Financial markets continue to evolve as institutions evaluate new ways to move assets, improve settlement processes, and expand investment opportunities.

What role will digital assets play in the future of investing? And how are institutions balancing innovation with regulation, governance, and risk management?

In this episode, Paul Fahey speaks with Andrew Czupek, Head of Digital Assets and Innovation, North America at Northern Trust, about the findings from Northern Trust’s 2026 Global Asset Owner Peer Study. They explore growing institutional adoption of digital assets, the rise of tokenized funds, the importance of interoperability between traditional and digital systems, and how regulatory developments are influencing participation.

Andrew also shares why utility, mobility, and infrastructure development are becoming key drivers of long-term institutional interest.

Key takeaways:

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Institutional investors are taking a closer look at sports—not just as a passion project, but as a distinct and evolving asset class.

In this episode of Market Pulse, Jason Wright, managing partner and head of investments for Project Level at Ariel Investments, joins Northern Trust’s Grant Johnsey to explore the investment case for women’s sports. Drawing on his experience as a former NFL executive and operator, Wright explains where he sees inefficiencies in the market, what’s driving growth across teams and leagues, and how investors should think about sports within a diversified portfolio.

The conversation covers the structural dynamics shaping the industry, from media rights and valuation gaps to the emergence of a new, underserved fan base. Wright also outlines how Project Level is approaching the space—investing not only in teams, but across the broader ecosystem supporting the future of women’s sports.

Important Disclosures

The audio podcast is being provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any specific investment product or strategy. The information does not take your financial situation, investment objective(s), or risk tolerance into consideration. Listeners, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, investment, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel.

Non‑U.S. Small Cap Equities

Non‑U.S. small cap equities may provide diversification and growth potential but carry elevated risks. These include currency volatility (e.g., U.S. dollar strength reducing returns), higher volatility, and lower liquidity. These securities are more sensitive to local economic, political, and regulatory conditions and may underperform in certain market cycles. They may include lower-quality or unprofitable issuers and are more exposed to trade policy and geopolitical developments.

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Hedge funds use leverage, derivatives, and short selling, which can amplify losses. These investments are typically illiquid, lack regular pricing transparency, and charge high fees that may reduce returns. Interests are not readily transferable, and a secondary market may not exist. Investors should also consider tax complexity and reduced regulatory oversight compared to mutual funds.

Institutional investors are taking a closer look at sports—not just as a passion project, but as a distinct and evolving asset class.

In this episode of Market Pulse, Jason Wright, managing partner and head of investments for Project Level at Ariel Investments, joins Northern Trust’s Grant Johnsey to explore the investment case for women’s sports. Drawing on his experience as a former NFL executive and operator, Wright explains where he sees inefficiencies in the market, what’s driving growth across teams and leagues, and how investors should think about sports within a diversified portfolio.

The conversation covers the structural dynamics shaping the industry, from media rights and valuation gaps to the emergence of a new, underserved fan base. Wright also outlines how Project Level is approaching the space—investing not only in teams, but across the broader ecosystem supporting the future of women’s sports.

Important Disclosures

The audio podcast is being provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any specific investment product or strategy. The information does not take your financial situation, investment objective(s), or risk tolerance into consideration. Listeners, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, investment, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel.

Non‑U.S. Small Cap Equities

Non‑U.S. small cap equities may provide diversification and growth potential but carry elevated risks. These include currency volatility (e.g., U.S. dollar strength reducing returns), higher volatility, and lower liquidity. These securities are more sensitive to local economic, political, and regulatory conditions and may underperform in certain market cycles. They may include lower-quality or unprofitable issuers and are more exposed to trade policy and geopolitical developments.

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Hedge funds use leverage, derivatives, and short selling, which can amplify losses. These investments are typically illiquid, lack regular pricing transparency, and charge high fees that may reduce returns. Interests are not readily transferable, and a secondary market may not exist. Investors should also consider tax complexity and reduced regulatory oversight compared to mutual funds.

Are you keeping up with the rapid shifts in Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) markets? 

The strategies driving innovation are reshaping how investment products are delivered and managed.

In this episode, Paul Fahey speaks with Phil Nanof, Head of ETF Services, Americas at Northern Trust, about the evolution of ETFs, particularly in the US. They explore the growth of active strategies, the impact of regulatory changes like SEC Rule 6c-11, and how automation and technology are shaping scalable operations. 

Phil also highlights key operational strategies for supporting institutional clients and their evolving investment needs.

Phil highlights:

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Long-term investing is shifting, but what actually separates disciplined investors from the rest?

How are leading institutions balancing performance, risk, and innovation while managing growing complexity?

In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Katie Pries, Country Executive for Northern Trust Asset Servicing in Canada, about how Canadian asset owners approach private markets, governance, and emerging technologies. They explore how the Maple Eight have shaped global investing practices, why climate risk is now embedded in decision-making, and how data challenges are evolving. Katie also shares how AI is being applied to improve efficiency without replacing human judgment, and why execution and governance are now the real differentiators.

Key takeaways:

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In this episode of Market Pulse, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Jonathan Brodsky, Founder and Principal at Cedar Street Asset Management, to explore the evolving opportunity set in global small cap equities. 

As market dynamics shift, investors are increasingly looking beyond U.S. equities for diversification and return potential. Brodsky shares why non-U.S. small caps—often overlooked and less efficient—can offer compelling valuation opportunities and stronger risk-adjusted returns.

