The Financial Modelling Podcast

The project finance landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by global trends like sustainability, digital infrastructure growth, and advanced technology. In this episode, host Matthew Bernath breaks down the five latest trends shaping project finance in 2025. From renewable energy projects and ESG-linked financing to the boom in digital infrastructure and the rise of public-private partnerships, we'll explore what these changes mean for financial modellers and industry professionals. Discover how to navigate the complexities of hybrid energy systems, integrate ESG metrics into your models, and leverage technology to stay ahead in a competitive field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just entering the world of project finance, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Ready to supercharge your financial modelling in Excel? This episode dives deep into how Claude AI is revolutionising the game! Forget tedious formula reviews and frustrating debugging sessions. We're unlocking the power of AI to transform your workflow. We'll explore how Claude can: Unravel complex models, identifying errors you might have missed. Simplify messy formulas, turning them into lean, mean, calculation machines. Generate instant documentation so you'll never have to explain your model again. Help you implement best practices in your models, as any good financial modeler should. Tackle real-world modelling challenges like seasonal variations in working capital, and much more. Join us to discover how to combine the awesome power of Claude AI with your expert financial modelling skills. It's time to make your Excel models more robust, efficient and downright impressive. This is not just about AI; it's about becoming a modelling master. Tune in now!

Data centres are increasingly vital in our digital economy, serving as the backbone for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and other technology-driven applications. However, developing a data centre is a capital-intensive undertaking that requires sophisticated project finance modelling to ensure bankability. This podcast outlines the critical parameters, financial structures, and considerations required for successfully project-financing a data centre. This podcast is based on the Financial Modelling Podcast article : How to Project Finance a Data Center

Data centres are the backbone of the digital world, powering everything from streaming services to artificial intelligence. But how are these massive, complex, and expensive facilities financed? Join us as we explore the financial models that make data centres possible, from equity investments to project finance, and examine the key metrics that investors use to evaluate these high-stakes ventures. We'll also discuss the trends shaping the future of data centre financing, including sustainability, public-private partnerships, and the rise of hyperscale data centres. Whether you're an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the infrastructure that powers our digital lives, this podcast will give you an inside look at the money behind the cloud.

In the season 5 finale of the Financial Modelling Podcast, we explore the potential of generative AI in financial modelling. Our guests, Lance Rubin, Hedieh Kianyfard, Danielle Stein Fairhurst and Adrian Miric, discuss the current use of generative AI in finance, its benefits and limitations, and potential use cases for financial modelling. As we wrap up the season, we thank our sponsor, Model Citizn, for their support and encourage listeners to share their thoughts and experiences with generative AI in finance. Join us for this exciting finale episode and gain valuable insights into the future of financial modelling. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform! Here is Lance's article that he co-wrote with ChatGPT: https://www.modelcitizn.com/modelling-blogs/2023/3/23/the-implications-of-not-following-a-modelling-standard

In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, traditional data sources such as company reports, financial statements, and economic indicators are no longer enough to gain a competitive edge in the market. Alternative data, which refers to non-traditional data sources such as satellite imagery, social media activity, web traffic, and credit card transactions, has become an essential tool for investors and financial analysts to make better investment decisions. In this podcast, we'll explore the world of alternative data with expert John Farrall. Join us as we delve into the world of alternative data in financial modelling and discover how this new frontier of data is reshaping the way we invest and analyze the markets.

How can real-time data be utilised to update financial models in a complicated enterprise environment? How can we prevent organisations from making decisions based on obsolete projections? Dhanusha Muthukumarana, CEO of POTENZA and a member of the Forbes Technology Council, joins the Financial Modelling Podcast to discuss how data engineering enables accurate and comprehensive financial models. Season 5 of the Financial Modelling Podcast is sponsored by Model Citizn, a consulting, advisory, and training organisation specialising in financial modelling.

Brian Egger, Global Head of Financial Modeling at Bloomberg Intelligence at Bloomberg LP, joins the Financial Modelling Podcast to discuss the Bloomberg Interactive Calculator. As a leader at Bloomberg LP, Brian is at the forefront of innovation in financial data curation and visualisation. We speak about how Bloomberg has excelled at data visualisation for financial decision-making.

