Alternative Allocations with Tony Davidow

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, host Tony Davidow sits down with Anant Kumar from  Benefit Street Partners to cut through the noise and misconceptions surrounding the private credit market. They explore the nuanced impact of artificial intelligence on the software sector, discussing how proprietary data and "systems of record" can protect companies from disruption while creating unique...

Tony was excited to sit down with Dana D'Auria, who recently joined Franklin Templeton's RIA Advisory Council as an Industry Leader. This newly formed group has enabled the firm to work together to help shape how private markets are evolving in the RIA Channel. In this episode Tony and Dana tackle important structural considerations around liquidity, valuation, and the limitations of so-called "se...

In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Wendy Li, founder of Ivy Invest, who brings nearly two decades of experience investing for major endowments and foundations to her mission of democratizing institutional investment strategies. Wendy shares invaluable lessons learned and explains why the illiquidity premium shouldn't be reserved for institutional investors alone and how evergreen fund st...

In this episode of Alternative Allocations , Michael Bell from Meketa Capital breaks down why infrastructure has become one of the most compelling opportunities in private markets today. Michael explains how infrastructure investments offer a rare combination of growth potential, steady income, inflation hedging, and low correlation to traditional assets, making them particularly valuable in today...

In this episode, Tony welcomes Kim Flynn, a pioneer in researching the growth of evergreen funds in private markets and founder of XA Investments. Kim shares insights from her latest report on the interval and tender offer fund marketplace, which has exploded to over 308 funds growing at 25% annually. They discuss how the market has evolved beyond its private credit origins to include private equi...

In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Matt Katz, Managing Director at Fiduciary Trust International, to explore why middle market private equity offers compelling opportunities in today's environment. Matt shares his journey into private markets, explains why the middle market presents a structural advantage with less competition and more operational value-add potential, and provides practi...

In this insightful episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony talks with Paul Jodice of Morgan Stanley about the evolving landscape of alternative investments. Advisors are seeking incremental alpha, differentiated yields, and enhanced diversification in their portfolios, and Paul shares his expertise on how they're turning to alternative investments to meet these needs. The conversation delves into...

In this essential Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Tony and guests dissect the 2026 outlook, offering crucial insights for financial advisors navigating commercial real estate, private equity secondaries, and private credit. Discover the macro themes shaping these dynamic sectors, from new cycles in real estate to the growing need for liquidity in private equity. Tune in to equip yourself...

In this special episode, Tony and the show's producer, Julia, take a trip down memory lane, counting down their top 10 episodes from the first two years of the Alternative Allocations podcast. They share insights into the most impactful discussions, from the evolution of the industry and product development to the importance of manager selection and advisor education. Tony and Julia reflect on the...

In this episode of Alternative Allocations , Tony sits down with Bobby to discuss the current landscape of private equity and growth equity investing. Bobby shares his insights on the market's shift post-2021, the emergence of new opportunities in areas such as AI, FinTech, and sustainable energy, and the importance of investing at a discount to public market valuations. The conversation also touc...

In this episode of Alternative Allocations , Tony and Pat discuss the evolving landscape of Defined Contribution (DC) plans and the integration of private markets. They explore the historical context of DC plans, the challenges and opportunities presented by private market investments, and the critical role advisors play in guiding participants through these complex investment strategies. The conv...

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Loren and Tony discuss the growing trend of advisors adopting alternative investments in wealth management. They talk about the primary drivers for this adoption, including diversification, risk mitigation, and the potential for higher returns. They note, however, that the process is fraught with challenges, such as the complexity and time required to un...

Bill and Tony discuss the growth and evolution of alternative investments, address liquidity concerns, and emphasize the importance of education in the latest episode of Alternative Allocations. Bill highlights the industry's efforts to make alts more accessible through new product structures and the potential for including private markets in model portfolios and defined contribution plans. Bill D...

In this Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Tony and Brian discuss the evolution of investment investments such as private equity, private credit, real assets, and managed futures. They highlight the importance of these alternatives in diversifying portfolios, smoothing out market volatility, and generating higher returns, especially in more challenging investment environments. Brian also str...

In this special feature episode live from the NYSE, Tony and Jeb engage in a discussion focused on the current state and future outlook of private real estate, focusing on a positive overall outlook as declining valuations made asset values more attractive. They highlighted favorable sectors such as industrial, multifamily, and life sciences, while the office sector faced challenges. Jeb explains...

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 episo...

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 marke...

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 adopt...

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...

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, infrastru...

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...

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 evo...

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 cons...

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...

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...