In this Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Christine and Tony discuss the evolving landscape of high-net-worth client demands, particularly their growing interest in alternative investments. Christine emphasizes the importance of advisors developing a strategic approach to alternatives, including the need for client education and the role of IWI in providing training and resources. The episode also highlights the challenges and benefits of incorporating alternatives into investment strategies and the rise of specialized teams in wealth management.

Christine Gaze, CFP®, CIMA,® is the Founder and Managing Partner of Purpose Consulting Group, where she leads the development of innovative practice management programs that empower financial professionals to grow with purpose. Christine has held a variety of influential leadership roles across the financial services industry, including Head of Practice Management at TD Ameritrade, Managing Director of Professional Development at AllianceBernstein, National Sales Manager for Lending at Prudential Securities (now Wells Fargo), and Executive Director at Morgan Stanley.

Christine specializes in research-driven insights and custom content that drive measurable business results. Purpose Consulting Group's signature program, Planning with Purpose™, equips advisors with the knowledge and confidence to make wealth planning central to their practice. Christine also leads development of the annual Changing Fee Landscape guide, the industry's go-to resource on financial planning fees. She has published a variety of white-label programs on high-performing teams, intergenerational wealth transfer, advanced planning advice for high-net-worth clients, and longevity planning.

Passionate about lifelong learning and giving back, Christine also serves on several professional and community boards including The Community Fund of Darien and the Investments & Wealth Institute, where she is currently Board Chair. She lives in Darien, CT with her husband and two college-age children, and is always up for an adventure — especially if it involves hiking, biking, or discovering great food.

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Resources:

Christine Gaze, CFP(R), CIMA(R) | LinkedIn Investments & Wealth Institute: Posts | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 23 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, the tables are turned, and Tony is interviewed by the producer of the show, Julia Giordano. The episode focuses on Tony's new book, "Private Markets, Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit and Private Real Estate," which discusses the evolution of the wealth management industry and the growing importance of private markets. Tony shares insights from his career, why he wrote this book, and what else makes him tick.

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Private Markets is educational material, leveraging independent research, authored by Tony Davidow in his personal capacity. Comments and views expressed are not necessarily those of Franklin Templeton.

Resources:

Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit, and Private Real EstateAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedInJulia Giordano, RMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony and Aaron discuss the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), which shifts from traditional strategic asset allocation to a more goal-aligned investment strategy. They explore key aspects of TPA, including governance, culture, a factor-based lens, and competition for capital. The episode highlights both the challenges and opportunities for advisors in adopting TPA, such as the need for a cultural shift and technical expertise, but also the potential for improved client outcomes and more flexible portfolio construction. Practical steps for implementing TPA, such as making incremental changes and reorganizing the investment team, are also discussed.

Aaron sits on CAIA Association's executive leadership team and leads its global content strategy. This includes the development of thought leadership, research, and content agendas, content marketing and brand, and industry events. He also oversees strategy for CAIA's 20 chapters across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

Previously, Aaron founded UniFi by CAIA™, an online platform dedicated to educating the private wealth management industry on alternative investments. He has also sat in various other content development and educational programming roles at CAIA.

Aaron is a frequent speaker and writer on various topics of alternative investments and his work has been published in CAIA's educational programs, numerous academic journals, books, and industry publications. Aaron's industry experience lies in private wealth management, where he oversaw asset allocation, portfolio construction, and manager research efforts for high-net-worth individuals and defined contribution plan sponsors and participants.

He earned a B.S. with distinction in Finance and a Master of Finance from Penn State University. He holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM), and Financial Data Professional (FDP) designations, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He is a Past President of CFA Society Columbus and serves as a board director and Programs Chair for CFA Society Philadelphia. Aaron is an adjunct professor and serves on multiple advisory boards for Penn State University.

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Aaron Filbeck, CAIA, CFA, CFP®, CIPM, FDP | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 21 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Jonathan shares DCALTA's mission to enhance diversification and fairness in defined contribution plans through the promotion of alternative investments. He highlights the organization's focus on educating stakeholders and developing industry principles to facilitate the integration of these investments. Tony and Jonathan discuss the importance of liquidity and accurate valuation of illiquid assets to empower participants with better investment choices.

DCALTA is led by Jonathan Epstein, who has served in the defined contribution community for almost 30 years. He is the founder and president of the Defined Contribution Alternatives Association (DCALTA) where he is charged with leading its mission to expand the use of different types of alternative investments and strategies within a defined contribution plan construct.