Learn how to partner with businesses effectively as a financial modeller (or anyone else!). In this episode, live from the Financial Modelling Summit, Andi Lonnen explains the 9 Cs for effective partnering, including: Connect and Collaborate Communicate Effectively Clear Strategic Thinking Commercial Acumen Change Agent and Challenging the Status Quo Curiosity & Creativity Andi Lonnen is the Founder & CEO of the Finance Training Academy & Finance Business Partner Academy.

Live from the Financial Modelling Summit, Danielle Stein Fairhurst chats to the Financial Modelling Podcast. Danielle is an accomplished author, trainer, consultant, and the 2022 Financial Modelling Lifetime Achievement Award winner. This award recognises somebody who has consistently served to move the profession forward whilst raising the profile of financial modelling. In this podcast, we discuss lessons for entrepreneurs and how to succeed in the creator economy.

Bill Jelen joined us for a chat during the 2022 Financial Modelling Summit. Hear his thoughts on the future of automation, Microsoft Excel and which talk impressed him most. The Financial Modelling Summit is the world's largest gathering of financial modellers. From experts, deal makers and executives to those just starting their financial modelling journey.

Andrew is the Founder and CEO of the Financial Modeling World Cup, Excel Esports battles, the Microsoft Excel World Championship, and the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge. With eight stages during the year, competitors in the Financial Modeling World Cup model their way to a $25,000 prize. In this podcast, Andrew talks about how Excel became an ESPN broadcast e-sport and provides some tips on how to win the Financial Modeling World Cup

Gopal Krishnamurthy from Lumel and Inforiver joins us to discuss the development of Low and No-Code tools for Financial Modellers. From reporting and visualisation to simulations and analysis, Gopal discusses adopting these tools and how financial modellers can elevate their skills and efficiency. Season 5 is sponsored by Model Citizn. Model Citizn helps clients make better decisions that are relevant, informed and purposeful using tools beyond just Excel.

In this special re-release of Episode 2 of the Financial Modelling Podcast, Dario Musso, Co-Head: Infrastructure Sector Solutions at Rand Merchant Bank, talks about Project Finance Models. The discount code for Project Finance Overview - From Inception to Financial Close is FMP9999. You can also click here.

This year the Financial Modelling Summit is taking the journey from Numbers to Insights. Bill Jelen joins the Financial Modelling Podcast, summit host, to share what he is most looking forward to at this year's event. The Financial Modelling Summit is the world's largest gathering of financial modellers. Buy your tickets here: https://www.financialmodellingsummit.com/.

In this special episode, Matthew Bernath from the Financial Modelling Podcast and Paul Barnhurst from The FP&A Guy sit down to chat about where these two worlds collide.

Is Microsoft Excel Dead? Lance Rubin from Financial Modelling Podcast sponsor Model Citizn, and Christopher Argent from Generation CFO resume their debate of whether this 35-year-old tool is the pocket knife for all tasks or past its prime.

Mark Vigors is no stranger to data analytics and financial modelling. In fact, he argues that these two skills are intertwined. In this episode, we discuss how data scientists can get budget allocation for their projects, why dashboards need to enable decision making and even what energy source could potentially solve our energy needs.

Can Microsoft Excel and Python play together nicely? Could Python be the next frontier of financial modelling? In this episode, Felix Zumstein, Creator of xlwings, author of "Python for Excel", and CEO at xltrail joins the Financial Modelling Podcast to discuss Python integrations and how Excel users can perform advanced modelling in Python with ease.

Eloquens' tagline is "Don't Reinvent the Wheel!". When it comes to financial modelling, many modellers start their models from scratch instead of using best-practice templates. Eloquens seeks to solve this by providing a financial model marketplace whereby model templates can be bought and sold - whether you're financing a project finance deal or a startup! In this episode, Tim Demoures, Managing Director at Eloquens, talks us through why you should never reinvent the wheel again. Learn more about our sponsors at https://www.modelcitizn.com/ and https://fmwiki.glideapp.io/.

Blockchain, Tokenomics and DeFi are often associated with the potential future of finance. In this episode we explore what this means for financial modelling with Roderick McKinley, Blockchain and Tokenomics expert who has spent the last two years advising blockchain enterprises on quantitative modelling, design, and strategic advisory. Learn more about our sponsors at https://www.modelcitizn.com/ and https://fmwiki.glideapp.io/.

