In the room: how investment decisions are made

What really drives an investment decision and what happens before a trade ever reaches your portfolio? L&G’s Francis Chua, Fund Manager, and Chris Franklin, Investment Specialist in our Asset Allocation team take us behind the scenes to unpack what the decision-making process actually looks like in practice. The discussion moves beyond models and market headlines to explore how views are formed, challenged and, at times, left unresolved. From the first signal, whether new data, market dislocation or a divergence in views, through to scenario analysis and portfolio positioning, the conversation highlights a process shaped less by prediction and more by preparation. Along the way, the team examine how disagreement sharpens outcomes, how conviction is expressed through sizing, and why “no action” can still be a deliberate choice. They also unpack the role of external perspectives, the importance of structured debate, and how behavioural biases are identified and managed in real time. This podcast is hosted by Sarka Halas, Content Manager, and was recorded on 19 May 2026.