InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 40: CIO Spotlight: Joseph Eppers from Selective Insurance

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with the CIO of Selective Insurance to discuss the evolving investment landscape for insurance companies. With historically low interest rates and tight credit spreads, insurers are rethinking their approach to fixed income and exploring new ways to generate yield.

We examine the trade-offs between duration, credit, and liquidity risk, as well as the growing role of private markets in insurance portfolios. How can insurers balance risk and return while maintaining strong governance and capital discipline? Tune in for insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping insurance asset management today.

Episode 39: CIO Spotlight: Nick Martowski of MagMutual: What to do about equities in insurance company portfolios

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Nick Martowski, CIO of Mag Mutual, to discuss equities in insurance portfolios. With so many options available—growth vs. value, domestic vs. international, active vs. passive—what’s the right approach for insurers today?

Nick shares his perspective on why international equities may not be worth the risk, how dividend strategies stack up against other asset classes, and the evolving role of technology stocks. He also weighs in on whether traditional valuation metrics still apply in today’s markets and how rebalancing can serve as a built-in risk management tool.

From navigating volatility to ensuring long-term capital efficiency, this conversation covers key considerations for insurance CIOs allocating to equities.

Episode 38: Opportunities across the private credit spectrum

Listen to three seasoned professionals cover the entire spectrum of the private credit markets and why they are a good fit for insurers looking to pick up yield.

Episode 37: Loomis Sayles Multi-Asset Credit Portfolio: Global Diversification Across Credit-Focused Sectors

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Andrea DiCenso of Loomis Sayles to discuss the ongoing search for yield in insurance portfolios. With rates at historic lows and central bank activity distorting markets, insurers are looking beyond traditional fixed income to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Andrea shares insights on how a multi-asset credit approach can help insurers navigate global credit markets, taking into account factors like credit cycles, liquidity premiums, and relative value opportunities. She also discusses the role of market fragility indicators, how risk management tools can enhance portfolio positioning, and whether insurers are shifting away from sleeve-based mandates toward more dynamic, opportunistic strategies.

Episode 36: How the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) helps insurers get started and make progress in ESG integration

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Chris Fowle, Director of the Americas for Signatory Relations at PRI, to discuss how insurers are integrating ESG factors into their investment strategies. With growing regulatory focus and stakeholder pressure, insurers are rethinking how ESG considerations impact both their assets and liabilities. Chris explains what it means to be a PRI signatory, how ESG factors influence investment decisions, and why responsible investing is becoming a priority in the insurance industry.

The conversation also covers common misconceptions about ESG investing, the challenges of ESG data and ratings, and recent signatories like Liberty Mutual and MassMutual. Chris shares insights on PRI’s reporting framework and how insurers can take a leadership role in sustainable investing while maintaining strong financial performance.

Episode 35: Compensation in the Asset Management Industry

Keith Robinson has spent decades helping asset managers design compensation programs.  He talks about the key components of best-in-class compensation, or “rewards” plans in the industry.

Episode 34: EMD: An overlooked potential source of yield for insurance investors

EMD: An overlooked potential source of yield for insurance investors

Episode 33: Meet Mitch He, CIO of Chesapeake Employers Insurance

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Mitch He, Chief Investment Officer of Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance, to discuss today’s investment landscape and the challenges insurers face in a low-yield environment. Mitch shares his views on market opportunities, including the role of convertible bonds, CLOs, and high-yield securities, and explains why technology should be treated as an asset class in a diversified portfolio. He also highlights how insurers can hedge medical cost inflation through strategic equity investments and why asset allocation decisions must align with long-term industry trends.

The conversation also explores the impact of regulations on insurers’ ability to manage risk and achieve their investment objectives, as well as the growing role of private markets. Mitch shares insights into his unconventional career path, from engineering in China to insurance asset management in the U.S., and offers advice to young professionals looking to build a career in the industry.

Episode 32: Meet The Helper Bees: Long-term Care Insurtech Disruptor with CEO Dr. Char Hu

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Dr. Char Hu of The Helper Bees, an insuretech company transforming long-term care with data-driven solutions. As insurers look for ways to manage claims costs while improving care outcomes, The Helper Bees leverages technology to track key health indicators, prevent costly interventions, and keep policyholders independent at home. With rapid growth and increasing engagement with private equity, the company is poised to play a critical role in the future of aging and insurance.

Dr. Hu shares insights on how real-time data collection helps insurers make proactive decisions, the role of home care in the broader insurance ecosystem, and why non-medical factors like mobility and nutrition are just as important as clinical care. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on how technology is reshaping long-term care claims and risk management.

Episode 31: Meet Karyn Williams: The Queen of Risk

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Karyn Williams to explore a fresh perspective on risk management. Traditional mean-variance optimization has long been the industry standard, but does it truly help investors during market dislocations? Karyn challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that standard risk models often fail when they are needed most. Drawing from her experience as a CIO and board member, she introduces a new approach—one that simplifies complex risk decisions, improves governance, and aligns with real-world investment objectives.

This conversation delves into risk factors, portfolio efficiency, and the importance of a clear framework that both investment professionals and boards can understand. Discover how rethinking risk can lead to more informed decisions and better outcomes for insurance investors.