Alternative Allocations with Tony Davidow

In this episode, Tony welcomes Kim Flynn, a pioneer in researching the growth of evergreen funds in private markets and founder of XA Investments. Kim shares insights from her latest report on the interval and tender offer fund marketplace, which has exploded to over 308 funds growing at 25% annually. They discuss how the market has evolved beyond its private credit origins to include private equity, infrastructure, hedge funds, and emerging sectors like tech and AI. Kim offers practical guidance on due diligence in an increasingly crowded field, the importance of track records as products mature, and why advisors must set proper expectations about liquidity and investment horizons. We also explore future trends including public-private partnerships, model portfolio implementation, and opportunities in underserved sectors.   Kimberly Ann Flynn is a President at XA Investments. She is a partner in the firm and responsible for all product and business development activities. Kim is responsible for the firm's proprietary fund platform and consulting practice. Kim has developed an expertise in closed-end fund product development and is a frequent contributor to media and industry events on topics including interval funds, alternative investments and London-listed investment companies. Kim has earned the CFA designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Chicago. She is also Series 7, 63 and 24 licensed.   Resources: Kimberly Ann Flynn, CFA | LinkedInFranklin Templeton Private MarketsTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Matt Katz, Managing Director at Fiduciary Trust International, to explore why middle market private equity offers compelling opportunities in today's environment. Matt shares his journey into private markets, explains why the middle market presents a structural advantage with less competition and more operational value-add potential, and provides practical guidance on evaluating private equity funds through the lens of people, process, performance, and references. The conversation also covers the current exit environment, the growing role of secondaries in portfolio construction, the importance of due diligence in evaluating funds, and actionable advice for financial advisors looking to navigate the expanding universe of private market investments. Matt Katz, CFA, Managing Director, Investment Director - Private Markets: As head of the Advisor Solutions Group private markets research team, Matt focuses on private equity and real estate investments and is responsible for sourcing, due diligence and monitoring investments across each asset class.  He determines strategic and tactical allocations within ASG's Model Portfolio, while monitoring existing and prospective investment opportunities.  With over 18 years of experience, Matt serves as a key contributor to the analysis of current macroeconomic conditions through participation in daily market updates, Investment Committee meetings, and quarterly market overviews. In addition, Matt has also worked with impact-focused clients to source and analyze appropriate private investments, serving both financial and social purposes. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust International, Matt was an associate director at Segal Rogerscasey, an investment consulting firm, as a member of their Alpha Research team focused on private equity manager research and due diligence. While at Segal Rogerscasey, he participated in the portfolio planning, underwriting and execution of private investments for the firm's discretionary clients. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Connecticut. Matt is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder; Member, CFA Society Boston; and a Member of the RAISE Global Summit LP Selection Committee.   Resources: Matthew Katz, CFA | LinkedInFranklin Templeton Private MarketsTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this insightful episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony talks with Paul Jodice of Morgan Stanley about the evolving landscape of alternative investments. Advisors are seeking incremental alpha, differentiated yields, and enhanced diversification in their portfolios, and Paul shares his expertise on how they're turning to alternative investments to meet these needs. The conversation delves into portfolio construction, market outlook, and the drivers of advisor adoption. As someone working closely with advisors, Paul offers valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of integrating alternative investments into portfolios. Paul Jodice is Co-Head of the Global Investment Manager Analysis (GIMA) team, which provides manager analysis and due diligence on alternative and traditional investment strategies. As co-head, Paul primarily leads the evaluation and manager selection for alternative strategies. Previously, he was an investment officer and head of the Private Equity research team within the GIMA group. Paul joined Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in 2017. He began his professional career with Cambridge Associates (Boston/Singapore) in 1999. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2006, the Abu Dhabi Investment Company - Invest AD (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) in 2007 and Bank of America Merrill Lynch in 2015. Paul graduated from Babson College with a BS in Investments and Economics. He received his MBA from the Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. Resources: Paul Jodice | LinkedInAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this essential Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Tony and guests dissect the 2026 outlook, offering crucial insights for financial advisors navigating commercial real estate, private equity secondaries, and private credit. Discover the macro themes shaping these dynamic sectors, from new cycles in real estate to the growing need for liquidity in private equity. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to identify opportunities in the evolving private markets landscape. *********** Anant Kumar is a managing director and head of research with Benefit Street Partners, based in our West Palm Beach office. Prior to joining BSP in 2015, Mr. Kumar worked in the capital markets advisory group at Lazard Frères and the leveraged finance group at Deutsche Bank. Mr. Kumar received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, a Master of Science from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India. Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington's ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton's global Stewardship & Sustainability Council. ​​Jeb Belford, equity owner and Managing Director, is the Chief Investment Officer of Clarion Partners. He is chairman of the Firm's Investment Committee, and a member of the Executive Board​. From 2013-2021, Jeb was the lead Portfolio Manager of the Firm's open-end core fund, with overall responsibility for fund management and portfolio strategy. From 2005-2012, Jeb was the Portfolio Manager for the Firm's value-add investment platform. Prior to becoming a portfolio manager, Jeb was a senior member of the Firm's Acquisitions Group, completing investments across a broad range of strategies. His background includes all key aspects of portfolio management, including acquisitions, financing and sales totaling over $20 billion in all property types and risk strategies, in markets across the U.S., Brazil and Mexico. Jeb joined Clarion Partners in 1995 and began working in the real estate industry in 1984.​​ ​************ Resources: 2026 Private Market Outlook Executive Summary Anant Kumar | LinkedIn Taylor Robinson | LinkedIn Rick Schaupp | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this special episode, Tony and the show's producer, Julia, take a trip down memory lane, counting down their top 10 episodes from the first two years of the Alternative Allocations podcast. They share insights into the most impactful discussions, from the evolution of the industry and product development to the importance of manager selection and advisor education. Tony and Julia reflect on the podcast's growth, including consistently ranking in the top 25% of all podcasts! Tune in for a look back at the highlights of their journey and the valuable conversations that have resonated with their audience. As Director of US Alternatives Marketing at Franklin Templeton, Julia Giordano leads a team responsible for marketing strategy and campaign development for private market strategies and products. Additionally, she serves as the producer of the Alternative Allocations podcast. Julia joined Franklin Templeton in 2018 as part of the US marketing team and began focusing on private markets in 2022 when the specialized marketing team was formed. Along with her previous experience at advertising agencies serving automotive, healthcare, and financial services clients, Julia brings a unique blend of industry knowledge and marketing expertise.  She earned an MBA from Boston University's Questrom School of Business and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Julia holds a Unifi by CAIA Fundamentals in Alternative Investments certificate, FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses, as well as the RMA certification from the Investments & Wealth Institute.    Resources: Julia Giordano, RMA® | LinkedInAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn  

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony sits down with Bobby to discuss the current landscape of private equity and growth equity investing. Bobby shares his insights on the market's shift post-2021, the emergence of new opportunities in areas such as AI, FinTech, and sustainable energy, and the importance of investing at a discount to public market valuations. The conversation also touches on the expected increase in exits through IPOs and M&A activity, driven by a more favorable business environment. Robert "Bobby" Stevenson is a Co-Head of Private Investing for Franklin Equity Group and Managing Director of Franklin Venture Partners, the firm's specialized investment team that invests in private opportunities, focusing on mid- and late-stage companies it believes are poised for transformative impacts across multiple industries. Bobby joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2004. Previously he was a research analyst and portfolio manager specializing in equity research analysis within the industrials and technology sectors. His primary research coverage included the automotive, and airline industries, as well as the consumer electronics industry. His previous research coverage also included the cable/satellite and transportation industries. Mr. Stevenson was a member of the management team for Franklin Flex Cap Growth VIP Fund. He holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and a member of the Securities Analysts of San Francisco (SASF).   Resources: Robert Stevenson | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony and Pat discuss the evolving landscape of Defined Contribution (DC) plans and the integration of private markets. They explore the historical context of DC plans, the challenges and opportunities presented by private market investments, and the critical role advisors play in guiding participants through these complex investment strategies. The conversation highlights Empower's innovative approaches and the potential for private markets to enhance retirement outcomes for millions of Americans. Pat Arey is a Custom Solutions Sales Director for Empower. In his role, he is responsible for communications, distribution, and sales related to Empower Investments offerings in the core market for the Northeast region. He collaborates closely with advisors, consultants, and registered investment advisers on complex issues surrounding investments, advice solutions, retirement plan design, and longevity for plans and their participants.  Pat originally joined the organization in 2017, serving in leadership and individual contributor roles within investment distribution. Prior to that, he worked in similar roles with consultants and advisors at large asset managers, including State Street Global Advisors and Fidelity. Pat holds a bachelor's degree in finance with a minor in computer information systems from Stonehill College.  He currently maintains FINRA Series 6 and 26 securities registrations and Series 63 and 65 state securities licenses, and he holds FINRA Series 3 and 7 credentials.  Pat is also the co-author of a financial literacy and career development curriculum for youths and young adults designed to help develop more educated retirement savers into the future.  Resources:Patrick Arey | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Loren and Tony discuss the growing trend of advisors adopting alternative investments in wealth management. They talk about the primary drivers for this adoption, including diversification, risk mitigation, and the potential for higher returns. They note, however, that the process is fraught with challenges, such as the complexity and time required to understand these products, and limited access through many firms. To help advisors overcome these hurdles, asset managers are investing in education, digital content, and the development of model portfolios and blended public-private products. Loren Fox is the Director of Research at FUSE Research Network, a provider of business intelligence and consulting for the asset and wealth management industries. Loren is responsible for industry benchmarking studies, consulting projects, supporting the firm's clients, and helping to shape the overall research agenda. Before joining FUSE, Loren spent nearly 10 years as the director of Ignites Research, a unit of the Financial Times that produced original research on the asset management industry; he also created and ran the US financial advisor rankings that appeared in the Financial Times from 2013 through 2020. Previously, he was a senior research analyst at Strategic Insight. Prior to that, Loren was a business journalist for many years, having worked at Institutional Investor and other publications, and he is the author of the book "Enron: The Rise and Fall" (2002).  As an industry expert, Loren has spoken at numerous conferences and been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Planning, WealthManagement.com, and other publications. He earned his BA from Johns Hopkins University and his MS from Columbia University. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Loren Fox | LinkedInAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Bill and Tony discuss the growth and evolution of alternative investments, address liquidity concerns, and emphasize the importance of education in the latest episode of Alternative Allocations. Bill highlights the industry's efforts to make alts more accessible through new product structures and the potential for including private markets in model portfolios and defined contribution plans. Bill Duffy is a Vice President of Alternative Investments for Fidelity Investments. He is responsible for Fidelity's alternative investment platform solutions which enable Fidelity clients access to alternative investment strategies. Bill focuses on developing Fidelity's alternative investment platform strategy, as well as overseeing Fidelity's relationship with leading alternative investment platforms and asset managers. Additionally, Bill educates Fidelity clients and prospects about alternative investment programs available through Fidelity. He is often a featured speaker on alternative investment strategies and trends at industry conferences and events. Prior to Fidelity, Bill worked at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. where he was Managing Director of Relationship Management, overseeing relationships with over 700 third-party asset managers. He also led product strategy for Schwab's alternative investment platform team. In that role, he also collaborated with industry thought leaders to deliver alternative investment education to thousands of RIAs. Earlier in his career, Bill was an Executive Director at a boutique alternative investment advisory firm, where he was responsible for consulting with RIAs, family offices, and institutional investors on alternative investment strategies including private equity, private credit, real estate, and hedge fund opportunities. Bill is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives ("IPA"), an industry trade group focused on expanding access to alternative investments strategies and advocating on behalf of the alternative investment industry. Prior to being elected Chair of the Board, he was an active Board member since 2020. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Bill Duffy | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Tony and Brian discuss the evolution of investment investments such as private equity, private credit, real assets, and managed futures. They highlight the importance of these alternatives in diversifying portfolios, smoothing out market volatility, and generating higher returns, especially in more challenging investment environments. Brian also stresses the value of clear communication with clients to ensure they understand the purpose and benefits of these complex sstrategies, emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional 60/40 portfolios by incorporating alternative trategies. Brian Ullsperger is a Managing Director at Andersen, advising approximately $2B in assets and 200 households.  Brian has over 30 years of experience in the investment consulting industry. He focuses on providing investment consulting and wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals, families, foundations, and endowments. Before rejoining Andersen in early 2010, Brian was a founding partner of Capital Fiduciary Advisors. Prior to that, Brian was at Charles Schwab. During his career, Brian has provided a wide variety of client services, including private and institutional consulting, wealth management, retirement and estate planning, and insurance planning.  Brian earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) advanced professional certification from the Investments & Wealth Institute (taught in conjunction with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania).  Brian is a frequent speaker on investment and wealth management topics. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Brian Ullsperger | LinkedInAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this special feature episode live from the NYSE, Tony and Jeb engage in a discussion focused on the current state and future outlook of private real estate, focusing on a positive overall outlook as declining valuations made asset values more attractive. They highlighted favorable sectors such as industrial, multifamily, and life sciences, while the office sector faced challenges. Jeb explains how the industrial sector showed resilience due to shifting trade patterns and long-term fundamentals, including e-commerce growth, the persistent housing shortage, and the trend of near-shoring and on-shoring.  Jeb Belford, Managing Director, is the Chief Investment Officer of Clarion Partners. He is an equity owner in the Firm, chairman of the Firm's Investment Committee, and a member of the Executive Board. From 2013-2021 Jeb was the lead Portfolio Manager of the Firm's open-end core fund, with overall responsibility for fund management and portfolio strategy. From 2005-2012, Jeb was the Portfolio Manager for the Lion Value Fund, the Firm's value-add investment platform. Prior to becoming a portfolio manager, Jeb was a senior member of the Firm's Acquisitions Group, completing investments across a broad range of strategies. His background includes all key aspects of portfolio management, including acquisitions, financing and sales totaling over $20 billion in all property types and risk strategies, in markets across the U.S., Brazil and Mexico. Jeb joined Clarion Partners in 1995 and began working in the real estate industry in 1984 at Winthrop Financial Associates, Boston, MA. Jeb has a B.A. in Mathematics and Religion from Dartmouth College. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: About Clarion Partners | Alternatives by FTAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Christine and Tony discuss the evolving landscape of high-net-worth client demands, particularly their growing interest in alternative investments. Christine emphasizes the importance of advisors developing a strategic approach to alternatives, including the need for client education and the role of IWI in providing training and resources. The episode also highlights the challenges and benefits of incorporating alternatives into investment strategies and the rise of specialized teams in wealth management. Christine Gaze, CFP®, CIMA,® is the Founder and Managing Partner of Purpose Consulting Group, where she leads the development of innovative practice management programs that empower financial professionals to grow with purpose. Christine has held a variety of influential leadership roles across the financial services industry, including Head of Practice Management at TD Ameritrade, Managing Director of Professional Development at AllianceBernstein, National Sales Manager for Lending at Prudential Securities (now Wells Fargo), and Executive Director at Morgan Stanley. Christine specializes in research-driven insights and custom content that drive measurable business results. Purpose Consulting Group's signature program, Planning with Purpose™, equips advisors with the knowledge and confidence to make wealth planning central to their practice. Christine also leads development of the annual Changing Fee Landscape guide, the industry's go-to resource on financial planning fees. She has published a variety of white-label programs on high-performing teams, intergenerational wealth transfer, advanced planning advice for high-net-worth clients, and longevity planning. Passionate about lifelong learning and giving back, Christine also serves on several professional and community boards including The Community Fund of Darien and the Investments & Wealth Institute, where she is currently Board Chair. She lives in Darien, CT with her husband and two college-age children, and is always up for an adventure — especially if it involves hiking, biking, or discovering great food. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Christine Gaze, CFP(R), CIMA(R) | LinkedIn Investments & Wealth Institute: Posts | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 23 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, the tables are turned, and Tony is interviewed by the producer of the show, Julia Giordano. The episode focuses on Tony's new book, "Private Markets, Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit and Private Real Estate," which discusses the evolution of the wealth management industry and the growing importance of private markets. Tony shares insights from his career, why he wrote this book, and what else makes him tick.  Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Private Markets is educational material, leveraging independent research, authored by Tony Davidow in his personal capacity. Comments and views expressed are not necessarily those of Franklin Templeton. Resources: Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit, and Private Real EstateAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedInJulia Giordano, RMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony and Aaron discuss the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), which shifts from traditional strategic asset allocation to a more goal-aligned investment strategy. They explore key aspects of TPA, including governance, culture, a factor-based lens, and competition for capital. The episode highlights both the challenges and opportunities for advisors in adopting TPA, such as the need for a cultural shift and technical expertise, but also the potential for improved client outcomes and more flexible portfolio construction. Practical steps for implementing TPA, such as making incremental changes and reorganizing the investment team, are also discussed. Aaron sits on CAIA Association's executive leadership team and leads its global content strategy. This includes the development of thought leadership, research, and content agendas, content marketing and brand, and industry events. He also oversees strategy for CAIA's 20 chapters across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.  Previously, Aaron founded UniFi by CAIA™, an online platform dedicated to educating the private wealth management industry on alternative investments. He has also sat in various other content development and educational programming roles at CAIA. Aaron is a frequent speaker and writer on various topics of alternative investments and his work has been published in CAIA's educational programs, numerous academic journals, books, and industry publications. Aaron's industry experience lies in private wealth management, where he oversaw asset allocation, portfolio construction, and manager research efforts for high-net-worth individuals and defined contribution plan sponsors and participants. He earned a B.S. with distinction in Finance and a Master of Finance from Penn State University. He holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM), and Financial Data Professional (FDP) designations, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He is a Past President of CFA Society Columbus and serves as a board director and Programs Chair for CFA Society Philadelphia. Aaron is an adjunct professor and serves on multiple advisory boards for Penn State University.   Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Aaron Filbeck, CAIA, CFA, CFP®, CIPM, FDP | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 21 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Jonathan shares DCALTA's mission to enhance diversification and fairness in defined contribution plans through the promotion of alternative investments. He highlights the organization's focus on educating stakeholders and developing industry principles to facilitate the integration of these investments. Tony and Jonathan discuss the importance of liquidity and accurate valuation of illiquid assets to empower participants with better investment choices.  DCALTA is led by Jonathan Epstein, who has served in the defined contribution community for almost 30 years. He is the founder and president of the Defined Contribution Alternatives Association (DCALTA) where he is charged with leading its mission to expand the use of different types of alternative investments and strategies within a defined contribution plan construct.  Jonathan's experience includes working with plan sponsors of defined contribution plans on investments, education/communication strategy and plan cost/performance benchmarking. His industry experience includes positions at CEM Benchmarking, Associated Trust, Mission Square (formerly ICMA-RC) and ThirtyNorth Investments where he learned aspects of the many fiduciary functions and roles performed in the U.S. retirement space.  Jonathan has been privileged to present at the national conferences of PSCA, NAGDCA and the World Investment Forum. He has also contributed to numerous industry articles and research on alternatives in defined contribution plans (Research | DCALTA). He holds the AIF® accreditation and received his B.S. from Florida State University and MBA from Nova Southeastern University.  Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Jonathan Epstein, AIF® | LinkedInResearch | DCALTAAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 20 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Mark Steffen from Wells Fargo Investment Institute shares insights on the market environment and opportunities in private markets. He provides a positive macro outlook for 2025, predicting U.S. economic growth and a soft landing. Mark shares areas of opportunity, including private equity, private credit, certain hedge fund strategies, infrastructure assets, and secondary investments. He also emphasizes the importance of diversifying portfolios with alternatives, and highlights the increasing accessibility of these strategies to average investors. Mark Steffen is a global alternative investment strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII), which is focused on delivering the highest- quality investment expertise and advice to help investors manage risk and succeed financially. WFII serves Wells Fargo Wealth and Investment Management, a division of Wells Fargo & Company. As a member of the Global Investment Strategy Committee, Mark formulates and leads strategy and asset allocation guidance for alternative investments, including hedge strategies, private equity, private debt, and private real estate and infrastructure. He produces alternative investment research and market updates that deliver advice to help investors meet their long-term financial goals. Mark has more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including over 15 years in alternative investments. He earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University. Mark has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Mark Steffen, CFA, CAIA | LinkedInSee what's next for the economy in our 2025 Outlook | Wells FargoFranklin Templeton Institute's 2025 Private Market OutlookAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

This special episode of Alternative Allocations features host Tony Davidow and guests Richard Byrne of Benefit Street Partners, Taylor Robinson of Lexington Partners, and Rick Schaupp of Clarion Partners considering the forthcoming landscape of private markets. The conversation hones in on the role of secondaries in private equity, present and future trends in real estate, and the opportunities in real estate debt. It explores the necessity for liquidity in private markets, the portfolio-strengthening attributes of private real estate, and the potential of real estate credit within the multifamily housing sector. The episode further dissects macroeconomic shifts, such as demographic transformations and advances in e-commerce and healthcare, along with the impact of interest rates on valuations. *********** Richard Byrne is President of Benefit Street Partners, a Franklin Templeton Company, and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FBRT), Benefit Street Partners Multifamily Trust, and Franklin BSP Capital Corporation. He is an influential thought leader and frequent speaker on many topics including commercial real estate debt, highlighting investing opportunities and risks in CRE lending.  Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington's ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton's global Stewardship & Sustainability Council. Rick Schaupp is an equity owner and Managing Director with Clarion Partners and leads the Portfolio Management teams for a number of client accounts, including the Clarion Partners Real Estate Income Fund (CPREX) and Clarion's value-add/opportunistic platform. As lead Portfolio Manager, Rick has overall responsibility for the management and portfolio strategy of these relationships. He also leads product development for private wealth clients. From 2005-2012, Rick was the assistant portfolio manager for the Clarion Ventures series and a separate account relationship. Rick has participated in the acquisition, asset management, and development management of over $4 billion of real estate. He originally joined Clarion Partners in 2000 and began working in the real estate industry in 1995. ​​ *********** Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: Richard Byrne | LinkedIn Taylor Robinson | LinkedIn Rick Schaupp | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In Episode 18 of the Alternative Allocations Podcast, Taylor and Tony discuss the importance and growth of the secondary market in private equity. They talk about slowing exits (M&A and IPO's) and the role of secondaries in providing liquidity to institutions. Taylor highlights the potential benefits of secondary investments, such as diversification and predictable returns, and talks about the evolving market dynamics, including GP-led deals. He also stresses the significance of size and scale in executing transactions and the strategy of acquiring quality assets at reasonable prices to help achieve desired returns. Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington's ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton's global Stewardship & Sustainability Council. Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments! Resources: About Lexington Partners | Alternatives by FT Why private equity | Alternatives by FT Taylor Robinson | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Scott Welch of Certuity joins Tony in episode 17 of the Alternative Allocations podcast to provide his perspective on allocating to alternative investments. They discuss the growth of evergreen products, the importance of due diligence when selecting a private fund manager, and the evolution of the alternative investment industry. Scott also provides insight into how he thinks about portfolio construction and where private funds and alternatives fit into an overall portfolio.  Scott Welch, CIMA®, Chief Investment Officer & Partner, Certuity. As the head of Certuity's investment strategy team and member of the firm's risk management team, he is actively involved in all facets of the firm's investment program and works with Certuity's advisors, investment analysts and directly with clients on portfolio architecture, asset allocation, investment due diligence and selection.  Prior to joining Certuity, Mr. Welch was a member of the WisdomTree Asset Allocation and Investment Committees and was the Chief Investment Officer of their model portfolios. Prior to WisdomTree, Mr. Welch was the Chief Investment Officer of Dynasty Financial Partners, as well as the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Fortigent, LLC, a provider of outsourced investment research, technology, and practice management solutions to RIAs and banks that was purchased by LPL Financial. Prior to joining Fortigent and its predecessor RIA in 1998, Mr. Welch spent more than 12 years on Wall Street. Mr. Welch holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, as well as the Investment Strategist, Advanced Investment Strategist, and Alternative Investments Certificates from the Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI). He has served on the Board of Directors of IWI, the Advisory Board of the ABA Wealth Management & Trust Conference, and the Editorial Advisory Boards of the Journal of Wealth Management and the IWI Investments & Wealth Monitor. In 2024, Mr. Welch was awarded the Wealth Management Impact Award from IWI in recognition of his significant contributions to the wealth management industry over the course of his career. Mr. Welch earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of California at Irvine and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Scott Welch, CIMA® | LinkedInAlternatives by Franklin TempletonTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In episode 16 of the Alternative Allocations podcast, Kate Huntington joins Tony to discuss her years of experience partnering with family offices, endowments and foundations and how she approaches incorporating alternative investments into her clients' portfolios. They delve into the importance of due diligence and understanding the role of each asset class when working with clients to determine the best strategy for each situation. Whether it's an individual investor or large family office, often the investment thesis is the same – it's about enhanced returns, diversification, and having a long-term mindset. Kate Huntington, Managing Director, Head of Advisory Solutions Group. Kate leads the Advisory Solutions Group within Fiduciary Trust which brings comprehensive investment advisory solutions to ultra high net worth and institutional clients. Kate has an expertise in both private markets and sustainable investing and previously was the co-head of the research and manager selection team at Athena Capital Advisors. Kate's prior roles include working as a Consulting Associate at Cambridge Associates where she supported consultants in managing, advising on, and reporting on a variety of institutional clients' investment portfolios. Kate started her career as a Research Analyst at Stonebridge Associates, a real estate investment and advisory firm, and then transitioned to economic consulting with both Capital Economics and LECG, where she was an Economist/Consultant providing economic analysis and market research to support high-profile anti-trust litigation. Kate earned her Master of Business Administration from Yale School of Management and her Bachelor of Arts in economics from University of Virginia. Kate is Co-author –Diversity and Inclusion Framework, December 2019; Co-author –Investing in Gender Equality, January 2018; Co-author –Impact Investing: History & Opportunity, January 2017; Co-author –Social Finance and the Postmodern Portfolio: Theory & Practice, Journal of Wealth Management (Spring 2016). Kate currently holds the Series 7, 24 and 65 licenses and is active as a Member, Board of Trustees, Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Kate Huntington | LinkedIn Fiduciary Trust International Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn