InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 246: Demystifying CMBS: Opportunities and Challenges in Today's Market

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Adriano Taylor Escribano, Principal Senior Quantitative Analyst at Jennison, for a compelling discussion on the role of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) in insurance company portfolios. Adriano shares his fascinating career journey, starting with his early days working in a college kitchen to his expertise today in structured products. He walks listeners through the complex landscape of agency and non-agency CMBS, highlighting their importance in commercial real estate (CRE) lending and their strategic place in insurance portfolios.

 

The conversation explores key aspects of CMBS, including the differences between Freddie K, DUS, and Ginnie Mae project loans, and the impact of interest rate volatility on the market. Adriano provides expert insight into the current trends in CMBS, including the shift from 10-year to 5-year conduit issuances, and discusses how the Fed’s recent rate decisions could affect the market moving forward. This episode is a must-listen for insurance investment professionals looking to deepen their understanding of CMBS and its evolving role in portfolio construction.

Episode 245: Market dynamics, opportunities and creative solutions in private credit

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, Stewart Foley talks with Grady Frank, Partner and Head of Private Credit Origination at GoldenTree Asset Management, about the evolving landscape of private credit. Grady delves into how GoldenTree approaches the upper end of private credit markets, focusing on large borrowers and navigating complex refinancing solutions. He discusses key opportunities in dividend recaps, M&A activity, and private credit's role in financing large transactions, while also sharing insights on maintaining discipline in credit underwriting amidst a challenging economic environment.

 

Grady provides an inside look at the state of the private credit market, its growing importance for economic stability, and how firms like GoldenTree balance flexibility with a commitment to strong returns. The conversation covers how private credit has evolved, fund size implications, and the potential for M&A resurgence, making this episode essential for insurance investors looking to understand this rapidly growing asset class.

Episode 244: Risk, Opportunity, and Flexibility in Today's Credit Market: Jason Walker of Manulife CQS

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, Stewart Foley sits down with Jason Walker, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Manulife CQS, as part of the CIO Spotlight series. Jason shares his insights into current market conditions, focusing on the importance of downside protection and the opportunities created by market dislocations. He emphasizes how sentiment, liquidity, and new variables are reshaping markets, offering opportunities for savvy investors. Jason also discusses the impact of higher rates on credit markets, structured credit, and how his team at Manulife CQS navigates uncertainty with a disciplined, bottom-up approach.

 

The conversation dives into significant risk transfer (SRT) markets, U.S. commercial real estate, and the role of flexibility in portfolio construction. Jason explains how experience and strategic risk-taking are key to capturing returns in today's markets. With a thoughtful discussion on political risk and opportunities in structured credit, this episode is packed with insights from a seasoned CIO leading through complex market conditions.

Episode 243: Extension Strategies in Emerging Debt

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Sid Dahiya, Head of Emerging Market Corporate Debt at Aberdeen, to discuss the evolving landscape of emerging market debt and the extension strategies that can unlock value for insurance investors. Sid provides an in-depth analysis of the size and characteristics of the EM corporate debt market, comparing it to other asset classes such as U.S. high yield. He also explains how Aberdeen’s proprietary tools and bottom-up investment approach can help manage risk in this complex asset class. Sid offers insights into the unique opportunities in emerging markets, including the impact of political risks and how global trends like de-globalization are shaping investment opportunities.

 

Sid also delves into specific extension strategies, including buy-and-hold approaches, crossover investments, and thematic strategies designed to capitalize on long-term trends. He highlights how insurance investors can strategically diversify their portfolios while balancing risk and return, particularly in the underappreciated areas of EM corporate debt. If you’re looking to expand your understanding of EM debt and its role in insurance asset management, this is a must-listen episode.

Episode 242: Uncovering value in investment grade private credit

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, Stewart Foley is joined by Michael Zorich, Managing Director and Head of Investment Grade (IG) Private Credit at Principal Asset Management, for an in-depth discussion on the growing relevance of investment grade private credit in today’s market. Michael shares his expertise on how IG private credit offers investors a combination of relative value, covenants, better recoveries, and diversification, making it an attractive asset class for insurance companies and institutional investors. He explains how current economic conditions, particularly rising interest rates, have led to increased attention on the sector, especially as investors seek risk-adjusted returns in less volatile spaces compared to other areas like direct lending.

 

Michael also discusses the evolution of private credit markets, the role of club deals, and the various sectors, such as infrastructure and real estate, that present opportunities and risks. As an experienced leader at Principal, he highlights the firm’s 50-year history in private placements, their focus on infrastructure investments, and the extensive customizations they offer to meet client needs. This episode provides valuable insights into how insurance investors can uncover value in IG private credit while navigating today’s complex economic landscape.

