From Washington, D.C. to financial centers around the world, Current Account brings listeners inside the conversations shaping the global economy. Each week, Institute of International Finance Executive Vice President Clay Lowery draws on his years at the U.S. Treasury and as a leader in the private sector to explore the intersection of geopolitics, markets, technology, debt, elections, and other forces transforming the financial system. Joined by industry experts and business leaders, each episode examines what matters most for the global financial industry and what comes next.
Episode 163 – Driven by Legacy? — Brazil and the Anti-Incumbency Shuffle
A surprising comeback has given President Lula a historic fourth term, but governing Brazil may prove more difficult than winning the election. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Christopher Garman, Managing Director for the Americas at Eurasia Group, to unpack what drove Lula’s victory and what comes next.
They discuss the fiscal and economic challenges facing the new administration, the future of Brazil’s political right, and what investors will be watching as Lula begins another term. The conversation also looks beyond Brazil’s borders, exploring the country’s growing importance in energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and global trade, as well as how Lula may navigate relationships with the United States, China, and other major partners.
This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, and managed by Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.
26 Oct 2026
Episode 162 – France, the Sick Man of Europe — What Comes Next?
France is facing a pivotal moment as political gridlock, mounting fiscal pressures, and public unrest converge ahead of next year’s presidential election. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Guillaume de Calignon, an international economics journalist at Les Echos, to unpack the forces driving France’s political and economic uncertainty.
They discuss the roots of the country’s recent protests, the erosion of France’s political center and the challenges facing the next government as it confronts weak growth, high debt and persistent deficits. The conversation also examines what the presidential election could mean for France’s economic direction and how domestic political challenges could reshape the country’s influence within Europe.
This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, and managed by Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.
19 Oct 2026
Episode 161 – The Elephant in the Room — Lessons From Bangkok
From artificial intelligence to sovereign debt and defense finance, a wide range of risks and opportunities dominated discussions in Bangkok. In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Brad Carr, Executive for Geopolitical Risk at National Australia Bank, to reflect on the major themes emerging from the 2026 IIF Annual Membership Meeting and IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings.
They explore the growing implications of AI competition and AI-enabled cyber risks, rising bond yields and fiscal pressures in developed economies, and the expanding role of private capital in financing defense and resilience. The conversation also examines how businesses and governments can adapt to geopolitical disruption by strengthening supply chains, infrastructure, and economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.
Who has been a guest on Current Account with Clay Lowery
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Conan French
Carsten Brzeski
Garbis Iradian
Ivan Burgara
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
90
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
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