In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Craig Packer, Co-President of Blue Owl Capital – a $140 billion powerhouse in private lending. From humble beginnings to one of the fastest-growing alternative asset managers globally, Craig shares the inside story behind Blue Owl’s explosive rise, its strategy of targeting multi-billion-dollar private equity-backed companies, and how the firm is redefining the landscape of direct lending.

💡Key topics covered include:

* Why US private credit markets dwarf those in Australia—and what that means for investors;

*How Blue Owl generates equity-like returns (~10% p.a.) with lower volatility through senior secured loans;

* Transparency, regulation, and addressing concerns of a “private debt bubble” in Australia;

* How OCIC, their private wealth-focused fund, balances investor access with long-term stability;

* The firm’s disciplined underwriting approach, default history, and what sets Blue Owl apart;

*Craig’s philanthropic work and upcoming trip to Australia to engage with investors firsthand.

🔍 This episode offers a front-row seat to the future of private credit—told by one of the global leaders in the field.

In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark speaks with David Gribble, the newly appointed CEO of Alceon, one of Australia's leading multi-strategy private capital firms. Against a backdrop of heightened market volatility and growing media scrutiny of private credit, David Gribble shares his perspective on the evolving role of private markets and how Alceon is positioning itself through this cycle.

The conversation explores Gribble’s unique journey from engineering and investment banking to leading Alceon, and why the firm’s deep bench of local expertise, asset-backed focus, and collaborative investment approach offers clients confidence during periods of uncertainty. We also dive into how Alceon balances opportunity and risk across real estate credit, private equity, and structured credit—and why disclosure and proactive transparency are central to maintaining investor trust in the private markets space.

As regulation looms and headlines focus on risks, this episode offers measured insight into the difference that experience, structure, and true alignment can make.

David Clark welcomes back Andrew Lockhart, Managing Partner of Metrics Credit Partners — one of Australia's largest private lenders and a major force shaping the future of private credit. With private credit markets booming — and critics warning of bubbles and risks — David and Andrew explore why private credit can play a critical role in a high-net-worth portfolio when approached with discipline and scale.

They dive deep into the key metrics that investors should evaluate in private credit, including loss rates, diversification, liquidity management, and risk-adjusted returns. Andrew explains why Metrics' institutional-grade processes, governance standards, and proactive credit management position it at the centre of Australia’s private credit growth story — and why careful manager selection has never been more important.

With insights into Metrics' $23 billion portfolio, how private credit compares to traditional bank lending, and how Metrics navigates the evolving regulatory landscape, this episode is essential listening for investors seeking income, stability, and diversification in today’s uncertain markets.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at why Metrics is thriving amid industry scrutiny.

After seven years of trying, we’ve finally done it—this episode of Inside the Rope features one of the most influential figures in institutional investment in Australia: David Neal, CEO of IFM Investors and founding CIO and former CEO of the Future Fund, Australia’s $300+ billion sovereign wealth fund.

David takes us behind the scenes of building the Future Fund from the ground up—how a clean slate, a world-class board, and a clear long-term mandate allowed for a new investment philosophy rooted in flexibility, illiquidity premiums, and global best practice. We talk about the importance of strong governance, the benefits of a total portfolio approach, and why the endowment model still resonates in long-term capital allocation.

Now at the helm of IFM Investors—a global institutional asset manager originally founded by Australian industry super funds—David shares insights into investing on behalf of working people, the tailwinds driving infrastructure investment globally, and why private markets are an increasingly powerful lever for value creation.

IFM was conceived by a collective of Australian industry super funds with a bold ambition: to give working people access to the kinds of global, complex investments traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

Today, IFM manages over $250 billion across infrastructure, private equity, credit, equities, and real estate—always with a clear mission to deliver strong, long-term outcomes for its members.

If you're seeking clarity on private markets, this is a conversation not to be missed.

In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark is joined by Laurence Marshbaum OAM, founder of 10x10 Philanthropy and Community Capital, to explore how wealthy families can embed philanthropy into their legacy. Together, they discuss why more families are establishing Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and how strategic giving can sit alongside wealth creation and preservation.

