Episode 246: Demystifying CMBS: Opportunities and Challenges in Today's Market

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Adriano Taylor Escribano, Principal Senior Quantitative Analyst at Jennison, for a compelling discussion on the role of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) in insurance company portfolios. Adriano shares his fascinating career journey, starting with his early days working in a college kitchen to his expertise today in structured products. He walks listeners through the complex landscape of agency and non-agency CMBS, highlighting their importance in commercial real estate (CRE) lending and their strategic place in insurance portfolios.   The conversation explores key aspects of CMBS, including the differences between Freddie K, DUS, and Ginnie Mae project loans, and the impact of interest rate volatility on the market. Adriano provides expert insight into the current trends in CMBS, including the shift from 10-year to 5-year conduit issuances, and discusses how the Fed’s recent rate decisions could affect the market moving forward. This episode is a must-listen for insurance investment professionals looking to deepen their understanding of CMBS and its evolving role in portfolio construction.