In episode 17 of Business Diplomacy Today, Matthias Catón is joined by Ludivine Wouters, Managing Partner of Latitude Five, an investment and advisory firm operating in emerging markets. Ludivine shares her expertise in the metals and mining industry, specifically concerning the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM Act).
Matthias and Ludivine explore the EU’s approach to critical materials and the attempt to stimulate private sector action through strategic partnerships and market-driven initiatives.
Their conversation contextualizes these theories globally, calling at the US approach of incentivizing electric vehicle and battery production, the Chinese transactional approach, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund, and Japan’s value chain investments. Ludivine and Matthias further navigate the complexities of the EU’s CRM Act in relation to the need to increase investment in critical materials, the importance of responsible sourcing, and the recognition that “minerals at any cost” is no longer an acceptable thought.
As we become more and more conscious of our supply chains and responsible sourcing, this episode is a must-listen to gain valuable insights into the critical raw materials landscape and its impact on businesses.
About the guest
Ludivine Wouters
Ludivine Wouters is managing partner of Latitude Five, an investment and advisory firm operating in emerging markets.
Ludivine assists natural resources companies and investors in emerging markets as a strategy, governance, and policy adviser specializing in transaction management, regulatory affairs, government relations, and permitting. She also works on technical assistance programs for countries, focusing on mining and minerals policy, governance, and taxation. She also assists donor agencies in defining, assessing, and implementing critical minerals and responsible sourcing priorities, policies, and initiatives.
Ludivine has experience in political risk insurance within Lloyd’s Insurance syndicate and significant legal experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets with leading international firms in Paris; she also worked for an emerging markets investment bank in London, focusing on metals and mining clients, particularly African juniors.
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