Faster Forward

Institutional Investing in a Changing Global Market

Faster Forward

Show Notes

Institutional investors are balancing rapid market change with the need to make disciplined, long-term investment decisions.

As regulations evolve, technology advances, and geopolitical events influence capital flows, investors are balancing opportunity with operational discipline.

In this episode, Paul Fahey speaks with Gerard Walsh, Global Head of Market Solutions, Banking and Markets at Northern Trust, about the forces shaping institutional investing today. They explore how geopolitical developments are influencing investment decisions, why operational resilience has become a growing priority, what organizations should consider as more markets move toward T+1 settlement, and how artificial intelligence is being applied to risk management, cybersecurity, and decision support.

Gerard also shares why strategy, thoughtful execution, and experienced human judgment continue to play an essential role alongside advancing technology.

Key takeaways:

How geopolitical events are influencing institutional investment decisions and capital allocation worldwide

Why operational resilience and risk management have become priorities for large investment organizations

What investors should prepare for as more global markets transition toward T+1 settlement cycles

Practical examples of artificial intelligence improving cybersecurity, risk monitoring, and operations

Why experienced human judgment remains essential alongside AI-driven decision support

And more!

Connect with Gerard Walsh:

LinkedIn: Gerard Walsh

About Gerard Walsh:

Northern Trust: Gerard Walsh

More from Faster Forward

Sep 30, 2026

For Australian asset managers and superannuation funds, growth increasingly depends on operating discipline, reliable data, and decisions about where technology can add practical value. As firms look to scale while keeping costs and operational complexity under control, the question is where to invest, what to keep in-house, and where strategic partners can help.

Sep 3, 2026

As tokenized assets move into real-world testing, institutional investors need to understand how they could affect existing payment systems, settlement processes, risk controls, and operating models.

Aug 25, 2026

As organizations accelerate AI adoption, leaders are grappling with a critical question: how will technology reshape the workforce in the years ahead? In this episode of Market Pulse, host Grant Johnsey sits down with workplace futurist and workforce intelligence expert Alexandra Levit to explore the realities behind today’s AI transformation.

Aug 25, 2026

As organizations accelerate AI adoption, leaders are grappling with a critical question: how will technology reshape the workforce in the years ahead? In this episode of Market Pulse, host Grant Johnsey sits down with workplace futurist and workforce intelligence expert Alexandra Levit to explore the realities behind today’s AI transformation.

Jul 21, 2026

The outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) industry is growing faster than many expected, with assets projected to approach $6 trillion by 2030. In this episode of Market Pulse, Grant Johnsey sits down with Kate McCabe, Head of OCIO and Commercial Strategy at Northern Trust, to discuss findings from Northern Trust’s latest Asset Owner Peer Study.

See all episodes →