The conversation also examines how structural changes, including the rise of private markets in the U.S., are reshaping the small cap universe, creating a clear divergence between U.S. and non-U.S. companies. Brodsky explains how geopolitical developments, supply chain regionalization, and evolving corporate governance standards are influencing investment opportunities across global markets.

Finally, Brodsky outlines his disciplined, forward-looking approach to value investing—highlighting the importance of cutting through market noise, focusing on long-term fundamentals, and identifying companies positioned for sustainable returns.

Important Disclosures

The audio podcast is being provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any specific investment product or strategy. The information does not take your financial situation, investment objective(s), or risk tolerance into consideration. Listeners, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, investment, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel.

Non‑U.S. Small Cap Equities

Alternative Investments

In this episode of Market Pulse, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Jonathan Brodsky, Founder and Principal at Cedar Street Asset Management, to explore the evolving opportunity set in global small cap equities.

As market dynamics shift, investors are increasingly looking beyond U.S. equities for diversification and return potential. Brodsky shares why non-U.S. small caps—often overlooked and less efficient—can offer compelling valuation opportunities and stronger risk-adjusted returns. 

The conversation also examines how structural changes, including the rise of private markets in the U.S., are reshaping the small cap universe, creating a clear divergence between U.S. and non-U.S. companies. Brodsky explains how geopolitical developments, supply chain regionalization, and evolving corporate governance standards are influencing investment opportunities across global markets. 

Finally, Brodsky outlines his disciplined, forward-looking approach to value investing—highlighting the importance of cutting through market noise, focusing on long-term fundamentals, and identifying companies positioned for sustainable returns. 

Important Disclosures

The audio podcast is being provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any specific investment product or strategy. The information does not take your financial situation, investment objective(s), or risk tolerance into consideration. Listeners, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, investment, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel.

Non‑U.S. Small Cap Equities

Alternative Investments

Market conditions have shifted, and what once seemed like a simple allocation decision now demands far more attention.

How should investors think about access to cash when uncertainty, higher rates, and private markets all collide?

In this episode, host Paul Fahey is joined by Faisal Ansari, Global Head of Liquidity Solutions, and Andrew Sepiol, CFA, Liquidity Solutions Product Manager at Northern Trust, to explore why liquidity is now a central focus for asset owners. They explain how rising rates, market volatility, and growing allocations to private markets are reshaping liquidity strategies. 

The conversation also covers how cash is evolving from a defensive position to a strategic asset, along with the importance of forecasting, diversification, and data-driven decision making.

Key takeaways:

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey is joined by Adam Freda, Managing Director at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving private equity landscape.

They explore how recent market conditions have challenged traditional assumptions around liquidity and diversification, why private equity secondaries have grown into a critical source of flexibility for institutional investors, and how continuation vehicles are reshaping exit strategies. Adam also breaks down the growing role of evergreen funds—what they solve for, where risks can emerge, and why they’re likely to coexist alongside traditional closed-end funds rather than replace them.

The discussion covers portfolio construction across vintages and strategies, the importance of manager quality in volatile environments, and how investors are navigating private equity and private credit amid higher rates, slower exits, and rapid technological change. Listen in to understand today’s private markets—and what to watch next.

Grant Johnsey is a FINRA‑registered representative of Northern Trust Securities, Inc. Adam Freda is not FINRA registered and is an employee of 50 South Capital, an affiliate asset management firm of Northern Trust. Adam Freda is not acting in a broker‑dealer capacity and does not offer brokerage services.

This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security, strategy, or investment product.

Any references to returns, performance characteristics, or investment outcomes are illustrative and not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Actual outcomes may vary significantly.

Northern Trust Asset Servicing, Northern Trust Securities, Inc., and 50 South Capital are affiliated entities under the Northern Trust corporate structure. Statements made by representatives of affiliated entities reflect their respective perspectives and business lines.

Investment products and services referenced may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered only where permitted by law and regulation.

In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey is joined by Adam Freda, Managing Director at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving private equity landscape.

They explore how recent market conditions have challenged traditional assumptions around liquidity and diversification, why private equity secondaries have grown into a critical source of flexibility for institutional investors, and how continuation vehicles are reshaping exit strategies. Adam also breaks down the growing role of evergreen funds—what they solve for, where risks can emerge, and why they’re likely to coexist alongside traditional closed-end funds rather than replace them.

The discussion covers portfolio construction across vintages and strategies, the importance of manager quality in volatile environments, and how investors are navigating private equity and private credit amid higher rates, slower exits, and rapid technological change. Listen in to understand today’s private markets—and what to watch next.

Grant Johnsey is a FINRA‑registered representative of Northern Trust Securities, Inc. Adam Freda is not FINRA registered and is an employee of 50 South Capital, an affiliate asset management firm of Northern Trust. Adam Freda is not acting in a broker‑dealer capacity and does not offer brokerage services.

This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security, strategy, or investment product.

Any references to returns, performance characteristics, or investment outcomes are illustrative and not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Actual outcomes may vary significantly.

Northern Trust Asset Servicing, Northern Trust Securities, Inc., and 50 South Capital are affiliated entities under the Northern Trust corporate structure. Statements made by representatives of affiliated entities reflect their respective perspectives and business lines.

Investment products and services referenced may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered only where permitted by law and regulation.