David Birkenshaw is the Managing Director of Birkenshaw & Company Ltd. He has over 35 years of experience in capital markets, mining, and finance. He is known for his strategic vision and ability to deliver improvements within complex fields. David is also the founder of Bluesky Digital Assets, an investment firm focused on AI and blockchain.
Q: What attracted you to capital markets, and how has your approach changed over the course of your career?
DAVID BIRKENSHAW: Early in my career, I was curious about how capital markets grew economies. How they do that has changed significantly, with digital tools and global connections transforming how everyone works. New asset types have emerged, information is easier to access, and consequently, a lot of the rules have shifted. Markets are now more efficient yet twice as complex, and to be successful requires deeper analysis and better tools for risk analysis. Luckily, these tools are developing with exponentially greater capabilities, making the market more enticing for those who know the value of doing their research.
Q: You founded Bluesky Digital Assets to identify emerging technologies within AI and blockchain. How do you foresee those technologies disrupting certain sectors?
- DAVID BIRKENSHAW: AI and blockchain are impacting every sector, including those that are often seen as slow to change, like finance and natural resources. AI allows for smarter data analysis which improves any operation, from mining to financial planning. Blockchain offers a new way to keep all elements of your business clear and secure, which is crucial for businesses dealing with complex transactions. With Bluesky Digital Assets, they are investing in technologies that can bring transformative change, strengthening businesses that adopt them.
Q: How does Birkenshaw & Company Ltd. approach sustainability and responsible investing regarding environmental issues around the mining industry?
DAVID BIRKENSHAW: Sustainability is a central part of our strategies. Not only does it lower our financial risk, but it’s an essential art of protecting our planet and maintaining our society’s way of life through the next generations. We use a framework for ensuring our investments are environmentally responsible, well-governed, and socially impactful. In mining, adopting clean tech and cutting emissions goes beyond compliance – it offers a competitive edge. Sustainability measures drive long-term value for businesses and their investors.
Q: Looking ahead to the next decade, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the mining industry?
DAVID BIRKENSHAW: The mining industry is facing resource shortages and rising environmental pressures, which brings opportunities to innovate. New technology, like AI-based exploration and automation, will help us to locate resources more precisely and efficiently. As we adopt green energy technologies, demand for minerals like lithium and cobalt will grow, offering big opportunities for companies ready to meet these needs with sustainable practices.
Q: What advice would you give to business leaders to help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market?
DAVID BIRKENSHAW: Leaders should always be flexible and willing to invest in innovation. Change is constant and resisting it can be risky in itself. Encourage openness to ideas, focus on strong teamwork, and keep evolving. Technology drives growth for many companies, but sustained growth requires strong leadership and a clear plan. Most importantly, leaders should act ethically, making decisions with honesty and long-term goals. In a world that is always changing, those who innovate responsibility will lead.
