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Empowering Change: Lillian Freiberg on Clarity AI and the Future of Impact Finance

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In this episode of The Impact on FINTECH.TV, Lillian Freiberg, the head of North America for Clarity AI, joins Jeff Gitterman to have a conversation on the intersection of AI, finance, and impact. We kick off our conversation by discussing Lilian’s motivations for working in the impact space rather than traditional finance, emphasizing the importance of making change from within the system.

Lillian provides valuable insights into Clarity AI, which she described as an AI-native, tech-first intelligence layer designed to enhance investment workflows. We explore how Clarity AI addresses complex problems for clients, from risk mitigation for institutional banks to portfolio analysis for activist hedge funds.

A significant portion of our discussion focuses on the role of AI in the financial sector. Lillian highlights how Clarity AI has been utilizing AI since its inception in 2017, allowing them to develop a robust and flexible architecture that can handle vast amounts of unstructured data. We talk about the challenges companies face in integrating AI into their operations and the importance of trust and transparency in AI systems.

As we delve into the current landscape of AI, Lillian notes that many companies feel pressured to adopt AI to remain competitive, but the real challenge lies in effective integration. We also touch on the ongoing ESG controversy and how it has influenced Clarity AI’s approach to risk assessment and investment performance.

Finally, we discuss the potential impact of AI on jobs and the importance of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in the workforce of the future. Lillian emphasizes that while AI will change the landscape, it will also create new opportunities.

Navigating Volatility: The Role of Bitcoin in a Turbulent Global Economy

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Sam Callahan, Director of Bitcoin Strategy and Research at OranjeBTC, joins Remy Blaire on the sidelines of the Digital Asset Summit 2026 to dive into the recent volatility of Bitcoin amidst escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Sam highlights Bitcoin’s remarkable resilience, noting that it has outperformed traditional safe havens, rising about 7% despite the turmoil. He explains that Bitcoin acts as a leading indicator and is increasingly seen as a safe-haven asset due to its lack of counterparty risk and resistance to debasement. As geopolitical uncertainty rises, historical patterns suggest that wars lead to inflationary pressures and increased government spending, which could drive demand for Bitcoin and other hard assets.

We also discuss the implications of rising oil prices and inflation on global economies, particularly the U.S. and Asia. Sam points out that the interconnectedness of these markets could lead to pressures on U.S. Treasury yields, especially if countries that hold significant amounts of U.S. debt are forced to sell.

In terms of developing economies, Sam emphasized Bitcoin’s role as a stable store of value, especially in countries facing currency instability. He describes Bitcoin as an “open sanctuary for savings,” accessible to anyone, which becomes crucial during times of crisis.

At the Digital Asset Summit 2026, the mood was cautiously optimistic, with ongoing discussions about innovative digital credit products that could enhance accessibility and provide more stable income streams. Sam expresses excitement about the potential for these products to improve the fixed income landscape, particularly those backed by Bitcoin.

Finally, we touch on the legislative landscape in the U.S., with Sam noting the urgency for regulatory clarity, especially regarding stablecoins. He mentions that institutional investors are eager for a clearer regulatory environment, which could lead to increased capital inflow into Bitcoin.

The World Cup of Hope: Empowering Street Children Through Soccer

John Wroe, the founder and CEO of Street Child United, joins Remy Blaire to delve into the upcoming Street Child World Cup, an inspiring international soccer tournament set to take place in Mexico City from May 5th to May 15th, just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With 150 million children experiencing homelessness worldwide, the tournament aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by street-connected youth, advocating for their rights and protection. John recounts a story of a young boy named Andile, who expressed how playing soccer transformed his identity from being labeled a “street child” to being recognized as a person. This powerful narrative inspired the creation of the Street Child World Cup, which has been held in various countries since its inception in 2010.

John highlights the significant impact the tournament has had on participants and their home countries, including initiatives for child protection and identity documentation. He emphasizes the importance of global unity in supporting these children, as the tournament brings together teams from around the world, fostering hope and change.

We also discuss the transformative experience for the young players, who gain confidence and a sense of identity through their participation.

Markets Slip Ahead of Holiday Weekend as Geopolitical Tensions Rattle Investors

Andrew Rocco, a stock strategist at Zacks Investment Research, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the recent pullback in the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500, which fell by over one percent following a brief rally. This decline comes just ahead of the holiday weekend and after President Trump’s national address, where he emphasized the military’s commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Andrew notes that while the comments from Trump were unexpected, they highlight a willingness to escalate military efforts, which has left investors feeling uneasy about potential further declines in global markets. He explains that the current pullback is somewhat anticipated given the historical context of midterm election years and the typical market corrections that occur.

We also delve into the energy sector, particularly the impact of rising oil prices on everyday Americans, with WTI prices surging over 10%. Andrew discusses the implications of the ongoing conflict in Iran and the potential for short-term inflationary pressures if the situation does not resolve quickly.

As we transition into the second quarter, we examine sector performance, noting that energy has outperformed while big tech has struggled. Andrew highlights the strong fundamentals in the AI sector, with companies like Anthropic and OpenAI seeing significant valuation increases. He expresses optimism about the growth potential in AI, particularly as valuations become more attractive.

Finally, Andrew shares specific investment opportunities in the AI space, including companies like SanDisk, Micron, Fastly, Arm Holdings, and Nvidia, while advising investors to approach these investments methodically due to potential short-term volatility.