Laurence shares his journey from institutional fund management to purpose-driven investing, shedding light on how families can move beyond ad-hoc charitable donations to structured, impactful philanthropy that endures for generations. They discuss how fund managers and sophisticated investors are also stepping in to provide early-stage capital to high-impact, for-purpose organisations—bringing the same rigour they apply to financial markets to the social sector.

Whether you're a family considering philanthropy for the first time, or looking to start the conversation, this episode will give you practical insights into how to create lasting social and financial value.

David Clark welcomes back David Witkin, Managing Partner of Beryl Capital, discussing event-driven investing and market opportunities. With a track record of delivering outstanding returns, Beryl Capital has been at the forefront of merger arbitrage and special situations, benefiting from corporate activity across global markets.

As investors navigate a rapidly changing landscape—shaped by geopolitical shifts, artificial intelligence, and shifting economic policies—Witkin shares his insights on capital deployment, risk management, and where he sees opportunities in today’s market. He delves into the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on event-driven investing, the AI-driven demand for data centers and infrastructure, and how regulatory shifts could unlock new investment themes.

Listen in to hear how institutional investors think about market cycles, risk-adjusted returns, and how high-quality research and execution can drive investment success.

In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark sits down with Catherine Allfrey of Wavestone Capital and Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, to explore why increasing female representation in funds management is not just about fairness—it’s about better outcomes for investors and the broader economy.

We dive into the launch of Future Generation Women, a new fund exclusively managed by female portfolio managers, designed to drive both strong financial returns and positive social impact. Why are women statistically better long-term investors? How is gender inequality costing the Australian economy $128 billion annually? And what can both men and women do to accelerate progress in wealth management?

This episode is packed with insights on the next generation of wealth transfer, the importance of financial education for women, and how investors can be part of the solution. Whether you're an investor, adviser, or simply passionate about equality, this conversation will challenge perspectives and inspire action.

In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Frewen Lam, Managing Partner at ROC Capital, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of private equity, private credit, and real assets. Frewen shares his journey from a first-generation Australian with immigrant roots to co-founding ROC, now managing $8.5 billion in assets.

Key Highlights:

* Frewen’s transition from public to private markets—why he believes private investments outperform.

* Lessons from investing in Asia, including insights into China and India's economic trajectory.

* Why agriculture and real assets are the next frontier for wealth creation.

* The opportunities in private credit and secondary markets—how to buy assets at a discount.

* How top investors build portfolios that balance risk and long-term returns.

Frewen’s sharp insights, combined with David’s wealth advisory expertise, make this a must-listen for investors looking to refine their approach to alternative assets.

One of Australia's most successful financial minds abroad - In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Mike Dorrell, founder and CEO of Stonepeak, a $100 billion infrastructure investment powerhouse.

From his humble beginnings in Australia, to building one of the largest private infrastructure firms in the U.S., Mike shares his journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategic vision. He offers invaluable insights into infrastructure investing, where he sees the strongest opportunities today, and how smart investors should think about allocating to this asset class.

Mike also shares his thoughts on Trump 2.0’s impact on markets, his personal approach to fitness and discipline, and how he structures his day to stay at the top of his game.

This conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for investors, business leaders, and anyone interested in what it takes to build a world-class investment firm. A fascinating deep dive into the mindset of a global finance leader.

Unlock the complexities of family leadership and estate planning in this enlightening episode of Inside the Rope. Join David as he speaks with Evana Lithgow from Working Minds, a renowned psychologist specialising in the transition and succession of wealth for high-profile families in Australia and New Zealand. Discover how successful families navigate challenges beyond financial capital, fostering meaningful relationships and connections as their true legacy.

From overcoming wealth-related conflicts to starting crucial conversations early, Evana shares powerful insights from her 25+ years of experience. Learn how to shift the focus from mere legal documents to a holistic approach that ensures a resilient and harmonious future for generations.

Whether you're managing significant wealth or just beginning the estate planning journey, this episode provides actionable tips to align your family’s purpose with long-term success.