In the first episode of the Financial Modelling Podcast, Lance Rubin from Model Citizn spoke about the future of financial modelling. Now in Season 5, Lance joins us as season sponsor to discuss why now is the time to revisit this discussion as financial modelling transcends both industries and technologies. Learn more about our sponsors at https://www.modelcitizn.com/ and https://fmwiki.glideapp.io/.

In the Season 4 final, Bill 'MrExcel' Jelen, Lance Rubin and Alan Samuels join me to discuss the greatest changes to Microsoft Excel over the past year, and what the future holds in store.

What is an Operational Model and how is it different to a Financial Close Model? In this episode, Alan Samuels from Amberside Advisors Ltd gives us insight as to why an Operational Model is a crucial decision-making tool.

John Michaloudis left his corporate job and started MyExcelOnline where he could teach the world on a much grander scale how to use Excel effectively. In this podcast, he discusses the journey to building a successful online training business.

Roderick McKinley is a Tokenomics Advisory and Financial Modeling expert who has used his deep technical skills to become a freelancer and travel the world as a digital nomad. Roderick joins us to discuss the skills one needs to become a freelancer.

In this episode, Julie Scotto (Of Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP London) explains the key components a financial modeller needs to be aware of. Does your financial model accurately reflect the financial agreements? Julie's practice focuses on project finance and acquisitions in the energy, water, transportation and infrastructure sectors. She advises developers and lenders in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Learn more about what is in store for delegates at the Financial Modelling Summit 2021, and stand a chance to win a ticket! I'm joined in this podcast by Giles Male from Summit Host Full Stack Modeller.

Oz is a 6x Microsoft MVP and Content Creator Extraordinaire! In this podcast, we talk about the creative process behind his mind-blowing Excel tutorials on YouTube. Learn the magical process that grew Oz's following on YouTube to 25,000 subscribers.

Joining me on this episode are the hosts of the Financial Modelling Summit 2021. Financial models, and the modellers behind them, must be ready to step up and help businesses take advantage of opportunities. In a fast-changing environment, reliable insights from financial models have never been more significant. Is your financial model ready to elevate your business? Find out more at https://www.financialmodellingsummit.com/.

In February 2021 I caught up with Danielle Stein Fairhurst in a live podcast broadcast from the Global Excel Summit (https://globalexcelsummit.com/​). Danielle Stein Fairhurst is a Financial Modelling Specialist at Plum Solutions, an international training and consulting company based in Sydney, Australia. Danielle has over 15 years of experience leading courses in Financial Analysis, Data Analysis, Dashboards and Budgeting and Forecasting in Excel.

Harriet is a passionate believer in using humour to build rapport and tackle important topics. Author of the bestselling business book, 'Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?', Harriet explains approaching deal-making with humour in this podcast. You can sign up for her weekly 'Laugh, Learn and Leg Up' emails here: bit.ly/harrietsignup

How should financial modellers charge for model building? In this episode, Robin Waite and I discuss how financial modellers can feel confident to bill for their models and discuss pricing with clients. Robin explains some pricing tactics and how to approach difficult billing conversations with potential customers. Robin Waite is a business coach and the Founder of The Fearless Business Accelerator

In this podcast, David Brown (Managing Partner at dbrownconsulting.net) explains the principles to tell a convincing and effective story using a financial model. David is an experienced consultant and trainer specializing in Financial Modelling and is a Microsoft MVP. He is also an International Consultant to the World Bank. David runs both Live-Virtual and self-directed courses which you can check out on www.officetraininghub.com to prepare for your Financial Modeling Institute Certifications.

In this podcast, David shares advice from his experience valuing hundreds of companies, businesses and major projects. We speak about the nuances in valuing startups and companies with intangible assets such as a loyal client following or a large social media presence. David runs his own company providing independent valuation services, strategic consulting, financial analysis, and financial modelling to a range of companies across multiple sectors. In commerce, he led functions such as Strategy, Corporate Development (M&A) and Finance for a global infrastructure investment manager, a steel manufacturer and energy companies and was the Corporate Finance Lead Director responsible for Business Modelling and Energy Advisory at Deloitte. He has valued hundreds of companies, businesses and major projects, developed financial models, policies and procedures, been a financial advisor on reforms in the energy, water and port industries and led teams on merger & acquisition projects totalling more than $100 billion.

