“Top 10 Issues Facing Energy Markets for 2026” explores the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the global energy landscape. This comprehensive overview covers traditional oil and gas dynamics alongside the accelerating role of LNG in meeting global demand. The webinar will also explore geopolitical factors such as Venezuela’s evolving production outlook and OPEC’s influence on supply stability, while also addressing the growing impact of energy-intensive data centers on power consumption. Mr. Watters will review highlights how ratings and capital markets are responding to volatility and investment trends, and it delves into the rapid expansion of renewables as part of the energy transition. Together, these topics provide a forward-looking perspective on the forces redefining energy markets in 2026.

Speaker: Thomas Watters, Managing Director, Sector Lead, Corporate Ratings, S&P Global Ratings

Thomas A. Watters is a Managing Director in Corporate Ratings. Tom’s current role is Sector Lead for the Oil & Gas and Chemicals Industries, serving as analytic leader and industry spokesperson. Prior to his current role, Tom served as Analytic Manager for the Oil & Gas team, a role he held for seven years since September 2007. Before this, Tom served for five years as the Team Leader for the Metals & Mining, Paper & Forestry and Building Materials industries. Tom joined S&P Global Ratings in November of 1997 as an Associate Director in the Metals & Mining team providing analytic coverage on a variety of companies.

Speaker: Noel Maken, Product Specialist, Risk & Valuation Services, S&P Global Market Intelligence

Noel Maken joined S&P Global Market Intelligence in 2022. He is a Credit Product Specialist and works closely with Commercial and Product teams to develop and deliver innovative solutions that empower clients to effectively assess and manage counterparty risk. Leveraging his expertise in credit risk methodologies, data analytics, and technology, Noel helps clients streamline their risk assessment processes and make informed decisions using advanced credit models and cutting-edge technology.

Speaker: Stewart Webster, Director, Risk & Valuations, S&P Global Market Intelligence

Stewart Webster is a Director on the Risk & Valuation Services team within the Market Intelligence division at S&P Global, where he brings over 15 years of experience with the firm. His work centers on developing quantitative risk models that leverage big data, machine learning, and financial analytics. These models support process optimization and workflow automation for a global client base.

Previously, Stewart served as an Associate on the Leveraged Finance team at S&P Global Ratings. In this role, he analyzed credit risk for high-yield, sponsor-backed companies and Middle Market CLOs. He was the lead author of the quarterly series Credit Estimates within Middle Market CLOs and produced widely cited credit research used by financial institutions and government agencies.

Stewart began his tenure at S&P Global in 2010 with S&P Capital IQ, where he led the North America and MENA Private Equity Research teams. Outside of work, Stewart enjoys spending time with his family, running, and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Stewart Webster is a Director on the Risk & Valuation Services team within the Market Intelligence division at S&P Global, where he brings over 15 years of experience with the firm. His work centers on developing quantitative risk models that leverage big data, machine learning, and financial analytics. These models support process optimization and workflow automation for a global client base.

Registration: Free for members and non-members!

Sponsored by: S&P Global Market Intelligence