Force in Banking - Prashant Rijhumal
To understand what it really takes to make data a strategic asset, Michael Avery was joined by Prashant Rijhumal, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at RMB.
They unpacked the changing relationship between data, human judgment, and AI - exploring how automation, predictive insights, and ethical governance are redefining decision-making in investment banking.
Prashant also shared practical lessons and a forward-looking view on how data leaders can bridge the gap between information and impact.
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Ep 92: Funding the Transition: Building South Africa’s Green Pipeline - Nunu Ngoasheng
In this episode, Michael Avery is joined by Nunu Ngoasheng, Lead of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Funding Platform, to discuss how her team is making sure climate finance reaches the communities that need it most. Nunu explains how the platform connects funders with grassroots projects and tackles barriers facing local enterprises. She also shares plans for a pooled funding model that unites investors and philanthropies to better support community-driven climate solutions — a step toward making South Africa’s energy transition truly “just”.
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Ep 91: From Risk to Resilience: African Banks and the Climate Imperative - Yaseen Lockhat
Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world, making climate risk not only a major financial challenge but also a growing opportunity for the continent’s banking sector. Michael Avery speaks with Yaseen Lockhat, Senior Specialist in Sustainable Finance at the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), about how this reality is pushing banks to adjust traditional risk models, data systems, and lending practices. The discussion highlights how African banks are evolving their approach to sustainability - turning climate challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and long-term impact.
The Monocle Banking Podcast, in partnership with esteemed financial journalist, Michael Avery, will explore the world of banking - beyond the vaults and virtual wallets. This weekly series will play host to some of the top minds in the banking industry from around the world.
South Africa