Mike Newberry, Finance Practice Lead at Accelytics, is an expert in helping companies generate insight to guide C-Suite decision-making and drive business performance. In this episode, we talk about the challenges faced by finance divisions in moving away from manual tasks to performing analytics that guides business decision making.

In this podcast, Lauren Ayers takes us through the DISC profile to understand a person's fears, motivators, values and behavioural style using 4 profile factors. Lauren is an Australian-based business consultant helping to bridge the gap that exists between the cultural and behavioural elements of people with the needs and goals of organisations.

Why do financial modellers not benefit from libraries of existing and audited VBA code or modelling techniques like data scientists do? In this podcast, Iain Morrow from Gridlines and I explore why, and Iain proposes Gridlines' innovative solution.

Bella Funck created the Personal Canvas to help individuals define their purpose, values, passion and vision. Why are you modelling? To help build more infrastructure such as schools and wind farms, to value your startup business or to perhaps raise capital to help your company grow? Bella takes us through the Personal Canvas, while Lance discusses how he found the canvas beneficial.

In Season 4 of the Financial Modelling Podcast, we explore what makes good financial modellers great. The ability to tell a story. Being able to model legal nuances. Closing deals using the financial model as an effective negotiating tool. These are just some of the skills we reveal as what you need to know to become a financial modelling master. Season 4 of the Financial Modelling Podcast is sponsored by Full Stack Modeller.

The final episode of the Financial Modelling Podcast Season 3 was recorded live as we came together from all four corners of the globe. How do we keep connection and community going when opportunities to meet face to face are limited? The host of the Financial Modelling Podcast, Matthew Bernath joins from Johannesburg, Virtual Meetup host and Financial Modeller, Danielle Stein Fairhurst in Sydney, are joined by Jordan Goldmeier from New York and Tea Kuseva from London.

Jordan Goldmeier is an internationally recognized analytics professional and data visualization expert. In this podcast, we chat about the use of Excel as a data analytics tool, what Microsoft tools data analysts should be focusing on, and his work helping managers communicate, challenge, and visualize data between teams.

In this podcast, I chat with Ian Bennett, Partner, Deals Modelling, PwC Australia about financial modelling in the cloud and other financial modelling innovations. Who will take the first step into a new financial modelling world?

Tatiana Ufimtceva from keySkillset has led a fascinating life, that has taken her from her hometown in Russia to New York where she founded the Excel training company. keySkillset gamifies training and recently was awarded a Financial Modelling Innovation Award for Education. The awards complemented their fresh, enjoyable and engaging approach to financial modelling training. In this interview we chat about the importance of education and bringing people together from across the globe.

I've been addicted to Arixcel since I first saw it in January of 2016. Since then, I can't work in Excel without this simple, yet powerful add-in! From advanced formula interrogation, Arixcel has expanded its offering to include formula maps and workbook comparison functionality. In this podcast, I chat with Igor Popov, Arixcel creator, on why simpler is better.

In Episode 13 of Season 3, I discuss the intersection of financial modelling and data analytics with Neil Macdonald and Paul van Loon from Forecast. What is the role of data analytics in financial modelling, and how do these two key skills complement each other? This is a special Financial Modelling Summit edition of the podcast.

In this episode I catch up with Kenny Whitelaw-Jones from Season 3 sponsor, Gridlines. We discuss the current global pandemic, and how the Financial Modelling Summit was born.

In this episode, I chat to Craig Steward from Corinium Global Intelligence on the current state of data analytics, and how his business has transformed to offer digital events. We discuss the future of analytics and how the COVID-19 pandemic has put data analytics in the spotlight.

In Episode 10, I catch up with Nathaniel Baker, host of The Contrarian Investor Podcast. We discuss how the markets seem to be behaving in a contrarian fashion these days, and what his forecast is for the market and economic trends. From globalisation to movie theatres, we discuss it all!

As most of us are isolating at home during this pandemic, and coffee shops around the world are closed, we still crave a good brew to fuel our financial modelling! Enter roasteries offering speciality coffee for home brewing. Whether you're drinking espresso, a cortado, a pour-over or a french press coffee as you tune in, hear some home brewing tips from Dario Scilipoti from BlueBird Coffee Roastery!