Essentials: How Alex Thompson is setting up clients for 2026 | Viola Private Wealth

24 snips

Jan 14, 2026

In this engaging discussion, Alex Thompson, a senior investment professional at Viola Private Wealth, shares insights on setting clients up for success in 2026. He explores how 2026's market conditions will differ from 2025, the implications of the AI bubble, and the growing relevance of private markets. Alex emphasizes the importance of building portfolios around client goals rather than headlines, and advocates for patience and diversification as keys to long-term success. His wealth management tips are practical and focused on achieving lasting financial outcomes.

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INSIGHT

Deglobalisation Could Embed Inflation

Deglobalisation could raise onshoring costs and embed structural inflation.
That may force higher interest rates for longer and reshape investment risk premia.

ANECDOTE

Institutional Investors Misread Rate Paths

At a Japan conference, institutional investors consistently mispredicted post-rate-peak paths.
That experience made Alex sceptical of forecasts that rates will return to previous lows quickly.

ADVICE

Design Portfolios Around Objectives

Build portfolios around client objectives, not market headlines.
Use institutional disciplines to align allocations to those objectives and risk budgets.

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As 2026 kicks off with big headlines (AI bubble? trade wars? geopolitics?), Alex Thompson from Viola Private Wealth joins Ren to zoom out and discuss why good investing fundamentals don’t change, even when the world does.

They unpack what’s driving markets, why private markets are becoming more relevant, and the simple portfolio disciplines Alex uses to keep clients on track.

In this episode:

02:46 How will 2026 be different to 2025?

10:53 Is AI a bubble? The role of leverage, debt markets, and why the answer matters less than portfolio design

13:57 Private markets explained and why companies are staying private longer

21:08 How Alex builds portfolios

35:56 The golden rules for 2026

Ready to secure your financial future? Viola Private Wealth delivers bespoke strategies designed for high-net-worth individuals and families. Managing significant wealth should not feel overwhelming. For tailored advice and practical, long-term results, visit www.violaprivatewealth.com.au.

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