Episode 241: What insurance investors should know about the US election with Invesco’s Andy Blocker

In this insightful episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, Stewart Foley sits down with Andy Blocker, Global Head of Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Invesco, to dissect the key political developments shaping the U.S. election. They explore the unprecedented shifts in the political landscape, including the impact of Biden's decision to step aside, Kamala Harris's rise, and the ripple effects of Trump’s ongoing legal battles. Andy provides a thorough analysis of the "path to victory" for both Harris and Trump, offering listeners a unique perspective on how each candidate’s approach to messaging, demographics, and policy could define the outcome of the 2024 election.

 

As the conversation deepens, Andy shares his thoughts on critical topics like the abortion debate, fiscal policy, and the implications of regulatory agendas, particularly for the financial services industry. He also touches on the growing influence of U.S.-China relations and ESG considerations in the election's aftermath. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the potential market and investment impacts tied to the election, making it an essential listen for insurance investors who need to stay informed on the political and economic factors driving the future of their portfolios.

Episode 240: Revolutionizing Fixed Income: Systematic Fixed Income in Insurance Portfolios

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Paul Benson, Head of Systematic Fixed Income at Insight Investment, to dive deep into systematic fixed income and its growing relevance in today’s investment landscape. Paul discusses the evolution of systematic strategies since Insight’s early adoption in 2001, focusing on key innovations such as credit portfolio trading and enhanced liquidity in the high-yield markets. He also touches on the growing role of ETFs and how they integrate with insurance companies' portfolio needs.

 

The conversation further explores the customization potential of systematic strategies to fit the unique constraints insurance companies face, such as capital charges, duration, and rating bucket optimization. Paul shares insights on how rising rates have reshaped the private credit and high-yield landscape, and why high-yield bonds are becoming increasingly attractive for income-focused insurance portfolios. This episode provides valuable lessons for insurance investment professionals interested in integrating systematic fixed income into their strategic asset allocation.

Episode 239: The Evolution of IG Private Credit: Insights from PPM’s Luke Stifflear

Stifflear, Portfolio Manager and Head of Investment Grade Private Credit at PPM. Luke brings over 30 years of experience at PPM, providing deep insights into the world of investment grade private credit. He explains how this asset class, typically dominated by insurance companies, differs from the more commonly discussed high-yield private credit. Luke sheds light on the benefits of investment grade private credit, including enhanced covenant protection, better spread premiums, and diversification opportunities that make it a compelling alternative to public bonds. He also discusses the evolution of this market, particularly in the context of bank pullbacks and the growing interest from institutional investors.

 

The conversation further explores the state of market liquidity, deal flow dynamics, and how PPM's long-standing presence in the industry offers unique advantages in accessing off-the-run tenors and securing favorable deals. Luke also shares his views on the importance of relative value decisions between public and private markets, emphasizing how consistent capital deployment and strong market relationships have helped PPM maintain a competitive edge. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone interested in the strategic aspects of investment grade private credit and its role in diversified portfolios.

Episode 238: Inside Private Equity: Insights from Aaron Sack of Morgan Stanley

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Aaron Sack, Head of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, for an in-depth conversation about the world of private equity. Aaron shares his journey from a liberal arts background to leading one of the most respected private equity teams at Morgan Stanley. The discussion covers Aaron's early experiences, the evolution of private equity, and the unique aspects of middle-market buyout strategies. Aaron provides insights into how private equity has grown from a niche industry into a major force in global finance, and he reflects on the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis, which continue to shape his investment approach today.

 

The conversation also explores the importance of team building and culture in private equity, emphasizing the need for alignment, respect, and shared values in a successful investment team. Aaron's approach to leadership and his perspective on the value of liberal arts in finance offer a unique and refreshing take on what it means to succeed in the private equity space. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the inner workings of private equity and the future of this dynamic asset class.

Episode 237: Capturing the benefits of Infrastructure Debt

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, Stewart Foley, CFA, explores the growing demand and opportunities within the infrastructure debt market with two key experts from Brookfield Asset Management: Hadley Peer Marshall, Managing Director, Co-Head of Infrastructure Debt and Structured Solutions Strategies, and CFO, and Eric Wittleder, Managing Director of Infrastructure. The discussion delves into the major trends driving the infrastructure sector, particularly the significant capital required for global transition initiatives such as net-zero carbon emissions, and how these trends present unique opportunities for institutional investors like insurance companies.

 

Hadley and Eric also highlight the characteristics of an optimized infrastructure debt portfolio, emphasizing the essential, non-cyclical nature of the assets and their ability to provide material downside protection. They share insights on how Brookfield aligns its infrastructure investments with sustainability goals without compromising on returns, and discuss the impact of regulatory changes on the market. This episode offers valuable perspectives on how insurers can effectively leverage infrastructure debt within their portfolios while contributing to environmental sustainability.