Webinar Recap: What’s driving IG supply this year? Refinancing, M&A…and AI

Date: March 18th, 2026 @ 12:00 PM ET

Speakers:

• Shankar Ramakrishnan, Head of U.S. Credit & Global Market Engagement at Informa Global Markets
• Maureen O'Connor, CFA, Global Head of High Grade Debt Syndicate, Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking

In the latest installment of IGM's webinar series, Shankar Ramakrishnan and Maureen O'Connor provided an insightful exploration of the current trends and forecasts in the global credit markets, with a focus on the investment-grade bond sector.

The Rise of AI and M&A Financing

A key theme throughout the webinar was the role of AI developments and M&A transactions in driving market activity. Maureen elaborated on how these developments lead to hefty capital allocations, necessitating diverse market approaches to meet growing financial demands. With AI infrastructure spending expected to reach new heights, the market continues to see innovative financing solutions.

Investor Demand and Market Resilience

Despite the inherent risks posed by market volatility and geopolitical tensions, investor demand for new issues remains robust. Shankar and Maureen discussed the strategic importance of timing and market conditions, stressing that even amid uncertainty, investment-grade bonds persist as a cornerstone of portfolio diversification.

Future Outlook: Managing Challenges and Opportunities

The conversation also touched upon how technology, particularly AI, could reshape the landscape of market operations and staffing needs. Maureen offered her perspective on future-proofing investment strategies, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability in syndicate roles as economic conditions and technological landscapes evolve.

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