In this episode, host Bill engages with Brett Christophers, Professor of Human Geography and author, to explore the intersections of private equity, climate investment, and the realities of capitalism in tackling global issues. He delves into the premise of his book, The Price is Wrong, questioning the reliance on private capital to drive decarbonization and assessing the potential limits of profitability in achieving climate goals. Their conversation addresses policy gaps, the importance of...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Yann Robard, founder of Dawson, to explore the evolving dynamics of private equity markets. Yann shares his unique career journey, from a furniture store startup to leading initiatives at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and ultimately founding Dawson. They discuss the rise and development of the private equity secondary market, the evolution of structured liquidity solutions, and the anticipated growth in private markets, and more....

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jennifer Choi, CEO of ILPA (Institutional Limited Partners Association), to discuss the dynamic landscape of private equity, its governance, and the evolving role of limited partners (LPs). Jennifer shares insights from her extensive career, starting with consulting and private equity emerging markets, to leading ILPA. This conversation provides a deep dive into the mechanisms driving change in private equity and the critical role LPs play in ensuring...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Scott McMunn, CEO of the Loan Market Association (LMA), to discuss the dynamic shifts in private credit and the significant role that trade associations play in today’s financial landscape. Scott shares his career journey from asset management to leading the LMA, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the evolving loan markets. The conversation dives into the growth of private credit, the influence of non-bank financial intermediaries, and...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Aishah Ahmad, Board member at the Financial Alliance for Women and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to discuss diverse topics including innovation, regulation, climate action, and female leadership shedding light on the financial landscape in Africa. Aishah shares her fascinating career in finance and transition into regulatory roles, in a conversation rich with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the future of finance in...

In this episode, Bill welcomes Keith Black, a longtime colleague and cryptocurrency expert, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. Keith shares insights from his extensive career, including his early work in commodity derivatives, hedge funds, and institutional consulting, as well as his role in the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. The conversation dives into Keith's move toward digital assets and cryptocurrencies, highlighting key topics such as...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Nell Mackenzie, a financial journalist with a diverse background, including a 20-year career as a professional actress and time spent trading crude oil on the NYMEX floor. Nell shares her unique journey from acting to financial journalism, highlighting the formative experiences that led her to cover the dynamic world of hedge funds. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Melissa Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Asia Alternatives, to explore the evolving landscape of private equity in Asia. Melissa shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to co-founding Asia Alternatives, providing deep insights into the firm’s strategic focus on Asia's private equity markets. The discussion covers the significance of demographics, geopolitical risks, and the role of technology in shaping investment strategies. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jeff Schafer, an expert in impact investing, to discuss the evolving landscape of alternative investments and the significant potential of Africa as an investment destination. Jeff shares his journey from traditional finance to a focus on impact investing, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial returns with social good. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Joe Simonian, a prominent figure in the world of financial data science and the Chairman of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) Institute. Joe shares insights from his extensive career, spanning over 18 years in global asset management and financial data science. The discussion traverses the evolution of quantitative tools in finance, the nascent but promising applications of generative AI, and the critical need for synthetic datasets in investment...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Mark Anson, CEO and CIO of Commonfund, to explore the evolution of the endowment model and its ongoing relevance in today's investment landscape. Mark shares his extensive experience, from managing the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to leading Commonfund, providing insights into private equity, the growth of interval funds, and the impact of generative AI on portfolio management. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill talks with Chad Braun, co-founder of Fifth Corner, about the nuances of real estate investments. Chad shares his journey from public accounting to leading a public REIT and finally to his work at Fifth Corner. The discussion covers the differences between public and private real estate investments, the concept of irreplaceable corners, and the impact of e-commerce on retail spaces. Chad also explains the importance of demographic data in investment decisions and the...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Kevin McCreadie, CEO and CIO of AGF Management. They discuss the evolving landscape of asset management, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by market disruptions, democratization, and tax efficiency. Kevin shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting AGF's innovative approach to global investments and the importance of tailored financial products. The conversation explores the significance of active management, the...

