Category: Portfolio Planning

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Liquidity as a Strategic Asset in Changing Markets

Liquidity as a Strategic Asset in Changing Markets

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Market conditions have shifted, and what once seemed like a simple allocation decision now demands far more attention.

How should investors think about access to cash when uncertainty, higher rates, and private markets all collide?

In this episode, host Paul Fahey is joined by Faisal Ansari, Global Head of Liquidity Solutions, and Andrew Sepiol, CFA, Liquidity Solutions Product Manager at Northern Trust, to explore why liquidity is now a central focus for asset owners. They explain how rising rates, market volatility, and growing allocations to private markets are reshaping liquidity strategies. 

The conversation also covers how cash is evolving from a defensive position to a strategic asset, along with the importance of forecasting, diversification, and data-driven decision making.

Key takeaways:

  • How higher interest rates and volatility are increasing the importance of liquidity across portfolios
  • Why cash is shifting from a defensive tool to a strategic allocation with meaningful return potential
  • The growing impact of private markets on liquidity planning and forecasting complexity
  • How segmentation of cash supports operational needs, reserves, and long-term portfolio strategy
  • The role of data, reporting, and AI tools in improving forecasting and liquidity decision-making
  • And more!

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Private Equity’s Liquidity Moment: What Investors Need to Know Now (Video)

Private Equity’s Liquidity Moment: What Investors Need to Know Now (Video)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey is joined by Adam Freda, Managing Director at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving private equity landscape.

They explore how recent market conditions have challenged traditional assumptions around liquidity and diversification, why private equity secondaries have grown into a critical source of flexibility for institutional investors, and how continuation vehicles are reshaping exit strategies. Adam also breaks down the growing role of evergreen funds—what they solve for, where risks can emerge, and why they’re likely to coexist alongside traditional closed-end funds rather than replace them.

The discussion covers portfolio construction across vintages and strategies, the importance of manager quality in volatile environments, and how investors are navigating private equity and private credit amid higher rates, slower exits, and rapid technological change. Listen in to understand today’s private markets—and what to watch next.

 

Grant Johnsey is a FINRA‑registered representative of Northern Trust Securities, Inc. Adam Freda is not FINRA registered and is an employee of 50 South Capital, an affiliate asset management firm of Northern Trust. Adam Freda is not acting in a broker‑dealer capacity and does not offer brokerage services.

This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security, strategy, or investment product.

Any references to returns, performance characteristics, or investment outcomes are illustrative and not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Actual outcomes may vary significantly.

Northern Trust Asset Servicing, Northern Trust Securities, Inc., and 50 South Capital are affiliated entities under the Northern Trust corporate structure. Statements made by representatives of affiliated entities reflect their respective perspectives and business lines.

Investment products and services referenced may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered only where permitted by law and regulation.

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Private Equity’s Liquidity Moment: What Investors Need to Know Now

Private Equity’s Liquidity Moment: What Investors Need to Know Now

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey is joined by Adam Freda, Managing Director at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving private equity landscape.

They explore how recent market conditions have challenged traditional assumptions around liquidity and diversification, why private equity secondaries have grown into a critical source of flexibility for institutional investors, and how continuation vehicles are reshaping exit strategies. Adam also breaks down the growing role of evergreen funds—what they solve for, where risks can emerge, and why they’re likely to coexist alongside traditional closed-end funds rather than replace them.

The discussion covers portfolio construction across vintages and strategies, the importance of manager quality in volatile environments, and how investors are navigating private equity and private credit amid higher rates, slower exits, and rapid technological change. Listen in to understand today’s private markets—and what to watch next.

 

Grant Johnsey is a FINRA‑registered representative of Northern Trust Securities, Inc. Adam Freda is not FINRA registered and is an employee of 50 South Capital, an affiliate asset management firm of Northern Trust. Adam Freda is not acting in a broker‑dealer capacity and does not offer brokerage services.

This podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security, strategy, or investment product.

Any references to returns, performance characteristics, or investment outcomes are illustrative and not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Actual outcomes may vary significantly.

Northern Trust Asset Servicing, Northern Trust Securities, Inc., and 50 South Capital are affiliated entities under the Northern Trust corporate structure. Statements made by representatives of affiliated entities reflect their respective perspectives and business lines.

Investment products and services referenced may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered only where permitted by law and regulation.

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Private Markets, Climate Risk, and AI: Inside Canada’s Investment Model with Katie Pries

Private Markets, Climate Risk, and AI: Inside Canada’s Investment Model with Katie Pries

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Long-term investing is shifting, but what actually separates disciplined investors from the rest?

How are leading institutions balancing performance, risk, and innovation while managing growing complexity?

In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Katie Pries, Country Executive for Northern Trust Asset Servicing in Canada, about how Canadian asset owners approach private markets, governance, and emerging technologies. They explore how the Maple Eight have shaped global investing practices, why climate risk is now embedded in decision-making, and how data challenges are evolving. Katie also shares how AI is being applied to improve efficiency without replacing human judgment, and why execution and governance are now the real differentiators.

Key takeaways:

  • Private markets treated as core portfolio building blocks tied to long-term liabilities and cash flow stability
  • Data challenges shifting from scarcity to overload, with a focus on timely, decision-ready information
  • Climate risk is integrated into governance frameworks and viewed as a financial and execution risk
  • AI is improving data processing, risk monitoring, and workflow efficiency without replacing human oversight
  • The Canadian model stands out for disciplined execution, governance, and a long-term investment mindset
  • And more!

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About Katie Pries:

Inside the AI Shift: What’s Next for Enterprises (Video)

Inside the AI Shift: What’s Next for Enterprises (Video)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Mike Kelly, Co‑Founder of Developer Town, to cut through the hype and explore the real‑world applications of AI—from personal productivity to enterprise‑scale transformation.

Mike shares how advances in large language models are reshaping everyday workflows, why tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are evolving into true AI companions, and how “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier to building custom software.

The conversation goes deeper into the enterprise, covering AI agents, fraud detection, unstructured data, and why many organizations struggle to move from experimentation to execution. Mike also weighs in on the implications for SaaS businesses, venture investing, energy costs, and the future of enterprise infrastructure.

Key topics include:

  • How AI is changing personal productivity and decision‑making
  • Using AI as a healthcare “navigator” and shared source of truth
  • Vibe coding and the rise of build‑your‑own software
  • Why enterprises get stuck on data and process readiness
  • AI agents, automation, and security trade‑offs
  • What AI means for SaaS, venture capital, and long‑term costs

Whether you’re experimenting with AI at home or evaluating it for your organization, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s working and what’s coming next.

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Inside the AI Shift: What’s Next for Enterprises (Audio)

Inside the AI Shift: What’s Next for Enterprises (Audio)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Mike Kelly, Co‑Founder of Developer Town, to cut through the hype and explore the real‑world applications of AI—from personal productivity to enterprise‑scale transformation.

Mike shares how advances in large language models are reshaping everyday workflows, why tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are evolving into true AI companions, and how “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier to building custom software.

The conversation goes deeper into the enterprise, covering AI agents, fraud detection, unstructured data, and why many organizations struggle to move from experimentation to execution. Mike also weighs in on the implications for SaaS businesses, venture investing, energy costs, and the future of enterprise infrastructure.

Key topics include:

  • How AI is changing personal productivity and decision‑making
  • Using AI as a healthcare “navigator” and shared source of truth
  • Vibe coding and the rise of build‑your‑own software
  • Why enterprises get stuck on data and process readiness
  • AI agents, automation, and security trade‑offs
  • What AI means for SaaS, venture capital, and long‑term costs

Whether you’re experimenting with AI at home or evaluating it for your organization, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s working and what’s coming next.

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Tariffs, Technology, and Tension Points Shaping the 2026 Outlook with Carl Tannenbaum

Tariffs, Technology, and Tension Points Shaping the 2026 Outlook with Carl Tannenbaum

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Economic pressure rarely comes from a single source. It builds through policy shifts, innovation waves, and global relationships that test long-held assumptions.

In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Carl Tannenbaum, Chief Economist at Northern Trust, to reflect on the forces that defined 2025 and what they signal for the year ahead. They examine trade policy shifts, geopolitical strain, and the unwinding of global supply chains. The conversation also explores fiscal pressure across advanced economies, inflation expectations, and the evolving role of central banks. Together, they look at how artificial intelligence is influencing productivity, labor markets, and long-term investment decisions heading into 2026.

Key takeaways:

  • Why trade policy changes and tariffs reshape investment decisions and supply chain planning
  • Global security concerns are influencing fiscal priorities and cross-border cooperation
  • AI-driven productivity gains alongside labor market disruption for early career workers
  • How the rising debt burdens and interest costs are pressuring government budgets
  • How inflation trends, wage pressures, and central bank independence shape market outlooks
  • And more!

Connect with Carl Tannenbaum:

About Carl Tannenbaum:

Innovation and Insight: Managing Assets in a Changing Healthcare Landscape (Video)

Innovation and Insight: Managing Assets in a Changing Healthcare Landscape (Video)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Shawn Gallegos, Chief Investment Executive at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Shawn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the hospital’s Office of Investments manages a diverse portfolio—including operating funds, pension assets, and an innovation fund—while navigating the unique challenges of the healthcare sector.

Shawn dives into how his team balances risk and growth, maintain the hospital’s strong credit rating, and strategically allocate assets across equities, hedge funds, fixed income, and private investments. The conversation explores the evolving role of hedge funds in moderating portfolio volatility, the cautious approach to private credit and equity, and the importance of liquidity in a sector facing rising costs and demographic shifts.

Shawn also discusses the adoption of technology and analytics, including the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), and how Northwestern Memorial’s innovation fund supports early-stage companies developing solutions for hospital operations. The episode closes with forward-looking insights on investment strategy adjustments for 2026.

Tune in to hear key insights on institutional investing, healthcare finance, and the intersection of innovation and portfolio management.

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Innovation and Insight: Managing Assets in a Changing Healthcare Landscape (Audio)

Innovation and Insight: Managing Assets in a Changing Healthcare Landscape (Audio)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey sits down with Shawn Gallegos, Chief Investment Executive at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Shawn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the hospital’s Office of Investments manages a diverse portfolio—including operating funds, pension assets, and an innovation fund—while navigating the unique challenges of the healthcare sector.

Shawn dives into how his team balances risk and growth, maintain the hospital’s strong credit rating, and strategically allocate assets across equities, hedge funds, fixed income, and private investments. The conversation explores the evolving role of hedge funds in moderating portfolio volatility, the cautious approach to private credit and equity, and the importance of liquidity in a sector facing rising costs and demographic shifts.

Shawn also discusses the adoption of technology and analytics, including the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), and how Northwestern Memorial’s innovation fund supports early-stage companies developing solutions for hospital operations. The episode closes with forward-looking insights on investment strategy adjustments for 2026.

Tune in to hear key insights on institutional investing, healthcare finance, and the intersection of innovation and portfolio management.

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Hedge Funds in Focus: The New Era of Hedge Fund Investing (Audio)

Hedge Funds in Focus: The New Era of Hedge Fund Investing (Audio)

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In this episode of Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey welcomes Tristan Thomas, managing director of Portfolio Strategy at 50 South Capital, for an in-depth conversation about the hedge fund industry’s transformation. Tristan shares his personal journey from Wall Street to Chicago, offering a unique perspective on how hedge funds have evolved over the past two decades. 

The conversation covers topics such as why hedge funds are experiencing a renaissance, with record inflows and performance that rivals traditional equities—yet with significantly less volatility. Tristan breaks down the factors driving this growth, including investor demand for downside protection and the industry’s shift toward greater transparency and lower fees. 

The discussion explores the rise of customization in hedge fund strategies, as managers adapt to meet the specific needs of institutional investors, family offices, and global allocators. Tristan explains how new strategies are emerging, why event-driven and macro funds are attracting capital, and how regional differences shape investment approaches. 

Tune in for expert analysis, practical tips, and a candid look at the future of hedge funds in today’s dynamic market. 

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