Investment Management Operations

Karl Sprules is the COO at Alliance Bernstein, a global asset manager with $725 billion in assets and over 4,700 employees.  I really enjoyed speaking with Karl as he shows how you can be nimble at scale. We cover a lot of territory from his beginnings at Alliance Capital in the technology group, navigating the merger that created AB, and his evolution into the COO seat.   Karl shares how AB has evolved over time and the rationale behind the bold decision to move their headquarters from Manhattan to Nashville creating a new investment management hub and recalibrating work life balance for many people. We then turned to how AB is expanding into Asia, India, and their current thoughts on AI.Learn MoreFollow Capital Allocators at @tseides or LinkedInSubscribe to the mailing listAccess transcript with Premium Membership

Michael Lukasek, Managing Director and COO for the University of Pennsylvania's Office of Investments, discusses the evolution of endowment operations, technological advancements, triggers for change, future of fund admins and custody banks, and the changing role of investment data. He also emphasizes the importance of research, networking, and operational due diligence in investment management.

Lawrence Miller is the CTO of Wilshire, an independent investment management firm that offers consulting services, analytical products, and manages funds for a global client base.For many of us owning and understanding technology is critical for our business. However, many of us have come up through the ranks without hands-on training.  This is where Lawrence lends a hand.We cover Lawrence’s start as a quant at JP Morgan, lessons learned launching a startup, and how his time as a technology consultant landed him the CTO role following a ransomware attack.While these cyber-related issues are often discussed at a high level one rarely get into the weeds on actual events. We cover how to respond to a ransomware attack, the current state of disaster recovery and what makes a good penetration test. We then turn to onboarding a new service provider, better tech focused due diligence questions for allocators and why taking a python class can help you be a better operational leader or IR person.Learn MoreFollow Capital Allocators at @tseides or LinkedInSubscribe to the mailing listAccess transcript with Premium Membership

Ken Onorio is the Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer of Eagle Point Credit, a $9 billion credit-oriented investment firm.At some level, this is an interview about the softer skills in our space. Having spent time in hedge funds and a tour in fund administration, Ken shares his unique perspective with some key takeaways.Ken then discusses his career path and lessons learned while at JP Morgan, Amaranth Advisors and Sailfish Capital to create a firm and culture built for the long haul. We cover the operational complexities of running credit funds, what is takes to run a publicly listed fund on the NYSE, and how to take a partnership approach to hiring third-party service providers as an extension of your office.   We discuss how to build culture, employee empowerment and how Eagle Point promotes from within and the impact of hiring for attitude, not aptitude.All data included herein is as of February 29, 2024.Learn MoreFollow Capital Allocators at @tseides or LinkedInSubscribe to the mailing listAccess transcript with Premium Membership

Terry Thompson is the Chief Operating Officer of Berkshire Partners, Boston-based private equity firm started in the 1980s before adding public equity capabilities in 2007.   Terry shares how his background across 8 different industries helped him land the role at Berkshire. We talk about how to quickly transition into a new industry, how to assess a career opportunity with limited information, and building rapport with long-tenured team members.We cover Berkshire’s unique governance structure that focuses on stewardship, communication and transparency using a “team of teams” approach. We turn to his thoughts on industry trends with regulations, fundraising and what people doing right now with AI.     Learn MoreFollow Capital Allocators at @tseides or LinkedInSubscribe to the mailing listAccess transcript with Premium Membership

Jason Ment, COO of StepStone Group, discusses private markets, scaling from 35 to 1,000 employees, high-net-worth channels, being a publicly traded company, and near-term opportunities with AI.

The podcast discusses how Intelligo blends human analysis with AI to streamline background checks. They cover the challenges with yellow and red 'flags', the network effect of digital exhaust, and the value Intelligo brings to the investment community.

Steve Baranowski, Partner and Head of Client Operations at Adams Street Partners discusses the evolution of their operations and the importance of tax structuring, fund expenses, and cash controls. They also explore the different businesses developed by Adam Street Partners, adapting to different client demands, navigating the impact of private funds rules, and the importance of partnering with investment people and maintaining a feedback loop.

Stephanie Withers, Senior Manager Investment Operations at W.K. Kellogg Foundation, discusses their initiatives on DEI, their tech stack, and the importance of business process mapping. They also talk about their Expanding Equity Program and annual operations survey for change management in partnership with the investment team.

Beth Gilje, founder of Union Park Consulting, discusses enhancing performance data, accelerating performance reporting, managing service providers, and technology selection for investment institutions. They reflect on their experience at Lehman Brothers during the rise of electronic trading and the challenges faced. They also discuss recruitment and retention challenges in operational roles, tailoring vendor recommendations, the evolution and benefits of iBores, challenges with alternative investments in PDF format, and hiring operational consultants.