InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 277: Breaking Down Evergreen Funds: Flexibility, Transparency, and Performance

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, welcomes Fabian Korzendorfer, Partner with StepStone’s Private Debt research team, for an in-depth discussion on Evergreen Funds: A Compelling Tool for Private Markets. Fabian joins from Switzerland to share his expertise on how evergreen funds provide flexibility, liquidity, and efficiency, making them an increasingly attractive option for both institutional and individual investors. Together, they explore the structural advantages of evergreen funds over traditional drawdown models, their impact on portfolio diversification, and why private debt is particularly well-suited for this investment vehicle.

 

Stewart and Fabian also dive into how evergreen funds manage liquidity, their role in mitigating the J-curve effect, and their growing appeal to insurance investors navigating capital efficiency and regulatory considerations. Fabian offers insights into the operational and reporting benefits of these funds, along with career advice for finance professionals looking to navigate the evolving landscape of private markets. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that unpacks the rising prominence of evergreen funds and their potential to reshape private market investing.

Episode 276: Navigating the Evolution of Asset Finance and Opportunistic Credit with Centerbridge

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, welcomes Aaron Fink, Senior Managing Director at Centerbridge, to explore the evolution of asset finance and opportunistic credit. Aaron shares insights on how Centerbridge's cycle-agnostic approach allows them to dynamically allocate capital across private equity, credit, and real estate, ensuring they capitalize on opportunities regardless of market conditions. From his early career in asset finance trading to leading Centerbridge’s asset finance efforts, Aaron discusses the firm’s unique investment philosophy and its ability to pivot between public and private markets to generate returns.

 

The conversation dives into key market trends for 2025, including opportunities in consumer credit, housing, and specialty finance, and how persistent high interest rates are shaping investment strategies. Aaron also provides a deep dive into the risks and rewards of private credit, the impact of market cycles on opportunistic investing, and the importance of adaptability in sourcing new asset classes. Whether you're an institutional investor or simply interested in how market dynamics influence asset allocation, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on the future of asset finance.

Episode 275: StepStone Insights: Demystifying Venture Capital for Insurance Portfolio Managers

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West, both Managing Directors on the Venture Capital and Growth team at StepStone, to explore an asset class that isn’t traditionally front and center for insurance portfolios: venture capital. They discuss why insurers may want to consider VC exposure, how the asset class has evolved over the years, and what strategies can help insurance investors navigate this space.

 

With insurance investment portfolios becoming more diversified, Anthony and Stephen share insights on why venture capital has gained traction among institutional investors, how secondaries and emerging managers fit into the equation, and why consistency is key when allocating to VC. They also touch on the impact of AI, changing IPO dynamics, and the role of data in investment decision-making. Don’t miss this deep dive into an asset class that could reshape insurance investing.

Episode 274: Tips and Tools for Staying Current with NAIC Statutory Filings

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Barbara Arnold and Scott Kurland of SS&C Technologies to explore the latest developments in NAIC statutory reporting. With growing portfolio complexity and evolving regulatory requirements, insurers are facing increasing challenges in maintaining compliance while ensuring accuracy and efficiency in reporting.

 

Barbara and Scott discuss the major trends shaping the industry, including the growing role of alternative investments, the shift to multi-manager models, and changes in asset classifications that impact reporting requirements. They also highlight the rising adoption of outsourcing and co-sourcing solutions, helping insurers streamline processes while maintaining compliance. As reporting deadlines tighten and staffing challenges persist, having a clear strategy for data integrity and workflow optimization is more critical than ever.

 

This conversation provides expert insights and practical solutions for insurance investment professionals looking to navigate today’s complex NAIC reporting environment. From best practices in statutory reporting to strategies for staying ahead of regulatory changes, this episode offers valuable perspectives for insurers aiming to enhance their reporting processes. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of how insurers can optimize their reporting workflows and ensure compliance in an increasingly demanding landscape.

Episode 273: Going back to First Principals in a Brave New World

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Michael Acton, Managing Director and Head of Research and Strategy at AEW, to explore the evolving landscape of commercial real estate investing. As the industry navigates a post-pandemic world, rising interest rates, and a wave of loan maturities, Acton shares insights on how investors can return to first principles to identify opportunities amid uncertainty. He discusses the hybrid nature of real estate as an asset class, its role in portfolio diversification, and the impact of economic shifts on valuations.

