Agenda

Friday, October 25, 2024

College of Charleston Investment Program


7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Registration / Meet & Greet

8:30 a.m. Welcome

8:45 a.m.–10 a.m. Global Markets Outlook Session

  • David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
  • Gus Faucher, Chief Economist, PNC
  • Moderator: Mark Pyles, Director, Investment Program and Director of Multi-Asset Strategies, Greenwood Capital

10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. –11:30 a.m. Investment Strategies Session

  • Cameron Dawson, Chief Investment Officer, NewEdge Wealth
  • Gina Martin Adams, Global Director of Portfolio Strategy & Chief Equity Strategist, Bloomberg
  • Chuck Clough, Chairman, CIO, Clough Capital Partners
  • Moderator: Mark Pyles, Director, Investment Program and Director of Multi-Asset Strategies, Greenwood Capital

11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Lunch with Politics and Markets Session

  • Jeannette Lowe, Managing Director, Policy Research, Strategas Securities, LLC
  • Andrew Silverman, Senior Strategist - Tax Policy and M&A, Bloomberg Intelligence
  • Moderator: Mark Pyles, Director, Investment Program and Director of Multi-Asset Strategies, Greenwood Capital

12:45 p.m.– 1 p.m. Break

1 p.m.–2 p.m. Breakout Sessions One (choose your session):

AI's Impact on the Investment Industry

Our industry is one that has historically focused on high-touch individualized service. However, it is a brave new world, and one concept has stormed to the forefront of a great many conversations. That concept is none other than artificial intelligence! As the world is becoming aware about the possibilities of AI, how will the investment management industry be impacted?

Alts at Play in the New Age

Before COVID, alternative assets were seen as exclusive to the wealthy and elite institutions due to high entry barriers. However, this is changing, and more investors are considering alternatives like real estate, commodities, private credit, hedge funds, and more. The industry now recognizes the importance of these assets beyond just private equity. Key questions we discuss in this session include how average investors can access these vehicles, the responsibilities of RIAs, and the balance between illiquidity premiums and associated risks. These issues gained prominence after the challenging equity/debt market of 2022.

Retaining and Managing Generational Wealth

Multigenerational wealth presents unique challenges. While creating wealth is one thing, preserving it is another, with 70% lost by the second generation and 90% by the third. This often stems from a lack of dedicated wealth management. For advisors, maintaining relationships with clients’ descendants and helping them preserve wealth is crucial. Younger generations, with easy access to information, may be hesitant to pay for advice. So,what do investment advisors have to do to maintain those relationships and help family members preserve their wealth? What keeps family members motivated and inspired? Find out more in this session.

2 p.m.–2:15 p.m. Break

2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions Two (choose your session):

New Ways to Skin the Risk Cat

Risk management has evolved beyond Sharpe Ratios and VaR Statistics. With new products and better transactional efficiency, risk management now includes strategies like direct indexing, option overlays, and buffer strategies. This session will explore these methods and discuss whether traditional metrics like the VIX, Beta, and standard deviations still matter. We’ll also consider which investors should focus on specific risks, the costs involved, and whether these strategies are worthwhile for long-term retail investors. Are we overcomplicating risk management, or are we just beginning to explore its potential?

A New Chapter in Fixed Income

  • John Burkert, Investment Manager, DUMAC Inc.
  • Matthew Nest, Managing Director, Head of Active Global Fixed Income, State Street
  • Nancy Davis, Founder, Quadratic Capital
  • Moderator: Sara Levin, Director, ETF and Derivative Trading, WallachBeth Capital

The fixed income bull market ended with the COVID pandemic and subsequent recovery. Massive fiscal stimulus and near-zero interest rates led the Fed to hike rates aggressively, causing a significant drop in fixed income valuations. As monetary policy shifts, key questions remain: What will the Fed do next? With high government debt and ongoing deficits, how should investors approach fixed income allocation and selection? Is there a new normal for fixed income returns? Should investors focus on individual assets or funds, domestic or international, high yield or investment grade? Fixed income investing is now more intriguing than ever.

The Evolution of the RIA Marketplace

  • Chris Boehm, Founding Partner, Executive Managing Director, Cresset
  • Adam Farag, Vice President, Strategic Markets, Oak Street Funding
  • Kevin Chalk, Senior Business Management Consultant, Charles Schwab Advisor Services
  • Moderator: Dustin Barr, Founding Partner, Senior Adviser, Verum Partners

The financial industry is experiencing both consolidation and expansion. Most RIAs are under 10 years old with less than $100M in assets, as evolving compensation structures make starting independent firms more attractive. Outsourcing key operations has also lowered barriers for smaller firms. The rise of TAMPs is significant in this new landscape. Meanwhile, competition for buyouts is intense, with expanding multiples and creative offers. Discussions are needed on transition processes for founders, internal ownership transfers, and the role of outside consultants. The industry is shifting towards fewer independent asset managers and more allocators, facilitating acquisitions.

3:15 p.m. Networking Reception

Register Now