InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 68: How Real Estate Equity and ESG Converge in an Insurer’s Portfolio

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Sara Queen and Jim Landau from MetLife Investment Management (MIM) to explore how real estate equity and ESG intersect in insurers’ portfolios. They discuss the impact of recent RBC capital charge changes, how real estate acts as an inflation hedge, and the value of direct investment versus funds.

The conversation also highlights how ESG goals, including the Met Zero program and climate risk considerations, are driving innovation in real estate investments. With insights into property-specific trends like industrial growth, multifamily dynamics, and post-COVID office demand, this episode provides actionable takeaways for insurance investors seeking sustainable and diversified strategies.

Episode 67: CyberSecurity Today with Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett (Ret.)

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM Podcast, host Stewart Foley is joined by retired Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett, senior advisor at Academy Securities, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity. From ransomware attacks and SCADA vulnerabilities to nation-state threats and phishing schemes, they explore the risks facing businesses and the insurance industry today.

Danelle shares her expertise on how companies can prepare for and respond to cyber incidents, emphasizing the importance of understanding critical operations, implementing zero-trust frameworks, and engaging board members in cyber risk oversight. This episode offers actionable insights and best practices for navigating one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Episode 66: Tax Equity & ESG Investing – Discover the Dual Benefits

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM Podcast, host Stewart Foley is joined by George Strobel and Billy Huger from Monarch Private Capital to discuss the world of tax credit equity. They break down how tax credits in renewable energy, affordable housing, and historic rehabilitation projects can provide financial returns while advancing ESG goals.

Learn how insurers and other corporations can use tax equity to offset federal and state premium taxes, including creating customized portfolios tailored to specific liabilities. The conversation also covers the growing demand for ESG-aligned investments and the role of tax equity in funding socially impactful and environmentally sustainable projects.

Episode 65: Private Real Estate Debt with Invesco’s Charlie Rose

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley discusses the increasingly prominent role of private real estate debt in insurance portfolios. Learn how these transactions are structured, why the asset class is gaining attention, and how insurers are using it to improve portfolio yield while managing risk.

The conversation also highlights sector-specific trends, the impact of inflation, and evolving opportunities in residential, logistics, and retail real estate. With a focus on risk management and the implications of shifting economic conditions, this episode offers timely insights for insurance investors navigating today’s investment landscape.

Episode 64: Secondaries Investing for Insurance Companies

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley discusses the intricacies of this evolving market with an expert from Landmark Partners, an Ares Company. Learn how secondaries provide liquidity in private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, offering opportunities for diversification and risk-adjusted returns.

The conversation explores why secondaries can be an attractive entry point for insurers expanding into private markets, how capital deployment compares to primaries, and the benefits of shorter duration in investment portfolios. With insights on market trends, downside protection, and Landmark’s integration with Ares, this episode offers timely perspectives for insurance professionals navigating alternative investments.

Episode 63: Crypto Assets - The Emergence of a New Asset Class

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, explores the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency with experts Mannik Dhillon and Scott Kefer from Victory Capital. With over 8,000 cryptocurrencies in existence, crypto is an increasingly hot topic—but what does it mean for institutional investors, particularly insurance companies?

Mannik and Scott break down the fundamentals of blockchain technology, the security concerns around crypto, and its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. They also discuss key investment considerations, including how to conduct fundamental analysis, the role of crypto as a portfolio diversifier, and the impact of volatility. Additionally, the conversation highlights the NASDAQ Crypto Index (NCI) and how it offers institutional investors a structured way to gain exposure to digital assets. If you’re looking to understand the risks, opportunities, and future of crypto investing, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode 62: A New Perspective on ESG

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM Podcast, host Stewart Foley is joined by the head of ESG and sustainability at Academy Securities, a veteran- and minority-owned investment bank, for a compelling discussion on ESG and its critical role in today’s markets.

The conversation explores sustainability as a measurable framework, the implications of water stress, the intersection of climate risk and insurance portfolios, and the rising importance of cybersecurity as an ESG priority. With actionable insights for insurance investment professionals, this episode sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of aligning investments with long-term sustainability goals.

Episode 61: Sorting through the income opportunity among private, junior capital credits DWS and Northwestern Mutual Capital

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM Podcast, host Stewart Foley is joined by experts to explore private credit and junior capital as compelling alternatives for insurance investors seeking yield in today’s low-rate environment.

The conversation covers the appeal of junior capital versus public credit options, the importance of longstanding relationships and deal flow in private markets, and how diversification mitigates risk. The discussion also addresses trends shaping private credit, such as unitranche structures and high valuations, and examines the relative advantages of junior capital portfolios compared to leveraged senior debt. For insurance professionals navigating private markets, this episode provides actionable insights and strategies to optimize portfolio returns.

Episode 60: EM Constitutions: Vital to Developing Ideas

Compensation is always a hot topic, but is it just about the money? In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, Stewart Foley sits down with an expert to explore what makes a rewards system truly effective. The conversation dives into why cash alone isn’t always enough to retain top talent, the importance of transparency, fairness, and simplicity in compensation plans, and how intrinsic rewards like culture, autonomy, and purpose play a vital role.

They also discuss how investment firms can design compensation structures that align with company culture and strategy, common pitfalls in rewards programs, and why recognizing employees’ contributions can be one of the most powerful (and cost-free) motivators. Plus, hear some great career advice on finding your passion and long-term success.

If you’re an investment professional, leader, or anyone curious about how rewards can drive engagement and performance, this episode is for you!

Episode 59: Driving Change for Women in Insurance

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with two inspiring leaders dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the insurance industry. Margaret Milkint, Chair of the Women in Insurance Initiative for Million Women Mentors STEMconnector and Managing Director of Diversified Search Group, and Barbara Ingraham, Managing Director of Excess and Surplus at Verisk, share their work on the "Driving Change" data study.

This initiative, now in its second wave, seeks to uncover actionable insights about representation and advancement in the insurance industry. Margaret and Barbara highlight the critical role data plays in identifying challenges, measuring progress, and shaping strategies for a more inclusive future. They also discuss the industry’s ongoing struggle to attract and retain STEM talent, with a focus on breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about careers in insurance.

Tune in to learn how this data-driven effort is shedding light on the state of diversity and inclusion in insurance, why it matters, and how companies and individuals can get involved to make a lasting impact.