The Muni Matrix

Join us as we unpack the future of munis with Barnet Sherman, founder of the Tenbar Group, a professor at Boston University, and a senior contributor to Forbes. In this episode, we explore the convergence of municipal bonds and technology. Discover how emerging technologies are enhancing the municipal bond market, bringing significant advantages. From digital platforms to data analytics, tune in for the latest insights into the future of public finance.

Megan Kilgore is the City Auditor for Columbus, Ohio, bringing a wealth of experience in government financial management to her role. With a keen eye for technology’s impact on municipal operations, Megan is at the forefront of leveraging innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and transparency in government processes. Megan joined us on The Muni Matrix to share insights into navigating the complexities of financial management in the public sector while also including the phenomenon of “Muni Zoomies” - a playful nod to the energetic antics of our feline friends.

Join us in insightful conversations as we delve into the dynamic intersection of municipal bonds and climate resilience. In this episode, we sit down with Tom Doe, President and Founder of Municipal Market Analytics, to unravel the intricate landscape of climate risk and its pivotal role in shaping the future of municipal bonds. From dissecting market trends to navigating the evolving financial landscape, we explore how municipalities are strategically addressing climate challenges.

In this episode, we sit down with Marc Joffe, a policy analyst at the CATO Institute, to delve into the essential topic of fundamental data in the municipal bond market. Join us as we explore how technologies and transformative changes are set to reshape the landscape of municipal finance in the years ahead. If you're interested in the intersection of data, technology, and the future of municipal finance, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of advancing technologies and credit analysis with our guest, Abhishek Lodha. Abhishek has spearheaded a paradigm shift in municipal bond credit assessment by leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI at AG Analytics, a new fintech subsidiary of Assured Guaranty. Join us as Abhishek shares insights into the evolution of credit analysis, the integration of new age technologies and the transformative power of data-driven insights. During this conversation, we uncover real-world applications, challenges, and considerations surrounding these innovations, offering a unique perspective on the future of municipal bond analytics.

DISCLAIMER: This is an editorial presentation by Munichain. All opinions and estimates constitute the interviewees' judgements on the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. Listeners are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made as of August 23, 2023.

In addition, the views, opinions, and estimates expressed by Abhishek Lodha in this presentation, including those relating to the relative value of digital solutions to the municipal bond industry, the role of technology in municipal investments, and the impact of technology and automation on municipal credit analysis and assessment, are his alone and are not made on behalf of Assured Guaranty Ltd. or its subsidiaries (together, “Assured Guaranty”). If any forward-looking statements in this presentation are nevertheless attributed to Assured Guaranty and relate to current views with respect to future events, they are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in this presentation. These risks, uncertainties, and assumptions include those resulting from reduction in the demand for Assured Guaranty’s financial guarantees or other products; difficulties with the execution of Assured Guaranty’s business strategy; adverse developments in Assured Guaranty’s guaranteed portfolio; the possibility that strategic transactions made by Assured Guaranty do not result in the benefits anticipated or subject Assured Guaranty to negative consequences; the possibility that budget or pension shortfalls or other factors will result in credit losses or impairments on municipal or other obligations Assured Guaranty insures or reinsures; and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that have not been identified at this time, management’s response to these factors, and other risk factors identified in Assured Guaranty’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Assured Guaranty undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Viewers are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures on related subjects in Assured Guaranty’s reports filed with the SEC.

In this episode, we have a special guest, Liz Sweeney, President of Nutshell Associates and board member of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), who will be sharing her insights on the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA). Get ready to be captivated by Liz Sweeney's wealth of knowledge and experience in the municipal finance industry as she discusses the intricacies of the FDTA, a pivotal piece of legislation that has far-reaching implications for the municipal securities market. Liz Sweeney's unique perspective provides unparalleled insights into the latest developments and challenges in the world of municipal finance.

Join the Muni Matrix hosts as they share a special announcement while diving into quantitative curves and the impacts of machine learning and muni analytics. Matthew Smith, CEO of Spline Data, opines on next generation curves and how they will re-shape the muni market to provide holistic benefits for all market participants.

In this episode, the Muni Matrix hosts discuss powerful tools in the market to assist portfolio managers across the fixed income space. We dive in to the thought processes behind these decision makers and how technology is changing the landscape by creating a customized investment approach to benefit investors and managers.

In this episode, the Muni Matrix hosts dive into the past several decades of muni bonds with John Hallacy, President of John Hallacy Consulting, LLC. Tune in as they discuss the evolution of munis on both a technological and holistic level.

In our second episode, The Muni Matrix team is joined by Doug Rogers, COO of Komodo Analytics, a company that has created a custom framework to compare municipal ESG bonds and identify risks and opportunities. Doug gives his insight into how ESG is currently impacting the market and how it will continue to influence the market in years to come.

In our introductory episode, Matthew Gerstenfeld & Michael Lieberman introduce themselves and outline the foundation of The Muni Matrix. They discuss how the workplace environment has transformed since the pandemic and touch upon investor behavior for the next generation.