InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 84: Infrastructure for Insurers - A Deep Dive with Macquarie Asset Management

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley dives into the critical role of dividend strategies in today’s equity markets. With a focus on high dividend yield and growth, the conversation explores how dividends contribute significantly to total return, provide risk management, and offer a hedge against inflation—key considerations for insurance investors.

Discover insights on identifying quality companies with sustainable and growing dividends, breaking down the metrics that matter, such as profitability, payout ratios, and historical growth. The discussion also highlights a unique approach to sector diversification, targeting opportunities in non-traditional sectors like technology and healthcare, while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality and customization.

For insurance CIOs, the episode covers tailoring dividend strategies to meet specific constraints, including tax planning, gain/loss management, and sector weightings. Tune in for an engaging discussion packed with actionable insights for enhancing income and stability in equity portfolios.

Episode 83: CIO Spotlight: Leena Punjabi, CIO at F&G Annuities & Life

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Leena Punjabi, CIO of F&G Annuities & Life, to explore her inspiring career journey and her role as a leader in the insurance industry. Leena shares how she transitioned from consulting to becoming the sole CIO of a $38 billion life insurance company, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and fostering diverse perspectives.

The conversation highlights F&G’s authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as how the company is building an inclusive culture through intentional leadership programs and mentorship opportunities. Leena also discusses the shifting landscape of insurance investments, the rise of new technologies, and why the insurance industry is ripe for fresh talent and innovation. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals seeking to thrive in the evolving world of insurance and asset management.

Episode 82: Kids These Days: Perspectives From New Graduates

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, dives into the career paths of two recent University of Missouri graduates who are navigating the transition from college to careers in insurance and investment banking. The discussion explores how initiative, networking, and campus involvement paved their way to success, offering lessons for students and professionals alike.

The conversation also highlights how taking risks, exploring diverse opportunities, and embracing challenges can shape a rewarding career. Whether you’re entering the job market, seeking to grow professionally, or mentoring the next generation, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for building a successful career in the financial and insurance industries.

Episode 81: The Evolution of Direct Lending with Invesco’s Ronald Kantowitz

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with Ronald Kantowitz, Managing Director and Head of Private Debt at Invesco, to discuss the evolution of direct lending and its growing role in private debt markets. Over the last 15 years, direct lending has become a trillion-dollar asset class, offering insurance investors floating-rate income, attractive yields, and diversification potential in an increasingly uncertain economic environment. Ronald shares his perspective on why the demand for direct lending continues to grow and how private equity partnerships are helping to drive this market.

Ronald also highlights the importance of disciplined asset selection in today’s environment of rising rates, inflation, and market volatility. From structuring loans for middle-market companies to adapting to post-COVID challenges like supply chain disruptions, he explains why this defensive, senior-secured asset class remains resilient. This episode provides valuable insights for insurance investors seeking to navigate the complexities of private debt while managing risk effectively.

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

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Gavin Rowe, CEO of Watershed Technologies, to explore the fast-evolving world of options trading. With 40 million options contracts traded daily—double the volume from just two years ago—the options market has become a critical tool for risk management. Gavin shares his deep expertise, breaking down how options function as term risk instruments and how they help gauge the market's economic risk appetite. He also explains the nuances of order volume, bid-ask spreads, and the critical role of market makers in maintaining liquidity.

The conversation dives into the impact of electronic trading, the shift from open outcry markets to high-speed digital execution, and the importance of reputation in the trading industry. Gavin also introduces Watershed Technologies and its mission to improve options pricing through a technology-driven auction process. Whether you're a seasoned options trader or just getting started, this episode provides a fascinating look into how the options market works—and how technology is shaping its future.

Episode 77: Inflation and the Fallacy of Composition, an Interview with Mike Ashton, The Inflation Guy

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, welcomes back Mike Ashton, CEO of Enduring Investments—better known as "The Inflation Guy." With inflation dominating headlines and recession fears looming, Mike provides expert insights on the current economic landscape. He breaks down the effects of inflation on interest rates, housing prices, and labor markets, while also tackling the misconceptions surrounding "peak inflation" and the real impact of government stimulus.

The conversation dives into the mechanics of inflation, its long-term implications, and why a recession is likely unavoidable. Mike explains how inflation affects investment strategies, debunks the myth that equities are an inflation hedge, and discusses the Fed’s role in shaping market conditions. Whether you're an insurance investor navigating today’s uncertain environment or simply looking for a clearer understanding of inflation, this episode delivers expert analysis in an engaging and insightful discussion.

 

Episode 76: The future of net zero energy in real estate and why insurers should consider single family rentals

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, explores the growing asset class of single-family rentals and their potential benefits for insurance investors. He’s joined by Anthony Cazazian, Managing Director and Head of US Residential Real Estate for Man Group, to discuss the investment opportunities in single-family rentals, their role in portfolio diversification, and their potential as an inflation hedge.

The conversation covers the supply-demand dynamics in the US housing market, the increasing institutional interest in single-family rentals, and how build-to-rent communities are evolving. Caz also highlights Man Group’s innovative approach to net zero energy homes and the ESG advantages of sustainable housing investments. With recent regulatory changes making real estate more attractive for insurers, this episode provides key insights into why single-family rentals are gaining traction in institutional portfolios.

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.