Episode 254: Demystifying OCIO for Insurance Companies

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, Stewart Foley hosts Olaolu Aganga, U.S. Chief Investment Officer at Mercer, and Stephanie Thomas, Senior Investment Consultant at Mercer, to discuss the evolving role of OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) services for insurance companies. They explore how Mercer's model uniquely integrates support for clients by combining Marsh McLennan’s insurance expertise with Mercer's deep investment consulting resources. Olaolu and Stephanie clarify how OCIO can function either as a full or partial extension of an insurance company's in-house team, offering a range of services from research support to full discretionary management.   With the growing complexity in private credit, asset-backed finance (ABF), and investment-grade alternatives, Stephanie explains how OCIO services can support insurers in navigating these emerging asset classes, providing an adaptable, client-specific approach. Olaolu highlights the partnership aspect of Mercer’s model, emphasizing that OCIO clients retain control over strategy while benefiting from Mercer's extensive resources and industry insights.