Jonathan's experience includes working with plan sponsors of defined contribution plans on investments, education/communication strategy and plan cost/performance benchmarking. His industry experience includes positions at CEM Benchmarking, Associated Trust, Mission Square (formerly ICMA-RC) and ThirtyNorth Investments where he learned aspects of the many fiduciary functions and roles performed in the U.S. retirement space. Jonathan has been privileged to present at the national conferences of PSCA, NAGDCA and the World Investment Forum. He has also contributed to numerous industry articles and research on alternatives in defined contribution plans (Research | DCALTA). He holds the AIF® accreditation and received his B.S. from Florida State University and MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

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Resources:

Jonathan Epstein, AIF® | LinkedInResearch | DCALTAAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 20 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Mark Steffen from Wells Fargo Investment Institute shares insights on the market environment and opportunities in private markets. He provides a positive macro outlook for 2025, predicting U.S. economic growth and a soft landing. Mark shares areas of opportunity, including private equity, private credit, certain hedge fund strategies, infrastructure assets, and secondary investments. He also emphasizes the importance of diversifying portfolios with alternatives, and highlights the increasing accessibility of these strategies to average investors.

Mark Steffen is a global alternative investment strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII), which is focused on delivering the highest- quality investment expertise and advice to help investors manage risk and succeed financially. WFII serves Wells Fargo Wealth and Investment Management, a division of Wells Fargo & Company.

As a member of the Global Investment Strategy Committee, Mark formulates and leads strategy and asset allocation guidance for alternative investments, including hedge strategies, private equity, private debt, and private real estate and infrastructure. He produces alternative investment research and market updates that deliver advice to help investors meet their long-term financial goals.

Mark has more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including over 15 years in alternative investments. He earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University. Mark has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations.

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Resources:

Mark Steffen, CFA, CAIA | LinkedInSee what's next for the economy in our 2025 Outlook | Wells FargoFranklin Templeton Institute's 2025 Private Market OutlookAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

This special episode of Alternative Allocations features host Tony Davidow and guests Richard Byrne of Benefit Street Partners, Taylor Robinson of Lexington Partners, and Rick Schaupp of Clarion Partners considering the forthcoming landscape of private markets. The conversation hones in on the role of secondaries in private equity, present and future trends in real estate, and the opportunities in real estate debt. It explores the necessity for liquidity in private markets, the portfolio-strengthening attributes of private real estate, and the potential of real estate credit within the multifamily housing sector. The episode further dissects macroeconomic shifts, such as demographic transformations and advances in e-commerce and healthcare, along with the impact of interest rates on valuations.

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Richard Byrne is President of Benefit Street Partners, a Franklin Templeton Company, and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FBRT), Benefit Street Partners Multifamily Trust, and Franklin BSP Capital Corporation. He is an influential thought leader and frequent speaker on many topics including commercial real estate debt, highlighting investing opportunities and risks in CRE lending.

Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington's ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton's global Stewardship & Sustainability Council.

Rick Schaupp is an equity owner and Managing Director with Clarion Partners and leads the Portfolio Management teams for a number of client accounts, including the Clarion Partners Real Estate Income Fund (CPREX) and Clarion's value-add/opportunistic platform. As lead Portfolio Manager, Rick has overall responsibility for the management and portfolio strategy of these relationships. He also leads product development for private wealth clients. From 2005-2012, Rick was the assistant portfolio manager for the Clarion Ventures series and a separate account relationship. Rick has participated in the acquisition, asset management, and development management of over $4 billion of real estate. He originally joined Clarion Partners in 2000 and began working in the real estate industry in 1995. ​​

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Resources:

Richard Byrne | LinkedIn Taylor Robinson | LinkedIn Rick Schaupp | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 18 of the Alternative Allocations Podcast, Taylor and Tony discuss the importance and growth of the secondary market in private equity. They talk about slowing exits (M&A and IPO's) and the role of secondaries in providing liquidity to institutions. Taylor highlights the potential benefits of secondary investments, such as diversification and predictable returns, and talks about the evolving market dynamics, including GP-led deals. He also stresses the significance of size and scale in executing transactions and the strategy of acquiring quality assets at reasonable prices to help achieve desired returns.

Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington's ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton's global Stewardship & Sustainability Council.

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Resources:

About Lexington Partners | Alternatives by FT Why private equity | Alternatives by FT Taylor Robinson | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Scott Welch of Certuity joins Tony in episode 17 of the Alternative Allocations podcast to provide his perspective on allocating to alternative investments. They discuss the growth of evergreen products, the importance of due diligence when selecting a private fund manager, and the evolution of the alternative investment industry. Scott also provides insight into how he thinks about portfolio construction and where private funds and alternatives fit into an overall portfolio.

