Laura Deal Lacey is the Executive Vice-President of MI International at the Milken Institute, overseeing the extension of the Institute's programs, events, and research beyond the United States. With a focus on fostering cooperation and partnership among global investors and business leaders, the work of MI International advances the mission of the Institute globally by leveraging the interconnection of global markets to address common challenges and unlock opportunities for shared prosperity. Having joined the Milken Institute as its first employee in Asia, Laura led the establishment and growth of its center, programs, and activities across the Asia Pacific region. Over the past eleven years, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the Institute's global footprint, accessing new markets and forging strategic alliances. Prior to her tenure at the Institute, Laura served as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, advocating for US companies, and addressing business challenges in Southeast Asia. Before moving to Asia, she was based in New York and worked in the CEO's office at Edelman. Laura started her career at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva, Switzerland. Laura also serves as the Chairman of the Board of FWD Insurance (Singapore). A dual citizen of the United States and Brazil, Laura has lived on four continents. She holds a BS from Arizona State University, an MS from Columbia University, and International Directors certificates in corporate governance from INSEAD and the Singapore Management University.
Roundtable Room 1 (Level 2)
Manoeuvring Macro-geopolitical Dynamics
In keeping with Elevandi's commitment to developing innovation ecosystems, as considered at the Inclusive FinTech Forum and the recent report "Catalysing Disruptive Shifts for Innovation and Sustainability in Urban Environments".
More than 4 billion people can cast a vote in 2024. Two regional conflicts are jeopardising security and disrupting supply chains, with no resolution in sight. The East and the West are rising trade barriers. Against this background, how are multinationals to understand and adjust to the new normal, and where can technology help?
Operating under the theme of Manoeuvring Macro-geopolitical Dynamics, this roundtable will offer three constructs of the “new normal”:
1. The death of the Brussels Effect: Europe has a history of exporting policy thought internationally, with changes like GDPR or the Basel framework for banking. Amid geopolitical divides, will this trend carry on in the regulation of digital finance and critical technologies?
2. Crisis is the new BAU: Defence, trade, health, and ecological catastrophes are becoming so frequent that corporates need to adjust to expect crises as part of their business-as-usual. How is this changing the markets for credit or insurance? What is the role of technology in this change?
3. It’s the era of economic insecurity: The US raised trade barriers to the import and export of capital and goods, especially linked to critical technologies. China, the EU and the UK are following suit, albeit with deviations. What can we expect from the race on economic security and what does it mean for cross-border businesses?
Attendees who wish to familiarise themselves with the topic may refer to the reference materials below.
- Driving innovation for a more inclusive future