In this episode, host Bill welcomes Cathy Marcus, Co-CEO and Global COO at PGIM Real Estate. Cathy shares her extensive experience in the real estate sector, highlighting the evolution of the market, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion covers the complexities of office space investments, the growing importance of ESG requirements, and the potential of data centers driven by advances in technology. Cathy also addresses the challenges and opportunities in...

In this episode Bill interviews Charles Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at a Swiss private bank, renowned for its innovative approach in the banking sector. Charles shares his extensive international experience and insights into the evolution of private banking, emphasizing the integration of digital assets and pioneering private equity investments. The discussion explores the importance of staying updated with market developments and the impact of technological advancements like...

In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Corey Hoffstein, a notable figure in quantitative finance and co-founder of Newfound Research. Corey revisits his unexpected journey from an aspiring video game developer to a financial strategist driven by a passion for quantitative finance.The discussion centers around the concept of "return stacking," a strategy developed to enhance portfolio diversification without sacrificing traditional asset classes. This innovative approach aims to...

In this episode, Bill speaks with Kostiantyn Shost, a CAIA Member from Ukraine, who shares his unique perspective on professionalism and resilience amidst the country's ongoing conflict. Born into a military family with a globally diverse upbringing, Kostiantyn details his journey from various global posts to settling in Ukraine. Despite the severe backdrop of war, he maintains a commitment to professionalism and community service through his active participation in the CFA Society of...

In this episode, Bill interviews Andrew Ang, a former Professor of Business and current investment expert at BlackRock, discussing the nuanced application of factor investing in both public and private markets. Andrew shares his journey from academia to industry, emphasizing the integration of data and technology in investment strategies. The conversation explores the critical aspects of factor investing, the democratization of sophisticated investment strategies for individual investors, and...

In this episode Bill sits down with Tim Hodgson, co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, to discuss the transformative journey of the investment industry. Starting from Tim's early career as an institutional investment consultant to the inception of the Thinking Ahead Institute in 2015, they explore the evolution from a business-centric to a more purpose-driven approach. They reflect on CAIA’s most recent collaborative effort with Thinking Ahead Institute, while developing a new framework...

In this episode Bill speaks with Daniil Shapiro of Cerulli Associates to explore significant trends shaping the asset and wealth management landscape. Shapiro, with a background rich in risk management and product development, offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities within alternative investments, ETFs, and the evolving demands of the advisory market. This episode not only addresses the intricacies of alternative investments and their place in retail and...

This episode of Educational Alpha features Bill in a heartwarming discussion with four of his five children, offering a rare glimpse into the interplay of family life with professional aspirations. The episode spans personal stories, career choices, and the profound influence of familial bonds on personal development. Sam, Zach, Abby, and Will, alongside reflections on their absent brother Max, share insights from their diverse paths—ranging from finance and medicine to marketing and college...

In this episode, Bill welcomes Stephen McCourt from Meketa Investment Group to discuss the significant shifts within the investment landscape. Stephen shares his journey from joining a small consulting firm to becoming a co-CEO, alongside the evolution of Meketa. He provides an in-depth analysis of private markets, emphasizing the importance of private equity and infrastructure investments. Stephen delves into the challenges and developments within the consultant model, reflecting on his...

In this episode Bill sits down with Christine Barry, CEO of CeriFi, exploring the intersection of education technology and professional certifications. The episode delves into CeriFi's innovative approach to consolidating educational resources for financial professionals, including preparation for high-stakes certifications like CFP and CFA. Christine discusses the impact of generative AI on learning platforms, the importance of embracing technology in education, and the critical role of...

In this episode, Bill is joined by Michael Green, discussing his journey from consultancy to leading roles in investment firms, including his current position at Simplify Asset Management. Michael delves into his extensive background, the transformative changes in the ETF space, and the conceptualization of tail risks in investments. The conversation also explores the implications of digital assets and the evolution of market strategies. Listen in!