 

Acton also provides a deep dive into key market trends, including the challenges facing office space, the resurgence of senior housing, and the opportunities arising from peak loan maturities. With a career spanning 35 years in real estate research and strategy, he offers a seasoned perspective on how investors—particularly insurance asset managers—can position themselves for success in today’s dynamic environment. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the space, this episode delivers a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of commercial real estate.

Episode 272: The Art of Credit Underwriting: Lessons from OHA and Missouri Teachers

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Victor Debenedetti, principal at OHA, and Anthony Vikhter, senior investment analyst at Missouri Teachers, for an in-depth discussion on best practices in underwriting private credit. As private credit continues to expand, investors must understand the nuances of due diligence, risk assessment, and structuring deals to ensure long-term success.

 

Victor and Anthony share their perspectives on credit monitoring, distressed situations, and the importance of aligning private credit strategies with institutional objectives. They also discuss how private credit differs from private equity and why this asset class has seen such significant growth. Whether you’re investing in private credit or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers key insights for insurance and pension investors alike.

Episode 271: Direct Lending Decoded: Macquarie's Strategic Approach to Middle Market Investing

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Brian Van Elslander, Head of MAM Direct Lending Portfolio Management, Americas, and Bill Eckmann, Head of Macquarie Principal Finance, Americas, to discuss the evolving landscape of direct lending. With private credit playing an increasingly significant role in institutional portfolios, Brian and Bill share insights on the growth of Macquarie’s direct lending platform, the firm’s approach to alignment and risk management, and key considerations for insurance investors exploring this asset class.

 

They also examine current market dynamics, sector opportunities, and best practices for insurers looking to allocate to private credit. Whether you’re already investing in direct lending or evaluating its strategic fit, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on navigating the space.

Episode 270: Asset-Based Finance Public Versus Private, A Guide to Adult Swimming

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Alessandro Pagani, portfolio manager and head of the mortgage and structured finance team at Loomis Sayles, to explore the complexities of asset-based finance. They discuss the key differences between public and private ABS, the growing role of private credit, and how insurers should approach this evolving space. With rising interest rates and changing bank capital requirements, the demand for private asset-backed lending has surged—creating both opportunities and risks for investors.

 

Alessandro shares his insights on liquidity considerations, risk assessment, and the importance of due diligence in this market. He also reflects on the evolution of asset-based finance since the late 1990s, highlighting lessons learned from past cycles and how investors can avoid common pitfalls. If you're looking to better understand the nuances of this asset class, this episode offers an in-depth discussion on navigating what truly is an "adult swim" in investing.

Episode 269: Asset-Based Finance (ABF): Building Resilient Portfolios for Insurers

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, explores the growing market of private structured credit, also known as private ABF, with Poorvi Dholakia and Paul Carroll of MetLife Investment Management. They discuss how this asset class stands out through customized structures, enhanced covenants, and attractive yield premiums, making it an increasingly valuable component of insurance portfolios.

 

The conversation delves into the key factors driving the growth of private ABF since the 2008 financial crisis, the role of regulatory changes, and how scale and underwriting expertise create a competitive edge in this space. Risk considerations, such as credit, liquidity, and prepayment risk, are also examined, alongside the diversification benefits private ABF can bring to insurance investors.

 

Whether you're seeking a foundational understanding or advanced insights into private ABF, this episode offers a detailed look at its evolving role in meeting insurers' long-term objectives in today’s dynamic investment landscape.

Episode 268: The Power of Patient Capital: Navigating Private Credit Through Market Cycles

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, Stewart Foley sits down with Michael King, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Senior Credit at Manulife Investment Management, to take a deep dive into the world of direct lending and sponsored finance. Michael shares his journey from carpentry to credit, discusses the unique dynamics of middle market private equity firms, and unpacks Manulife’s patient, deliberate approach to growing its private credit platform.

 

Discover how Manulife’s focus on consistent underwriting, strong sponsor relationships, and market access has fueled success through various economic cycles, and hear Michael’s thoughts on private credit’s evolving landscape in 2025. From industry insights to advice for future professionals, this episode offers something for everyone in the insurance asset management space.