Enterprising Investor

In Episode #313, Michele Wucker, author of The Gray Rhino: How to Recognize and Respond to the Obvious Dangers We Ignore, discusses the duress being suffered by the twin paramount institutions of the 20th century, capitalism, and democracy. Wucker provides reasons for why these institutions’ wounds are both self-inflicted, and a matter of misfortune. Will the institutions survive until the end of the 21st century? If so, she proposes some important changes that must occur.

In Episode #3012, Larry Cao, CFA, spoke with Robert P. Browne, CFA, EVP and CIO of Northern Trust, about his team’s investment process. From quantitative approaches and factor analysis to more fundamental approaches, such as macroeconomic and valuation analysis, Browne shares his perspectives on the pertinent topics and, more importantly, on how to tie them together. Browne also spoke on their market outlook and where they see opportunities in the market. Are equities expensive after the sharp run-ups? Are bonds at risk given the rising interest rate environment in the US? Tune in, and find out for yourself.

In Episode #311, Frank Lu, Director of the Blockchain Department at Ping An OneConnect, a former IBMer, and co-author of the HyperLedger white paper, lays out his view of where the true value of blockchain lies. He will discuss hurdles of blockchain adoption, as well as how the business models may evolve for blockchain.  The interview was conducted by Larry Cao, CFA, at the LendIt China 2017 conference in Shanghai.  

In Episode #310, Willis Sparks, director of global macro at Eurasia Group, argues that geopolitics is an important subject deserving of the attention of all investment professionals. Sparks believes an understanding of geopolitics is both a source of both alpha and an important consideration in risk management. Additionally, Sparks takes viewers around the globe to discuss the geopolitical hot spots deserving of investors’ attention right now.    

In Episode #309, Elizabeth Ostrander, CFA, discusses some of the common approaches to managing such concentrated positions, including a recent "stock protection fund" innovation that involves investors pooling a cash buffer to diminish or negate losses over time. Whether the result of equity-based compensation from employment at public companies, or the rewards of a liquidity event borne of entrepreneurial success, concentrated single-stock positions are a relatively common circumstance for wealthy individuals. Clients may prefer to maintain ownership for a variety of reasons, leaving a significant risk management challenge for the advisor.  

In Episode #308, Daniel S. Meader, CFA, founder and a managing partner of Trinity Private Equity Group, discusses his firm’s investment philosophy.

In Episode #301, Joel Bruckenstein, an expert on applied technology for financial professionals and publisher of Technology Tools for Today (T3), discusses cyber-security, improving the client experience, the rise robo-advisers, what’s in store for financial technology in the near future, and more.  

In Episode #306, Adrienne Penta, executive director of the Brown Brothers Harriman Center for Women & Wealth, discusses this problem—explaining what women clients want from their financial advisers and how advisers can better serve this important segment of their clientele. Women control more wealth than ever in the United States, tend to outlive men by about 15 years, and make or contribute to 90% of US philanthropic decisions. And yet there is a major disconnect: Many women are not satisfied with what the wealth management industry is offering them. 

In Episode #305, Keisuke Ito, CFA, head of investment technology at Mizuho–DL Financial Technology, shares his perspectives. Robo advice is all the rage in wealth management, particularly in developed markets such as the United States. What is the potential for robo advice in Japan and the rest of Asia? Will robo-advisers replace all human advisers, or will they peacefully coexist? And how do such megabanks as Mizuho balance their traditional channels with the robo advice channel?    

In Episode #304, Anthony Serhan, managing director of the Asia Pacific Research Strategy at Morning Star, will provide his insights into these important questions that will shape the “future of investment advice.” The need and demand for attention toward the end client has never been higher. Investment advice is one of the high impact areas within financial services where this need has been growing. Is the “advice for a fee model” where the end customer decides the fee, the right model? What roles do technology and robo-advisory have to play?