This week Nick talks to Marty Connaghan.

Marty began his career at Glasgow-based investment firm Murray Johnstone in 1998, and joined Aberdeen in 2001 following its acquisition of Murray Johnstone. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Dealer, ESG Analyst, and Credit Analyst. For the past 17 years, Martin has specialised in managing Global Equity and Income mandates. He has been a member of the Murray International Trust fund management team since 2017.

Nick and Marty discuss Marty's career journey and investment philosophy. Marty shares how he entered the finance world unexpectedly, starting as an office junior at Murray Johnstone after leaving university early. His curiosity and persistence led him through roles in investment accounting, trading, credit analysis, and eventually into fund management. Over nearly three decades, he has developed a focus on global equity and income strategies, managing portfolios with a strong emphasis on quality companies with reliable and growing dividends. Marty highlights the importance of understanding businesses deeply and constructing portfolios that balance yield, sustainability, and long-term value.

Nick and Marty also discuss macroeconomic dynamics, the impact of political volatility—especially from the U.S.—on markets, and the challenges and opportunities within sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and emerging markets. Marty emphasises the disciplined approach of staying true to the fund's objective rather than chasing market fads. They also cover ESG integration, passive investing’s distortion of markets, and UK equity undervaluation.

Marty's Book choices where:
All That Matters - Sir Chris Hoy
Andre Agassi - Open
Danny Champion of The World - Roald Dahl

Marty's music choice was:
Nothing Can Change This Love by Otis Reading

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Alison Kosik

Alison Kosik is an American journalist and freelance anchor currently reporting for ABC News. She previously served as a business correspondent for CNN, where she covered the New York Stock Exchange. Her debut book, What’s Up With Women And Money? How To Do All The Financial Stuff You’ve Been Avoiding, was released on March 4, 2025.

Nick and Alison discuss Alison's journey from a childhood fascination with journalism to becoming a respected anchor and business correspondent. She discusses her early ambitions, winning essay contests as a young girl in Miami, and turning down a scholarship to pursue journalism in Washington, D.C. After struggling through unpaid internships and low-paying early jobs, Alison eventually landed roles with CBS and CNN, including a pivotal position reporting from the New York Stock Exchange. Despite initial doubts about her knowledge of finance, she quickly adapted and excelled, interviewing high-profile figures like Warren Buffett and Hillary Clinton.

Alison’s new book, What’s Up With Women and Money?, which draws from her personal experience of relinquishing financial control in her marriage and the resulting consequences. She explains how the book aims to empower women across all backgrounds to take charge of their finances with confidence, using accessible language and relatable analogies—like “shoe budgets”—to demystify complex topics like insurance, estate planning, and investing. Alison highlights the cultural and psychological barriers many women face regarding financial literacy, and stresses the importance of community, self-awareness, and early financial education to break the cycle.

Alison's book choice was:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Alison's music choice was:
Irene Cara - What a Feeling

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week Nick talks to Nadine Buckland.

Nadine has over two decades of experience in advisory and investment. She co-founded Zenzic Capital in 2014 alongside Tom Lloyd-Jones. Before establishing Zenzic, Nadine held positions in insolvency and transaction advisory at Horwath Clarke Whitehill, RSM Tenon, and Baker Tilly.

Nick and Nadine discuss the evolution of the UK and European non-bank lending market, with a particular focus on real estate credit. Nadine shares her journey from insolvency roles to co-founding Zenzic Capital, a specialist in opportunistic real estate debt. They highlight the increasing demand for alternative lending solutions, particularly in the SME and mid-market real estate sectors, where traditional bank appetite remains constrained. Key trends include the rising use of preferred equity and short-term credit facilities to help borrowers manage refinancing and bridge valuation gaps in a higher interest rate environment. Nadine also highlights the growing role of inheritance tax-efficient investment vehicles and the importance of flexible capital in supporting sectors such as affordable housing and purpose-built student accommodation.

Looking ahead, they explore opportunities in continental Europe, where non-bank lending remains comparatively nascent, particularly in markets such as Spain, Italy, and France. Zenzic Capital targets lower mid-market transactions (£20 million to £50 million), offering flexible capital where larger credit providers are less active. Success in these markets relies on deep local market knowledge, strong underwriting standards, and building long-term borrower relationships to navigate Europe’s fragmented legal and regulatory landscape. The conversation underscores how non-bank real estate lenders are well positioned to benefit from Europe’s wave of refinancing demand and the growing requirement for alternative, relationship-driven capital, positioning firms like Zenzic at the forefront of this dynamic market.

Nadine's book choice was:
Five Minutes in the Morning by Aster

Nadine's music choice was:
Moon River by Andy Williams

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.