This podcast episode discusses the potential integration of private capital assets into US defined contribution (DC) retirement plans, such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans, by 2030. It explores the market size, regulatory developments, product design, and operational considerations necessary for responsible adoption.

Private capital exposure in US registered funds is predicted to increase significantly by 2030, moving from a niche role to a more common feature in retail investing. This shift is driven by investor demand, regulatory changes, product innovation, and technology partnerships, but requires careful alignment of fund structure, investor education, and governance.

In this IMpact podcast episode, host Reese Blair speaks with Rafael Telahun (Managing Director, Altaline Capital Management) about how private equity firms drive value through hands-on operational support, including a "hybrid" approach that helps management execute time-bound transformation plans without overloading already-busy leaders. Telahun highlights value-creation levers that increase "product gravity" and mission criticality like embedding financial services, deep third-party integrations, and monetizable data/benchmark products plus community-building via certifications and conferences. He closes with two imperatives: fully integrate operating professionals into incentives and key decisions, and secure upfront management alignment on the 180-day/one-year agenda.

Recent macroeconomic and policy changes alongside technological disruption have been impacting markets. In this episode host, Reese Blair and Michael Wolf, a Deloitte global economist, discuss how economic cycles and variables shape investment management using the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) framework. They emphasize the need for proactive strategies like diversification, disciplined data-driven processes, and scenario analysis to help investment managers navigate uncertain and interconnected market environments.

The evolution of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), has offered new avenues for investors and advisors to balance opportunity and risk. In the latest episode of IMpact, host Reese Blair is joined by Joel Schneider, deputy head of portfolio management at Dimensional, for a discussion on the evolution of ETFs, how they are reshaping the investment management landscape, and considerations for leveraging ETFs for investment success.

The evolution of Operational Due Diligence (ODD) in investment management has been resulting in the adoption of new trends and approaches. In this episode host, Reese Blair, and Starrlight Advisory's founder, Richard Schnuerer highlight the shift from traditional practices to a more comprehensive approach that emphasizes investor experience, transparency, and technology integration. Listen in to their conversation.

In a special summertime episode of IMpact, our investment management podcast, host Reese Blair offers a look back at some of the most insightful conversations from the series so far—covering everything from M&A and Generative AI to the democratization of private markets. Tune in for perspectives on the advancements and evolution in the investment management industry.

In this episode of IMpact, explore the evolving landscape of AI in investment management—including its rapid advancements and foundational role in the industry. Listen in as host Reese Blair sits down with Mike Bechtel, Chief Futurist at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to discuss how the use of large language models (LLMs) and AI agents can enhance performance workflows. Learn more about the importance of ethical considerations and the potential for AI to elevate human capabilities, as well these technologies should be thoughtfully integrated while preserving trust and human judgment.

The investment management industry is at the frontier of a shifting economic framework. In this episode of the IMpact Podcast, host Reese Blair chats with Sandy Kaul, SVP and head of digital asset and industry advisory services at Franklin Templeton and a thought leader in economic frameworks and financial services, about her insights into the shift from a platform economy to a protocol economy. They also discuss the emergence of new asset classes, such as tokenized investments and intellectual property portfolios, and how these innovations could democratize access to investments.

As organizations grow, they often face the challenge of whether to outsource certain functions—which is not often an easy decision to make. In the latest episode of IMpact, host Reese Blair is joined by James Kearney, a Managing Director at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to delve into the strategic decision-making process between insourcing and outsourcing within the investment management industry. They highlight the significance of aligning these decisions with broader business strategies, underscoring the importance of ownership, accountability, and intentional planning.