Political Polarization in Washington and Economic Uncertainty: A Deep Dive with Mark Bloomfield

In this episode of Market Movers, we take a deep dive into the current political and economic landscape as we approach the 2026 midterm elections. Mark Bloomfield, Chair, Board of Directors, American Council for Capital Formation, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the challenges facing Congress, particularly for the Republican Party, which currently controls all three branches of government but is struggling with its legislative agenda.

Mark highlights the precarious position of the Republicans in both the House and Senate, noting the historical trend of the president’s party losing seats in midterm elections. He shares insights from a recent poll indicating low approval ratings for the current administration, emphasizing that key issues such as the economy and foreign policy are at the forefront of voters’ concerns.

We also explore the polarization in D.C. politics and the disconnect between lawmakers and the American public. Mark points out that the camaraderie that once existed among politicians has diminished, contributing to the current standoff. He suggested that populism plays a significant role in the growing divide, referencing J.D. Vance’s book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” to illustrate the disconnect between blue-collar workers and elite financiers.

Finally, we touch on the impact of rising gas prices and energy costs on the economy, with Mark stressing that uncertainty is the key factor that could tip the economy into a downturn.

Market Sentiment and Seasonality: Insights from the Crypto Landscape with Andy Baehr

Andy Baehr, Managing Director of Asset Management at GSR, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the current state of the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin, which is struggling to maintain the 66,000 mark after its worst first quarter since 2018, with a nearly 24% decline. We discuss the impact of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on investor sentiment across both traditional equities and crypto markets.

Andy highlights that while there are strong signals for a potential rally, there are also significant reasons for caution, particularly due to unfavorable interest rates and a shift in trader focus towards more volatile assets like oil.

As we transition into Q2, we explore the role of seasonality in the crypto market and how it can influence investor behavior. Andy emphasizes the importance of a core allocation strategy, recommending Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana as foundational assets for investors. He likens the current market situation to “base camp,” suggesting that investors should be patient and wait for clearer trends before making more aggressive moves.

Inside Ethical Hacking: Training Cyber Defenders for the AI Era 

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Jay Bavisi, CEO and Group President of EC-Council, joins us live from the New York Stock Exchange to discuss the critical role of ethical hacking in today’s cybersecurity landscape. With over 25 years of experience, EC-Council trains cybersecurity professionals to think like hackers in order to stop attacks before they happen. Bavisi explains how the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program provides hands-on training across five key phases of hacking, giving defenders the skills needed to protect organizations worldwide. He also dives into how AI has expanded the attack surface for hackers and the growing importance of governance, defense, and responsible adoption of AI in enterprise systems. From the evolution of the modern hacker to the challenges of securing AI-driven technologies, this conversation highlights the strategies and mindset required to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

Blue Water Acquisition CEO on AI, Energy, and the Future of SPACs

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Joseph Hernandez, chairman and CEO of Blue Water Acquisition Corp. IV, joins us fresh off the Bell Podium at the New York Stock Exchange. In this conversation, Hernandez shares insights into the company’s first NYSE listing and their focus on transformative merger targets, particularly in AI, advanced technology, and innovative energy sectors like small modular reactors. He highlights the critical role AI will play in the future and how energy innovation is central to supporting its growth. Hernandez also reflects on the evolution of the SPAC landscape since the 2021 boom, explaining why SPACs remain a powerful vehicle for taking private companies public and accelerating growth. With Blue Water Acquisition Corp. IV trading under the ticker symbol BWIV, Hernandez expresses excitement for the future and the opportunities ahead in AI and energy innovation.

How AI is Changing the Game for Everyday Investors

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Public co-CEO & co-founder, Jannick Malling joins the show to break down one of the biggest shifts in retail investing: the rise of agentic AI in portfolio management. Public has introduced AI agents designed to help everyday investors manage their portfolios through simple, conversational instructions rather than traditional trading inputs. Instead of manually placing every trade, users can set strategies, automate risk management, and execute more advanced investing moves with built-in guardrails and transparency. Malling explains how this “agentic brokerage” model could reshape the user experience for modern investors, especially those looking to become more sophisticated without navigating the steep learning curve of traditional trading tools.

The conversation also dives into how Public is balancing innovation with education, security, and user control particularly when it comes to more complex strategies like options and portfolio protection. Malling shares his view on the future of AI-driven investing, the difference between fully autonomous models and Public’s more transparent approach, and the broader trends shaping retail investor behavior in 2026, including diversification, gold, Bitcoin, and the bond market. If you want to understand where investing is headed next, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Markets Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions as Traders Eye Buying Opportunities

Peter Tuchman, a senior floor trader at TradeMas, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the recent market movements and geopolitical developments, particularly focusing on President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the situation in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. We discuss how these factors contributed to a significant rally in the stock market, with equities experiencing their biggest gains since May, despite some major tech stocks like Nvidia and Microsoft facing steep declines.

Peter provides insights into the market dynamics, emphasizing that the rally was not solely driven by geopolitical news but also by end-of-month rebalancing and the oversold conditions of the market.

He highlights the importance of diversification and risk reduction in the current volatile environment, noting that many stocks, particularly in the tech sector, have been unfairly punished despite their underlying fundamentals remaining strong.

As we look ahead to the new trading month and quarter, Peter identifies potential buying opportunities in sectors like software and energy, suggesting that the current market downturn presents a chance to invest in fundamentally sound companies at lower prices. We also touch on the upcoming jobs report and the implications of ongoing geopolitical tensions on the economy.