Episode 130 – The Three Rs of International Finance: Rapid Growth, Resilience, and Reengineering - with IIF CEO Tim Adams

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Tim Adams, President and CEO of the IIF, to kick off the new year with a forward-looking discussion on the forces set to shape global finance in 2026 as financial leaders prepare for the IIF’s annual board meetings and convene in Davos.

Drawing on Tim’s extensive global engagement with policymakers and industry leaders, the conversation explores the macro forces most likely to matter in the year ahead, from geoeconomic risk and innovation to growth opportunities and overlooked vulnerabilities. Clay and Tim also discuss the regulatory themes expected to shape strategy in 2026, including how financial institutions can navigate fragmentation in trade, sanctions, and industrial policy without overreacting.

The episode concludes with practical guidance for financial services leaders planning for the year ahead, as well as a look at what to expect from on-the-ground conversations at Davos and how increased U.S. engagement could influence the broader World Economic Forum agenda.

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.