Episode Overview

In this episode, host Filip Brokes sits down with Carsten Giersch, Senior Partner at Berlin Risk Advisors and Managing Partner at ALL AML, for a wide-ranging discussion on how geopolitical events affect global financial markets. Recorded live at the FIBE conference in Berlin, this conversation dives into topics such as current trade tensions, the psychological dimensions of policy decisions, and how both businesses and governments can respond to shifting geopolitical landscapes.

Key Topics & Takeaways

1. Carsten’s Background
   • Academic history in Political Science, with a focus on international relations and conflicts.
   • Move to consultancy 15 years ago, co-founding Berlin Risk Advisors and ALL AML.
   • Specialization in due diligence investigations, integrity checks, and external money-laundering compliance.
2. The Trump Era and Geopolitical Shifts
   • How President Trump’s approach changed the global risk climate.
   • The interplay of “hard” geopolitical risks with “soft” psychological factors in policy-making.
   • The concept of an “imperial presidency” and how it erodes traditional checks and balances.
3. Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies
   • The legal loophole behind imposing tariffs through a declared “national emergency.”
   • Potential consequences of escalating trade wars on global markets.
   • Why perceptions of fairness and status matter more than purely rational economic logic.
4. European Responses and Strategies
   • The possibility of EU retaliation via tariffs and/or regulatory measures on services.
   • Alternative strategies for Europe: new free trade agreements, investment in AI, green tech, and collaborative defense.
   • The need for regulatory balance: building resilience (e.g., through AML regulations) without stifling innovation.
5. Cultural Factors in Entrepreneurship
   • Comparing U.S. risk culture to Europe’s more conservative regulatory environment.
   • Potential reforms in education and policy to foster entrepreneurial spirit within the EU.
6. Outlook for Globalization
   • Why the rise of nationalist sentiments doesn’t necessarily mean an end to globalization.
   • The importance of free trade partnerships, from Latin America to Asia, for Europe’s future.
   • Opportunities for the EU to play a leading role in an era of uncertainty.

Quotes

• “It’s both about hard facts on one hand and about psychology on the other.”
  Carsten on why Trump’s policies have sparked greater volatility than previous administrations.
• “Loss aversion and status-based motivations can drive political decisions more than raw economic logic.”
  Carsten highlighting the psychological underpinnings of trade wars.
• “This crisis is also an opportunity for the EU to define a more progressive, open-minded agenda.”
  Carsten discussing how Europe can capitalize on U.S. isolationism to strengthen its own competitiveness.

References & Further Reading

• Berlin Risk Advisors – https://berlinrisk.com/
• ALL AML – https://allaml.eu/
• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (1977) – The U.S. legislation Trump invoked to impose tariffs - https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618

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• Website: https://berlinrisk.com/

In this episode of Integrity Insights, host Filip Brokes is joined by two seasoned experts to discuss information security, an increasingly crucial issue impacting businesses and institutions globally.

Filip speaks with Annette Farrenkopf, Information Security Officer at Berlin Risk Advisors, and Christian Stehle, Founder and Managing Director of MindBytes, an IT security company based in Germany.

Annette shares her career journey from managing an advertising agency to spearheading information security and data protection at Berlin Risk. She explains information security through its three fundamental principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Emphasising the risks of financial loss, reputational damage, and potential harm from compromised data, Annette highlights the growing necessity for robust security measures, citing a recent KPMG study indicating over one-third of German companies suffered from cybercrime incidents between 2023 and 2024.

Christian introduces MindBytes and describes its services, specialising in penetration testing and red teaming—ethical hacking practices aimed at proactively identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them. He elaborates on the difference between these methods and underscores the critical role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in preparing and executing realistic cyber-attacks to test organisations’ defences.

The episode also explores the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), implemented in January 2025, highlighting its impact on financial entities and their tech service providers. Annette provides insights into DORA’s significance for the financial sector, while Christian emphasizes the necessity of such regulatory frameworks in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Understanding information security and its importance
• Ethical hacking: penetration testing vs. red teaming
• Utilising OSINT for security assessments
• Impact of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) on financial entities and technology providers

Tune in to gain valuable insights from experts navigating the complex landscape of information security.

Host: Filip Brokes Guests: Annette Farrenkopf (Berlin Risk Advisors), Christian Stehle (MindBytes)

Produced by Berlin Risk

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Episode Summary: In this episode of Integrity Insights, our host Filip Brokes sits down with Daniel Eriksson, the former CEO of Transparency International, for an in-depth discussion on the global fight against corruption. Daniel shares his career journey, his transition from a technology and security background to leading one of the most recognized anti-corruption organizations in the world, and the core mission of Transparency International (TI).

Key Topics Covered:

• Daniel’s Career Path to CEO of Transparency International
  • From IT and cybersecurity to humanitarian work and global governance.
  • Experiences working across 12 different countries.
• Transparency International’s Global Mission
  • Beyond the widely known Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
  • The SHE strategy: Making it harder to Steal, Hide, and Enjoy illicit wealth.
  • TI’s seven key strategic pillars:
    1. Protecting public resources (e.g., public procurement and environmental protections).
    2. Combating illicit financial flows and money laundering.
    3. Strengthening political integrity and fighting election corruption.
    4. Ensuring business integrity and responsible corporate governance.
    5. Ending impunity by holding corrupt actors accountable.
    6. Defending civic space and supporting whistleblowers.
    7. Engaging youth and women as key drivers of change.
• Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
  • How it’s measured: 13 data sources normalized into a composite index.
  • Why it’s a perception-based ranking and its global influence.
  • Limitations of the CPI and misconceptions about its interpretation.
  • Pushback from governments unhappy with their rankings.
• Global Trends in Corruption
  • Ukraine’s rapid progress in fighting corruption post-2014.
  • The erosion of democracy in regions like Georgia.
  • The role of Western nations in enabling corruption through financial systems.
  • Sweden and other Nordic countries: High CPI rankings but significant private-sector corruption.
• Challenges and Future of Anti-Corruption Efforts
  • How democratic erosion fuels corruption.
  • TI’s work with investigative journalists, law enforcement, and corporate entities.
  • The importance of youth engagement and grassroots movements.
• Final Reflections as Daniel’s Mandate Comes to an End
  • Reflections on leading Transparency International through the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical crises, and increasing global corruption challenges.
  • The urgent need for renewed energy and passion in the fight against corruption.
  • Encouragement for listeners, especially young people, to engage in anti-corruption efforts and advocacy.

Resources & Links:

• Transparency International Website: www.transparency.org
• Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Data: CPI Report
• More on anti-corruption strategies: TI Research

Call to Action: Liked this episode? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation on fighting corruption. Don’t forget to subscribe to Integrity Insights on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review!

Closing Thought from Daniel:
“All is not lost, but we need much stronger determination and energy in the fight against corruption. I encourage everyone, particularly youth, to educate themselves on this topic and take action where they

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