Joe Dowling

In this engaging discussion, Joe Dowling, the global head of multi-asset investing at Blackstone and former head of Brown University's endowment, shares his insights on the rise of alternative investments in collegiate finance. He explains why universities, including Yale and Harvard, have leaned heavily into alts and the pressures they're now facing. Joe dives into the long-term focus required for endowment investing, the significance of due diligence in evaluating hedge funds, and how strategies are adapting in the face of market volatility.

Joe Dowling, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone and former steward of Brown University's endowment, dives into the evolving landscape of investment strategies. He discusses how hedge funds are becoming a core allocation for resilience, potentially replacing traditional bonds. Joe explains the endowment model's focus on diversification and long-term stability, highlighting the importance of absolute return strategies and multi-strategy funds. He also shares insights on constructing robust portfolios and the democratization of access to private markets.