Educational Alpha

In this episode, host Bill engages with Brett Christophers, Professor of Human Geography and author, to explore the intersections of private equity, climate investment, and the realities of capitalism in tackling global issues. He delves into the premise of his book, The Price is Wrong, questioning the reliance on private capital to drive decarbonization and assessing the potential limits of profitability in achieving climate goals. Their conversation addresses policy gaps, the importance of long-term investment vehicles, and the role of public versus private sectors in leading sustainable change. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Yann Robard, founder of Dawson, to explore the evolving dynamics of private equity markets. Yann shares his unique career journey, from a furniture store startup to leading initiatives at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and ultimately founding Dawson. They discuss the rise and development of the private equity secondary market, the evolution of structured liquidity solutions, and the anticipated growth in private markets, and more. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jennifer Choi, CEO of ILPA (Institutional Limited Partners Association), to discuss the dynamic landscape of private equity, its governance, and the evolving role of limited partners (LPs). Jennifer shares insights from her extensive career, starting with consulting and private equity emerging markets, to leading ILPA. This conversation provides a deep dive into the mechanisms driving change in private equity and the critical role LPs play in ensuring accountability and governance. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Scott McMunn, CEO of the Loan Market Association (LMA), to discuss the dynamic shifts in private credit and the significant role that trade associations play in today’s financial landscape. Scott shares his career journey from asset management to leading the LMA, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the evolving loan markets. The conversation dives into the growth of private credit, the influence of non-bank financial intermediaries, and the burgeoning fund finance market. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Aishah Ahmad, Board member at the Financial Alliance for Women and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to discuss diverse topics including innovation, regulation, climate action, and female leadership shedding light on the financial landscape in Africa. Aishah shares her fascinating career in finance and transition into regulatory roles, in a conversation rich with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the future of finance in emerging markets. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill welcomes Keith Black, a longtime colleague and cryptocurrency expert, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. Keith shares insights from his extensive career, including his early work in commodity derivatives, hedge funds, and institutional consulting, as well as his role in the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. The conversation dives into Keith's move toward digital assets and cryptocurrencies, highlighting key topics such as the current state of institutional adoption, Bitcoin’s rise, and the role of stablecoins. Listen in!

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In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Nell Mackenzie, a financial journalist with a diverse background, including a 20-year career as a professional actress and time spent trading crude oil on the NYMEX floor. Nell shares her unique journey from acting to financial journalism, highlighting the formative experiences that led her to cover the dynamic world of hedge funds. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Melissa Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Asia Alternatives, to explore the evolving landscape of private equity in Asia. Melissa shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to co-founding Asia Alternatives, providing deep insights into the firm’s strategic focus on Asia's private equity markets. The discussion covers the significance of demographics, geopolitical risks, and the role of technology in shaping investment strategies. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jeff Schafer, an expert in impact investing, to discuss the evolving landscape of alternative investments and the significant potential of Africa as an investment destination. Jeff shares his journey from traditional finance to a focus on impact investing, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial returns with social good. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Joe Simonian, a prominent figure in the world of financial data science and the Chairman of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) Institute. Joe shares insights from his extensive career, spanning over 18 years in global asset management and financial data science. The discussion traverses the evolution of quantitative tools in finance, the nascent but promising applications of generative AI, and the critical need for synthetic datasets in investment strategies. The episode wraps up with an exploration of the FDP Institute, emphasizing the growing need for cross-disciplinary expertise in today's rapidly evolving investment landscape. Listen in!