InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 80: Saving Lives by Walking and Talking with Amy Kartheiser

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley dives into an important conversation about mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the resources available for survivors. The discussion highlights the deeply personal impact of losing loved ones to suicide, the challenges survivors face, and the efforts being made to normalize conversations around mental illness.

The episode explores the critical need for programs like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Healing Conversations, which provides support to survivors in their most difficult moments. It also introduces the Walk and Talk Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging individuals to take care of their mental health by stepping outside, walking, and having meaningful conversations.

This episode underscores the importance of reducing stigma, fostering open dialogue, and creating a culture where mental health is prioritized. It’s a heartfelt reminder that talking about mental health can save lives and help build stronger, more supportive communities.

Episode 79: Why private real estate debt can benefit insurance investors

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley dives into the world of private and public real estate debt, exploring how insurance investors can benefit from this asset class. With insights from experienced portfolio managers, the discussion covers everything from commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) to private real estate debt, highlighting the yield enhancement, diversification, and inflation protection these investments can offer.

The conversation delves into current market dynamics, including rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, and how these forces are shaping real estate debt opportunities. Topics include underwriting discipline, sector selection, and the importance of equity cushions and debt service coverage ratios in navigating today’s environment. The episode also discusses how real estate debt complements other asset classes, offers attractive capital treatment, and serves as an alternative to traditional corporate bonds.

Whether you’re looking to enhance yield or protect against inflation, this episode provides valuable insights into how real estate debt can play a strategic role in insurance investment portfolios.

Episode 78: New Option for Trading Options: An interview An Interview with Watershed Technologies’ Gavin Rowe

40 million. That's the number of options contracts that are traded every day. That number has doubled from just two years ago. The options market is a very effective means of risk management and it is going crazy. I am so happy to be joined by Gavin Rowe, CEO of Watershed Technologies, who's going to give us a dissertation on options, and options trading. 

Inflation and the Fallacy of Composition, an Interview with Mike Ashton, The Inflation Guy

Now a day goes by that we're not hearing about inflation in the headlines, and that's why we've gotten Mike Ashton, the inflation guy back on with us. Mike, thanks for being on.

 

The future of net zero energy in real estate and why insurers should consider single family rentals

In this episode of the Insurance AUM Podcast, we speak with Anthony Cazazian, of the Man Group, about single family rentals and the future of net zero energy in real estate.

“We particularly have been focused on single-family rentals as it has been a newer asset class from an institutional investment perspective. And, we believe that allows us to utilize some of our expertise and skillsets in a different way and allows us to deliver outsized returns to our investors.”

Episode 75: A US insurer’s roadmap for navigating the new RBC regs – An interview with Wellington Management’s Tim Antonelli

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley explores the 2023 insurance investment outlook, focusing on regulatory changes and their impact on insurance portfolios. With insights from Wellington Management’s expertise, the discussion delves into the newly implemented risk-based capital (RBC) framework, which introduces more granular ratings for fixed income assets. These changes aim to better align capital charges with risk, presenting opportunities in high-quality high-yield bonds, municipals, and securitized assets for life insurers, while also increasing scrutiny for private placements.

The episode also addresses how insurers are navigating rising interest rates, inflation risks, and the evolving regulatory environment. Topics include the shift toward private credit, the role of structured products as a diversification tool, and the increasing importance of alternative investments in meeting long-term strategic goals.

Episode 74: Climate change tops insurers’ agenda

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Ed Collinge of Robeco, a leader in sustainable investing. Together, they discuss the findings of Robeco's 2022 Global Climate Survey, revealing how insurance companies are accelerating their adoption of ESG strategies. With climate change now central to investment policies for 75% of insurance companies surveyed—up from just 34% two years ago—the shift toward sustainability is undeniable. Ed shares how Robeco has been helping insurers integrate ESG criteria since 2010 and explains why data and analytics are critical to achieving net-zero commitments.

They also explore biodiversity as a growing investment theme, the challenges of incorporating carbon data into portfolio management, and the role of active engagement in transforming high-carbon industries. If you're curious about how insurance companies are aligning their portfolios with sustainability goals while managing risk and maintaining returns, this episode offers valuable insights.

 

Episode 73: Focus on the Fish Tank, Not Just the Fish - An Interview with VSECU’s Robert Miller

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, speaks with Robert Miller, President and CEO of Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU). Drawing on his unique background in financial services and public service, Rob shares how VSECU is fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). He explains how workforce diversity parallels investment diversification: just as diverse portfolios reduce risk and enhance returns, diverse perspectives improve organizational decision-making.

Rob reflects on the intentional steps his organization has taken to create an inclusive environment, from embracing tension as a source of innovation to challenging hierarchical norms. He shares the lessons learned following the murder of George Floyd, a pivotal moment that inspired VSECU to deepen its commitment to DEIB. Rob emphasizes that progress requires ongoing reflection, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. For financial services professionals and leaders seeking to build more inclusive workplaces, this episode offers valuable strategies and insights.

Episode 72: Rising Rates Pushing Investors Back to Core Bonds

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Wesley Pate of Income Research and Management (IR&M) to explore the evolving role of core fixed income in insurance portfolios. As inflation hits a 40-year high and rates rise, Wesley explains why this environment may not be as challenging for insurers as it seems, thanks to the long-term benefits of reinvesting at higher yields.

They discuss the importance of duration-neutral strategies, the return of core bonds as a favored allocation, and how insurers are adapting to regulatory changes like the new NAIC RBC rules and S&P’s proposed capital model. Wesley also highlights the resurgence of municipal bonds, attractive opportunities in securitized assets, and the growing relevance of ESG as part of insurers' investment strategies. Whether you’re a fixed income geek or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of today’s bond market, this episode offers valuable perspectives for navigating the complexities of core fixed income investing.

Episode 71: Former NAMIC CEO Chuck Chamness Reflects on Nearly 30 Years of Serving the Mutual Insurance Industry and Speaks on His New Role at Bain Capital Insurance

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Chuck Chamness, recently retired CEO of NAMIC and now Senior Advisor at Bain Capital Insurance, and Matt Popoli, Managing Director and Global Head of Bain Capital Insurance. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing mutual insurance companies, particularly in raising capital and evolving their business strategies in a competitive and changing landscape.

This engaging conversation sheds light on the challenges of balancing regulatory requirements, investment opportunities, and operational growth in an increasingly complex environment. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the insurance space, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving role of mutual insurance companies and the capital strategies shaping the future of the industry.