logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2023
47m 34s

Why asset managers own the world

NEW ECONOMICS FOUNDATION
About this episode
This spring, swimmers in Kent were told to avoid ten beaches in the county due to sewage leaks. Public outrage at sewage pouring into our rivers and beaches has so far focused on water companies. But is someone else to blame? The pipes that carry sewage in Kent are not owned by Southern Water, or even Kent County Council. They belong to a massive Australian ... Show More
Up next
Oct 2
Your Party, the Green Party, and the Future of Left-Wing Politics
Is the party over before it has even begun? Tens of thousands of people signed up to be members of Your Party, the new political project founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. But within hours, rumours of a rift within the party leadership exploded into warring public statem ... Show More
42m 8s
Sep 16
Why is the UK in such a mess?
This government has taken a record-breaking plummet in popularity, our chancellor keeps telling us the Treasury has no spare cash for our crumbling schools and hospitals, and Reform have become the most popular party in the country. So, where did it all go wrong for Labour? Is it ... Show More
36m 11s
May 2025
Can organising save American democracy with Marshall Ganz
During the presidential campaign, the Democratic Party warned that American democracy was under attack from Trump. Since the start of Trump two-point-0, his administration has deported pro-Palestine student protestors. He has barred Oval Office access to journalists who have used ... Show More
44m 20s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Money Talks: Why does everyone want to manage your wealth?
Wealth managers occupy a unique place in their clients’ lives. Not only do they advise on picking assets and tax-efficient investment strategies—they often find out about illicit affairs and which heirs might be a problem child. These services were once the preserve of those wort ... Show More
38m 43s
Jul 2023
Macquarie’s grip on global infrastructure
About 30 years ago, an Australian investment company called Macquarie figured out how to turn public utilities into lucrative assets. This strategy helped catapult the company into the biggest infrastructure investor in the world. Now, its services range from delivering tap water ... Show More
20m 3s
May 2023
Why companies don't want to list in the UK anymore
The London Stock Exchange once held the top spot in global financial markets. In recent years, that’s changed drastically. The FT’s Harriet Agnew and Katie Martin explain how a yacht floating off the Canary Islands 30 years ago played a critical role in changing the stock market. ... Show More
20m 22s
May 2024
Thames Water: the business model built on sh*t
The state of our rivers is set to be one of the discussion points of the election and time’s ticking on Thames Water’s request for a 56 per cent increase in customers’ bills. As Ofwat mulls that one, it might ask how a company which leaks raw sewage into our rivers managed to rac ... Show More
29m 45s
Sep 2022
Another difficult day for the British economy
It’s been another windy day for the British economy as the Bank of England intervenes to buy government debt. The leader of the UK's main opposition party - Keir Starmer says the government has lost control of its finances. Raoul Puparel, head of the Boston Consulting Group and a ... Show More
27m 47s
May 2021
Money Talks: Where have all the workers gone?
Businesses are struggling to fill vacancies at the same time as millions of people are out of work. Host Patrick Lane investigates this conundrum. Also, each year almost 10% of global tax revenue is lost through companies shifting their income to tax havens. How can governments g ... Show More
29m 6s
Nov 2021
The U-bend U-turn: Why are England’s rivers so dirty?
There was public outcry when MPs voted against stricter penalties for water companies dumping raw sewage into England’s rivers. But following a U-turn, the Government has now passed a new Environment Bill it says will reduce the amount of raw sewage polluting our waterways. But d ... Show More
24m 58s
May 2024
Our intern investigates the $5 Billion mine that won’t work (it’s Woodsmith)
Our intern Matt “Hobbsy” Hobbs has gone deep into the asset almost at the centre of the biggest mining M&A deal of the decade – Woodsmith. If you haven’t heard of it, we don’t blame you. This is a giant mining project currently under construction in the UK and it has been a giant ... Show More
55m 16s
Jun 2023
Thames They Are A-Changin'
Thames Water is in talks to secure extra funding as the government says it is ready to act in a worst case scenario if the company collapses. Adam is joined by Newsnight’s economics editor Ben Chu to explain why the company is in trouble, and how it could affect the public. And C ... Show More
32m 52s
Oct 2022
Money Talks: Managing the consultants
The image of management consultants has taken a pounding in recent years, giving the industry a reputation for unscrupulousness on par with investment bankers. And a recent difficulties and controversies at the three most prestigious firms - McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting G ... Show More
32m 44s