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      Overview

      We were delighted to bring together an exceptional speaker lineup:

      • Dr Benedikt Herles, Co-Lead, Geopolitics & Defence Technology, KPMG Germany
      • Anita McBain, Expert sell-side research analyst in sustainability, defence tech, climate & security
      • Matt Brehaut, Partner, Carey Olsen

      For much of the past two decades, markets have been shaped primarily by macroeconomic forces; interest rates, earnings and monetary policy. In 2026, geopolitics has re-emerged as a defining driver of global capital flows, materially reshaping the risk landscape that Boards and C-suites must actively navigate.

      What should Boards and investors be asking in this new environment?

      We also explored how shifting global dynamics are accelerating investment into defence technology and reshaping investor sentiment. What role can private capital play in supporting resilience, security and long-term sustainability? What structural shifts are emerging across the sector? And what are the key legal and regulatory considerations for Guernsey?

      Speaker bios

      Dr. Benedikt Herles

      Dr. Benedikt Herles - Co-Lead Competence Center Geopolitics & Defence, KPMG Germany

      Co‑Lead of KPMG’s Geopolitics & Defence Competence Centre, Benedikt advises senior leaders on how geopolitical developments are reshaping markets, regulation and investment across Europe.

      With over 15 years’ experience spanning strategy consulting, geopolitical risk analysis and investment, Benedikt supports organisations in strengthening resilience, managing uncertainty and identifying opportunity at the intersection of politics, economics, technology and sustainability. A regular speaker at international forums and a trusted commentator on geopolitical and macro‑economic trends, he brings a pragmatic, business‑focused perspective on how companies can navigate disruption and make informed strategic decisions in an evolving European landscape.

      Anita McBain

      Anita McBain - Expert sell-side research analyst in sustainability, defence tech, climate & security

      Anita McBain is a senior sell-side research analyst and currently sits on King’s College London £300M endowment fund subcommittee. She’s also a consulting partner at Linden Park and an independent research analyst working at the intersection of defence technology, climate and security. Her research focuses on need to adopt a forward-looking approach that delivers on security, resilience and defence. 

      In her previous role as Managing Director at Citigroup she built and led a global sustainable investment research franchise. She’s recognised for a report published on 1-Feb-2022, ahead of the invasion of Ukraine, to revisit the negative consensus on defence and led her team to win numerous awards during her tenure at Citi across climate adaptation, biodiversity loss and antimicrobial resistance.

      Matthew Brehaut

      Matthew Brehaut - Partner, Carey Olsen

      Matthew is a partner in the corporate team in Carey Olsen’s London office. He advises on corporate and investment funds matters, with particular experience in the structuring and launch of investment funds. Matt provides funds, fund service providers and fund promoters with advice on all aspects of the establishment, regulation and operation of investment funds.

      Matthew recently hosted a seminar at the Guernsey Funds forum which explored the growth of defence-focused funds and considered how Guernsey can support managers launch of new vehicles.