Scott Welch, CIMA®, Chief Investment Officer & Partner, Certuity. As the head of Certuity's investment strategy team and member of the firm's risk management team, he is actively involved in all facets of the firm's investment program and works with Certuity's advisors, investment analysts and directly with clients on portfolio architecture, asset allocation, investment due diligence and selection.

Prior to joining Certuity, Mr. Welch was a member of the WisdomTree Asset Allocation and Investment Committees and was the Chief Investment Officer of their model portfolios. Prior to WisdomTree, Mr. Welch was the Chief Investment Officer of Dynasty Financial Partners, as well as the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Fortigent, LLC, a provider of outsourced investment research, technology, and practice management solutions to RIAs and banks that was purchased by LPL Financial. Prior to joining Fortigent and its predecessor RIA in 1998, Mr. Welch spent more than 12 years on Wall Street.

Mr. Welch holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, as well as the Investment Strategist, Advanced Investment Strategist, and Alternative Investments Certificates from the Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI). He has served on the Board of Directors of IWI, the Advisory Board of the ABA Wealth Management & Trust Conference, and the Editorial Advisory Boards of the Journal of Wealth Management and the IWI Investments & Wealth Monitor.

In 2024, Mr. Welch was awarded the Wealth Management Impact Award from IWI in recognition of his significant contributions to the wealth management industry over the course of his career.

Mr. Welch earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of California at Irvine and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Scott Welch, CIMA® | LinkedInAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In episode 16 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Kate Huntington joins Tony to discuss her years of experience partnering with family offices, endowments and foundations and how she approaches incorporating alternative investments into her clients' portfolios. They delve into the importance of due diligence and understanding the role of each asset class when working with clients to determine the best strategy for each situation. Whether it's an individual investor or large family office, often the investment thesis is the same – it's about enhanced returns, diversification, and having a long-term mindset.

Kate Huntington, Managing Director, Head of Advisory Solutions Group. Kate leads the Advisory Solutions Group within Fiduciary Trust which brings comprehensive investment advisory solutions to ultra high net worth and institutional clients. Kate has an expertise in both private markets and sustainable investing and previously was the co-head of the research and manager selection team at Athena Capital Advisors. Kate's prior roles include working as a Consulting Associate at Cambridge Associates where she supported consultants in managing, advising on, and reporting on a variety of institutional clients' investment portfolios. Kate started her career as a Research Analyst at Stonebridge Associates, a real estate investment and advisory firm, and then transitioned to economic consulting with both Capital Economics and LECG, where she was an Economist/Consultant providing economic analysis and market research to support high-profile anti-trust litigation. Kate earned her Master of Business Administration from Yale School of Management and her Bachelor of Arts in economics from University of Virginia. Kate is Co-author –Diversity and Inclusion Framework, December 2019; Co-author –Investing in Gender Equality, January 2018; Co-author –Impact Investing: History & Opportunity, January 2017; Co-author –Social Finance and the Postmodern Portfolio: Theory & Practice, Journal of Wealth Management (Spring 2016). Kate currently holds the Series 7, 24 and 65 licenses and is active as a Member, Board of Trustees, Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA.

Kate Huntington | LinkedIn Fiduciary Trust International Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Nick Veronis joins Tony in episode 15 of the Alternative Allocations podcast series to discuss the evolution of alternative investments solely being available to institutions to now becoming more accessible to the wealth channel. They delve into the changes in product structures, the introduction of technology to simplify operations, and the emergence of educational opportunities to help advisors understand the role alts play in client portfolios.

Nick is Co-Founder and one of the Managing Partners of iCapital, where he is Head of Portfolio Management. He is also a member of the company's Operating Committee. Nick spent 11 years at Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS), a middle market private equity firm where he was a Managing Director responsible for originating and structuring investment opportunities. At VSS, he specialized in the business information services sector and helped spearhead the firm's investment strategy in the financial software and data sector, including its investment in Ipreo. Nick was previously an operating advisor to Atlas Advisors, an independent investment bank based in New York. He began his career as a financial journalist for The Boston Business Journal, was a reporter for The Star-Ledger, and a Senior Associate in the New Media Division of Newhouse Newspapers. He holds a BA in economics from Trinity College and FINRA Series 7, 79, and 63 licenses.

Nick Veronis | LinkedIn Powering the World's Alternative Investment Marketplace - iCapital Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn