In this special episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark welcomes one of the most influential voices in global investing — Howard Marks, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management. Known worldwide for his acclaimed investment memos, often cited by Warren Buffett as essential reading, Howard has shaped how generations of investors think about risk, cycles, and second-level thinking. In this rare and intimate conversation, Howard reflects on his remarkable journey — from being “banished” to high-yield bonds at Citibank in the 1970s, to pioneering distressed debt investing, and ultimately co-founding Oaktree, now managing over $200 billion in alternative assets. He shares timeless lessons on mastering market psychology, developing an edge in a world of efficient markets, and why success in investing comes not from predicting the future but from preparing for it. Gain unparalleled insight into Howard’s approach to risk, his candid views on assets like gold and Bitcoin, and his concept of “Invescon,” a practical framework for positioning portfolios across cycles. In an environment of uncertainty and market noise, Marks provides frameworks to help investors prepare rather than predict. Clarity and wisdom from one of the greatest investors of our time.
David Clark is joined by Ed Goldstein, Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Coller Capital’s Credit Secondaries business. Ed has spent over 16 years shaping the secondary investment landscape, and in our conversation he explains how the secondaries market provides investors with liquidity, diversification, and unique access to private markets—an area often overlooked but increasingly interesting for investors. With Coller Capital managing more than $40 billion globally, Ed explains how this market has evolved, why it matters, and how it can help sophisticated investors achieve diversification, mitigate risk, and capture attractive returns We unpack the mechanics of secondaries in both private equity and private credit, explore the growth of continuation funds, and discuss how institutional investors, from pension schemes to sovereign wealth funds, are using secondaries to reshape portfolios. Ed also shares insights from his decades-long career navigating multiple market cycles and explains how Coller’s scale allows them to underwrite and execute transactions that others can’t. Whether you’re new to private markets or already allocating to alternatives, this conversation will give you a deeper understanding of how secondaries fit into the broader investment landscape—and why they’re becoming an essential tool for investors.
In this special episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with one of Australia’s most influential business leaders, David Gonski AC. Widely regarded as the “Chairman’s Chairman,” Gonski has shaped Australia’s corporate, philanthropic, and educational landscape over a 50-year career, chairing institutions such as ANZ, the ASX, and the Future Fund. From the art of governance and the complexities of intergenerational wealth, to the lessons of philanthropy and long-term investing, Gonski reflects on the experiences and philosophies that have guided his extraordinary journey. His candid insights reveal not only how to build and protect wealth, but also how to think about legacy, influence, and purpose. *Gain rare access to the lessons of a leader who has sat at the helm of Australia’s most significant institutions and advised some of the country’s most successful families. *Hear Gonski’s views on governance, succession planning, and philanthropy—vital considerations for families stewarding wealth across generations. *Discover how Gonski thinks about investment philosophy, endowment-style investing, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with values and legacy.
David Clark is joined by Claudia Kwan, Managing Director at North Star Impact Funds and recipient of the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award at the Impact Investment Summit. A former Morgan Stanley trader and now one of Australia’s leading voices in sustainable capital, Claudia shares how impact investing is evolving beyond its philanthropic roots to deliver returns competitive with traditional strategies. For investors who have historically prioritised financial performance over social outcomes, this episode challenges assumptions highlighting how capital can be deployed to sectors like affordable housing, electrification, and healthcare without compromising on economic returns. Key highlights: * Why measurable social and environmental outcomes are becoming part of mainstream investing. * How impact-aligned portfolios can deliver returns in line with traditional benchmarks. * NorthStar’s values-driven, institutional-grade investment approach. * Claudia’s journey as a female leader in the investment banking industry. Great perspective on why purpose and performance are no longer mutually exclusive.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark is joined by Nikki Thomas, one of Australia's most respected global equity investors and the current Portfolio Manager of Magellan’s High Conviction Fund. After a period of significant change at Magellan, Nikki’s return to the firm marks a powerful reconnection with its founding principles—absolute returns, deep research, and a commitment to global quality. With over two decades of experience and foundational roles at both Magellan and Alphinity, Nikki unpacks her high-conviction investment philosophy and explains why the core Magellan approach — compounding capital through structural moats and disciplined valuation — remains unchanged despite market noise. In a candid and wide-ranging conversation, David and Nikki explore: * How she builds a concentrated portfolio of 10–20 global leaders * The role of AI, robotics, and digitalisation in shaping long-term investment themes * The outlook for key holdings including Novo Nordisk, Visa, and Microsoft * How Magellan is evolving from a founder-led boutique to an institutional investment house * Her return to the firm and the strategic pivot under new leadership This episode offers rare insight into one of Australia’s top investment minds at a pivotal moment for Magellan and global capital markets. A must-listen for high-net-worth investors seeking clarity, conviction, and access to the type of global opportunities that sit beyond Australia’s borders.
In this special 200th episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark is joined by Koda Capital’s Chairman Steve Tucker and CEO Paul Heath to reflect on the evolution of wealth management since the podcast’s inception in 2016. From humble beginnings to over 200 candid conversations with some of the world’s best investment minds, this milestone marks a journey of insight, access, and innovation. The episode explores the wealth advice industry's transformation into a true profession, the growing importance of values-based investing, and the behavioural traits that separate great investors from the rest - resilience, process discipline, and the courage to learn from failure. They discuss the standout episodes, the dramatic rise in private market access, the adoption of endowment-style investing, and the shift toward investments offering stronger returns with lower volatility. This episode is not just a retrospective—it’s a guidepost for the next decade of investing, advice, and purpose-driven wealth. Whether you're a client, adviser, or investment enthusiast, this conversation offers rare insight into how great advice has changed, where it's heading, and how Inside the Rope has provided privileged access to the minds shaping the future.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark sits down with legendary investor Marc Lasry, co-founder and CEO of Avenue Capital and former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. Lasry unpacks the explosive growth of private equity in the global sports industry—where financial returns meet passionate fandom. From his journey as a Moroccan-born immigrant to building a $25 billion investment firm, Lasry offers a firsthand look at why sports franchises are no longer just vanity assets for billionaires, but a scalable, investable asset class ripe with opportunity. He shares how Avenue Capital approaches sports as a structured, revenue-generating investment with tangible upside through ticketing, sponsorship, and media rights. We explore his early bets on underappreciated assets like pickleball and women’s sport, and how digitisation, fantasy, and fan engagement are reshaping the commercial landscape. This conversation is essential listening for investors seeking uncorrelated returns, exposure to global entertainment, and insights from one of the foremost minds in distressed debt and opportunistic investing.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Tim Samway, founder of Scarcity Partners and former managing director of Hyperion Asset Management, to explore one of the most compelling trends in asset management—GP staking (General Partner staking). What if, instead of being on the paying end of fund management fees, you could invest in the fund managers themselves? That’s exactly what GP staking enables—and it’s gaining serious momentum in Australia. Tim breaks down: * What GP staking is and why it’s more than just private equity for funds * Why returns from GP staking (targeting 20%+ p.a.) can outperform traditional funds * The structural shift toward private markets and the rise of endowment-style investing * The red flags and green lights in assessing fund managers as businesses * Why private market exposure is still underrepresented in most Australian portfolios—and what’s changing Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how to access the "better side" of the fee equation and what makes the economics of fund management so attractive when scaled properly.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Craig Packer, Co-President of Blue Owl Capital – a $140 billion powerhouse in private lending. From humble beginnings to one of the fastest-growing alternative asset managers globally, Craig shares the inside story behind Blue Owl’s explosive rise, its strategy of targeting multi-billion-dollar private equity-backed companies, and how the firm is redefining the landscape of direct lending. 💡Key topics covered include: * Why US private credit markets dwarf those in Australia—and what that means for investors; *How Blue Owl generates equity-like returns (~10% p.a.) with lower volatility through senior secured loans; * Transparency, regulation, and addressing concerns of a “private debt bubble” in Australia; * How OCIC, their private wealth-focused fund, balances investor access with long-term stability; * The firm’s disciplined underwriting approach, default history, and what sets Blue Owl apart; *Craig’s philanthropic work and upcoming trip to Australia to engage with investors firsthand. 🔍 This episode offers a front-row seat to the future of private credit—told by one of the global leaders in the field.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark speaks with David Gribble, the newly appointed CEO of Alceon, one of Australia's leading multi-strategy private capital firms. Against a backdrop of heightened market volatility and growing media scrutiny of private credit, David Gribble shares his perspective on the evolving role of private markets and how Alceon is positioning itself through this cycle. The conversation explores Gribble’s unique journey from engineering and investment banking to leading Alceon, and why the firm’s deep bench of local expertise, asset-backed focus, and collaborative investment approach offers clients confidence during periods of uncertainty. We also dive into how Alceon balances opportunity and risk across real estate credit, private equity, and structured credit—and why disclosure and proactive transparency are central to maintaining investor trust in the private markets space. As regulation looms and headlines focus on risks, this episode offers measured insight into the difference that experience, structure, and true alignment can make.
David Clark welcomes back Andrew Lockhart, Managing Partner of Metrics Credit Partners — one of Australia's largest private lenders and a major force shaping the future of private credit. With private credit markets booming — and critics warning of bubbles and risks — David and Andrew explore why private credit can play a critical role in a high-net-worth portfolio when approached with discipline and scale. They dive deep into the key metrics that investors should evaluate in private credit, including loss rates, diversification, liquidity management, and risk-adjusted returns. Andrew explains why Metrics' institutional-grade processes, governance standards, and proactive credit management position it at the centre of Australia’s private credit growth story — and why careful manager selection has never been more important. With insights into Metrics' $23 billion portfolio, how private credit compares to traditional bank lending, and how Metrics navigates the evolving regulatory landscape, this episode is essential listening for investors seeking income, stability, and diversification in today’s uncertain markets. Get a behind-the-scenes look at why Metrics is thriving amid industry scrutiny.
After seven years of trying, we’ve finally done it—this episode of Inside the Rope features one of the most influential figures in institutional investment in Australia: David Neal, CEO of IFM Investors and founding CIO and former CEO of the Future Fund, Australia’s $300+ billion sovereign wealth fund. David takes us behind the scenes of building the Future Fund from the ground up—how a clean slate, a world-class board, and a clear long-term mandate allowed for a new investment philosophy rooted in flexibility, illiquidity premiums, and global best practice. We talk about the importance of strong governance, the benefits of a total portfolio approach, and why the endowment model still resonates in long-term capital allocation. Now at the helm of IFM Investors—a global institutional asset manager originally founded by Australian industry super funds—David shares insights into investing on behalf of working people, the tailwinds driving infrastructure investment globally, and why private markets are an increasingly powerful lever for value creation. IFM was conceived by a collective of Australian industry super funds with a bold ambition: to give working people access to the kinds of global, complex investments traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Today, IFM manages over $250 billion across infrastructure, private equity, credit, equities, and real estate—always with a clear mission to deliver strong, long-term outcomes for its members. If you're seeking clarity on private markets, this is a conversation not to be missed.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark is joined by Laurence Marshbaum OAM, founder of 10x10 Philanthropy and Community Capital, to explore how wealthy families can embed philanthropy into their legacy. Together, they discuss why more families are establishing Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and how strategic giving can sit alongside wealth creation and preservation. Laurence shares his journey from institutional fund management to purpose-driven investing, shedding light on how families can move beyond ad-hoc charitable donations to structured, impactful philanthropy that endures for generations. They discuss how fund managers and sophisticated investors are also stepping in to provide early-stage capital to high-impact, for-purpose organisations—bringing the same rigour they apply to financial markets to the social sector. Whether you're a family considering philanthropy for the first time, or looking to start the conversation, this episode will give you practical insights into how to create lasting social and financial value.
David Clark welcomes back David Witkin, Managing Partner of Beryl Capital, discussing event-driven investing and market opportunities. With a track record of delivering outstanding returns, Beryl Capital has been at the forefront of merger arbitrage and special situations, benefiting from corporate activity across global markets. As investors navigate a rapidly changing landscape—shaped by geopolitical shifts, artificial intelligence, and shifting economic policies—Witkin shares his insights on capital deployment, risk management, and where he sees opportunities in today’s market. He delves into the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on event-driven investing, the AI-driven demand for data centers and infrastructure, and how regulatory shifts could unlock new investment themes. Listen in to hear how institutional investors think about market cycles, risk-adjusted returns, and how high-quality research and execution can drive investment success.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark sits down with Catherine Allfrey of Wavestone Capital and Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, to explore why increasing female representation in funds management is not just about fairness—it’s about better outcomes for investors and the broader economy. We dive into the launch of Future Generation Women, a new fund exclusively managed by female portfolio managers, designed to drive both strong financial returns and positive social impact. Why are women statistically better long-term investors? How is gender inequality costing the Australian economy $128 billion annually? And what can both men and women do to accelerate progress in wealth management? This episode is packed with insights on the next generation of wealth transfer, the importance of financial education for women, and how investors can be part of the solution. Whether you're an investor, adviser, or simply passionate about equality, this conversation will challenge perspectives and inspire action.
In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Frewen Lam, Managing Partner at ROC Capital, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of private equity, private credit, and real assets. Frewen shares his journey from a first-generation Australian with immigrant roots to co-founding ROC, now managing $8.5 billion in assets. Key Highlights: * Frewen’s transition from public to private markets—why he believes private investments outperform. * Lessons from investing in Asia, including insights into China and India's economic trajectory. * Why agriculture and real assets are the next frontier for wealth creation. * The opportunities in private credit and secondary markets—how to buy assets at a discount. * How top investors build portfolios that balance risk and long-term returns. Frewen’s sharp insights, combined with David’s wealth advisory expertise, make this a must-listen for investors looking to refine their approach to alternative assets.
One of Australia's most successful financial minds abroad - In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Mike Dorrell, founder and CEO of Stonepeak, a $100 billion infrastructure investment powerhouse. From his humble beginnings in Australia, to building one of the largest private infrastructure firms in the U.S., Mike shares his journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategic vision. He offers invaluable insights into infrastructure investing, where he sees the strongest opportunities today, and how smart investors should think about allocating to this asset class. Mike also shares his thoughts on Trump 2.0’s impact on markets, his personal approach to fitness and discipline, and how he structures his day to stay at the top of his game. This conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for investors, business leaders, and anyone interested in what it takes to build a world-class investment firm. A fascinating deep dive into the mindset of a global finance leader.
Unlock the complexities of family leadership and estate planning in this enlightening episode of Inside the Rope. Join David as he speaks with Evana Lithgow from Working Minds, a renowned psychologist specialising in the transition and succession of wealth for high-profile families in Australia and New Zealand. Discover how successful families navigate challenges beyond financial capital, fostering meaningful relationships and connections as their true legacy. From overcoming wealth-related conflicts to starting crucial conversations early, Evana shares powerful insights from her 25+ years of experience. Learn how to shift the focus from mere legal documents to a holistic approach that ensures a resilient and harmonious future for generations. Whether you're managing significant wealth or just beginning the estate planning journey, this episode provides actionable tips to align your family’s purpose with long-term success.
In this episode of Inside the Rope with David Clark, we sit down with Peter Edwards, Executive Chairman of the Victor Smorgon Group, one of Australia's most enduring multi-generational family offices. Peter takes us behind the scenes of a pivotal decision: opening the doors of this storied family office to external investors. Discover the rationale behind this transformative move, how it shapes their investment strategy, and what it means for both the family and outside participants. From their thematic investment approach in areas like gold and US property to their forward-thinking embrace of impact investing and philanthropy, Peter shares invaluable insights into navigating complexity and maintaining harmony across generations. Join us for a captivating conversation that delves into family legacy, bold strategies, and the ever-evolving landscape of wealth management. Whether you're curious about the inner workings of a family office or looking for investment inspiration, this episode is one you won't want to miss.
David Clark sits down with Brad Powell, Managing Director of Emerson Collective, the influential family office and investment vehicle of Laurene Powell Jobs. With a portfolio exceeding $11.5 billion, Emerson Collective leverages innovative strategies to address global challenges. Brad provides an insider’s perspective on the Collective’s unique approach to balancing financial returns with social impact across sectors like education, healthcare, and climate transition. Discover how they’re reshaping philanthropy, scaling investments in renewable energy, bridging the digital divide through broadband expansion, and exploring alternative investments like sports franchises. Learn the lessons smaller family offices and high-net-worth individuals can take from Emerson’s model, how they identify transformative organizations, and their forward-thinking vision for energy infrastructure and connectivity in a rapidly evolving world.