InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 288: Executive Spotlight: Eric Partlan, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at MassMutual

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Eric Partlan, Chief Investment Officer at MassMutual, for an engaging installment of the CIO Spotlight series. With MassMutual’s $285 billion general account and deep legacy as a mutual insurer, Eric shares insights into how the firm’s long-term orientation, mutual structure, and strategic partnerships drive its investment approach—particularly in private credit, structured products, and ALM strategies.

 

Eric also reflects on his unique career journey from aerospace engineering to the CIO role, offering a candid look into his philosophy on leadership, team building, and fostering intellectual curiosity. From cultivating a collaborative team culture to leveraging Barings and other long-term partnerships, this episode delivers thoughtful perspectives on navigating evolving markets while remaining rooted in purpose-driven investment strategies. Whether you're new to insurance asset management or a seasoned pro, this is a must-listen conversation on where the industry is headed.

Episode 287: The Next 10 Years: Key Trends Influencing Insurers' Asset Allocation Decisions

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Anwiti Bahuguna, PhD, Chief Investment Officer of Global Asset Allocation at Northern Trust Asset Management. The conversation explores Northern Trust’s latest long-term capital market assumptions and the macroeconomic forces likely to shape insurer portfolios over the next decade—from AI-enabled productivity and energy transition to evolving patterns of globalization.

 

Anwiti shares how her team blends quantitative modeling with insights from asset class specialists to create actionable 10-year outlooks for insurance investors. The discussion spans implications for fixed income and equity allocations, real assets as inflation hedges, and the growing relevance of private markets—particularly private credit. With practical insights on capital formation, macro themes, and manager selection, this episode offers a roadmap for insurance CIOs and investment teams navigating the complexities of a shifting global landscape.

Episode 286: Resident Expertise - Advice for Insurers Investing in Residential Mortgage Loans

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Dan Pallone, Managing Director of Global Loan Operations at SS&C Technologies, to discuss the latest trends in the residential mortgage market. With rising interest rates, limited housing supply, and increasing investor interest, how are insurers positioning themselves in this evolving landscape?

 

Dan shares insights into the advantages of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) over traditional mortgage-backed securities, key operational considerations for insurers looking to scale in this asset class, and the impact of automation on mortgage investing. Tune in to learn how insurance investors can navigate the complexities of the Resi market and optimize their portfolios.

Episode 285: Plugging into the Energy Transition Opportunity

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Edward Levin, Managing Director and Co-Head of Direct Infrastructure at Voya Investment Management, to explore the evolving landscape of renewable energy finance. With over 20 years of experience in energy transition projects, Edward shares insights into how the sector has matured, the increasing demand for power driven by AI and manufacturing onshoring, and the evolving financing structures supporting renewable infrastructure.

 

Edward also breaks down the impact of federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of tax credits, and how bipartisan support continues to drive investment in renewable energy—even in traditionally fossil-fuel-heavy states. Whether you're an institutional investor, an energy market enthusiast, or just curious about the future of sustainable finance, this conversation offers a valuable look into one of the fastest-growing asset classes today.

Episode 284: Bonds, Benchmarks, and Beyond: An Insider's Perspective on Fixed Income Investing

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Christine Thorpe, Institutional Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Investments, to discuss the critical role of core fixed income in insurance portfolios. Despite being the largest allocation for most insurers, core fixed income often takes a backseat to higher-yielding asset classes. Christine shares insights on sector positioning, duration management, and Fidelity’s preference for rates over spreads in today’s evolving market.

 

With Fidelity managing approximately $2 trillion in fixed income strategies, Christine also highlights the firm’s team-based investment culture and how it helps drive consistent performance. She discusses how insurers can navigate shifting economic conditions, the importance of patience and diversification, and why thoughtful risk management is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re deep in the fixed income space or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Episode 283: Leadership Excellence: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in Insurance Asset Management

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Milena Humplik and Margot DeMore, co-founders of Broad Street, to discuss career management from both sides of the desk. They share insights into hiring trends in insurance asset management, the skill sets in demand, and how leadership plays a crucial role in talent retention.

 

Milena and Margot also offer guidance on navigating career transitions, the evolving return-to-office landscape, and what makes a truly great leader in today’s industry. Whether you're an employer looking to build a strong team or a professional considering your next move, this episode delivers valuable takeaways. Tune in for expert perspectives on managing your career and team in the competitive world of insurance asset management.

Episode 282: Discovering New Opportunities For Yield And Safety In The Municipal Bond Market

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Jim Kaniclides, Head of U.S. Insurance, and Jeff Burger, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager of Municipal Bonds at Insight Investment. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of municipal bonds, offering insights into how insurers can balance yield, liquidity, and safety in today’s fixed-income markets.

 

Jim and Jeff break down the shift from tax-exempt to taxable municipal bonds, their role in insurance portfolios, and the diversification benefits they provide compared to corporate bonds. They also highlight how municipals align with ESG and impact investing trends while maintaining historically low default rates. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on why municipal bonds remain a compelling asset class for insurers seeking quality and stability.

 

Episode 281: How Can BDCs Be Used to Optimize Direct Lending?

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, speaks with Michael Occi, President of Morgan Stanley Private Credit’s BDC platform, to explore how insurance investors can leverage BDCs to gain deeper insights into the direct lending market. They discuss how BDCs provide transparency into asset quality, credit conditions, and portfolio performance, offering valuable data that insurance investors can use to assess risk and optimize their strategies. Michael explains the evolution of BDC structures, the growing role of non-traded BDCs, and how these vehicles fit into the broader private credit landscape.

 

The conversation also covers the regulatory and structural differences between BDCs and traditional direct lending funds, highlighting key factors insurance companies should consider when allocating capital. Michael shares his perspective on the importance of transparency in investment decisions and how BDC disclosures can serve as a useful tool for both new and experienced investors.

 

Beyond the financial insights, Michael and Stewart discuss career development in asset management, what qualities make a strong team member, and even a bit about Michael’s passion for golf. Whether you're an institutional investor looking to deepen your understanding of BDCs or simply interested in the intersection of private credit and insurance investing, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Episode 280: The Right Way to Invest in Emerging Market Debt

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Vlad Liberzon, partner and portfolio manager at GoldenTree Asset Management, to discuss the evolving landscape of emerging market debt (EMD) and how insurers can approach the asset class strategically. With over 20 years of experience in EMD investing, Vlad shares insights into the asset class’s transformation, from its early days of high correlation and commodity reliance to today’s diverse and uncorrelated opportunities across 90 countries. He breaks down the factors driving EMD’s growth, the risks insurers often associate with the asset class, and why many may be overlooking key opportunities.

 

The conversation delves into portfolio construction, exploring the benefits of a hard currency-focused approach, active management strategies, and the importance of risk discipline. Vlad also offers a market outlook for 2025, highlighting potential opportunities in sovereign and corporate debt, idiosyncratic investments, and the impact of macroeconomic themes like U.S. interest rates, dollar strength, and China exposure. Whether you're new to emerging market debt or looking to refine your investment strategy, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating this dynamic and growing asset class.

 

Listen now to gain expert insights into the right way to invest in emerging market debt and how insurers can position their portfolios effectively.

Episode 279: Overview Of the Private Equity Market: Today’s Changing Landscape

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Champ Raju, Managing Partner and Head of Private Equity at PPM America Capital Partners, to discuss the evolving private equity landscape and the investment strategies gaining traction in today’s market. They explore the current fundraising environment, M&A activity, and the increasing role of co-investments and GP-led secondary deals in institutional portfolios.

 

Champ explains how co-investments offer institutional investors, including insurance companies, an opportunity to reduce fees and gain direct exposure to private equity deals. He also breaks down single-asset GP-led secondary transactions, highlighting their benefits and why they are becoming a preferred investment structure. The conversation provides insights into how these strategies can enhance portfolio diversification, optimize capital deployment, and improve overall returns.

 

With decades of experience in private equity, Champ shares his perspective on how investors can navigate these complex structures, assess risk, and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Whether you are an experienced private equity investor or looking to deepen your understanding of alternative investments, this episode offers valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of the private equity market.