Welcome to another engaging edition of the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast!
We’re excited to have been part of the vibrant atmosphere at Nuveen’s nPowered conference, where over $1.2 trillion in assets under management were represented. This dynamic two-day event featured insights from Nuveen’s thought leaders and industry experts as they delved into the firm’s examination of challenges and potential within private markets.
Our team had the privilege to engage with Nuveen’s top executives to gain their insights on the evolving landscape of private markets, the nuances of collaborating with the wealth channel, and cutting-edge product innovations.
Among the key figures we spoke with was Keith Jones, who serves as the Global Head of Alternative Investments Product at Nuveen. As a member of their Extended Leadership Team, he’s at the helm of creating and managing alternative investment vehicles distributed worldwide across Nuveen’s institutional, wealth management, and retirement channels.
For those who want to dive deeper into our conversation, you can catch the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Transistor.
Our discussion with Keith was nothing short of enlightening. We explored the intricacies of product innovation within the wealth channel, emphasizing the importance of customized education and marketing strategies—highlighting why a one-size-fits-all method simply won’t suffice.
A huge thank you to Keith for enriching our podcast with his expertise and insights. We hope you’ll find our exchange as insightful as we did.
Some standout moments from the talk include:
- It Starts with the Clients: Understanding the pivotal role clients play in shaping product strategies.
- Turning the Battleship: Insights into navigating large-scale strategic shifts.
- Brand and Product Creation: How a brand’s identity influences the development and structuring of financial products.
This exciting episode was made possible by Ultimus Fund Solutions, a leading full-service provider in fund administration tailored for asset managers navigating both private and public markets. With private markets stepping increasingly into the spotlight, infrastructure solutions like those offered by Ultimus are vital for keeping pace in the fast-evolving landscape. As funds grapple with complex structures and compliance demands, Ultimus stands out with a robust combination of technology and tailored service, supporting over 450 clients and administering $500 billion in assets through a team of over 1,000 professionals. Their services span registered and private funds, public plans, and outsourced middle office services, ensuring that managers meet regulatory requirements while fulfilling investor needs.
For more information on Ultimus’s services and how they can aid in fund administration, visit Ultimus Fund Solutions or reach out directly to Gary Harris, Ultimus Executive Vice President of Business Development, at [email protected].
We sincerely appreciate Ultimus for their continued support as we continue to explore and showcase the mainstreaming of alternative investments. To learn more about their innovative solutions, check out their website.
Show Notes:
- 00:00 Welcome by Sponsor: Ultimus Fund Solutions
- 01:18 Podcast Theme Introduction
- 01:55 Kickoff to Alt Goes Mainstream
- 02:19 Conversation with Keith Jones: His Professional Journey and Role
- 05:11 Exploring Innovations in Wealth Channel Products
- 05:23 Designing Products Catering to the Wealth Channel
- 06:19 Emphasizing a Client-Focused Methodology
- 07:08 Challenges in Structuring Effective Products
- 07:50 The Significant Role of Branding
- 11:03 Emphasizing Nuveen’s Real Estate Initiatives
- 12:04 Gathering Feedback from Distribution Teams
- 13:00 Effective Product Governance Practices
- 13:48 Differentiating Wealth from Institutional Channels
- 17:03 Leveraging Institutional Insights within the Wealth Channel
- 18:46 Addressing Operational Needs and Educational Goals
- 19:30 Leveraging FinTech Solutions
- 19:51 Navigating the Subscription Process
- 21:04 Reporting Challenges in Financial Products
- 21:46 Enabling Investor Allocation Opportunities
- 22:55 Uncovering Potential in Retirement Channels
- 23:14 Enhancing Education around Alternatives
- 24:26 Integrating Model Portfolios
- 25:22 Understanding Tokenization and Liquidity Benefits
- 26:18 Structuring Products with a Client-First Perspective
- 27:28 Streamlining Communication and Alignment Efforts
- 30:45 Exploring Evergreen Investment Structures
- 31:46 Evolving Skillset for Portfolio Managers
- 33:14 Future Prospects for Product Innovations
- 34:53 Addressing Fee Compression in Alternative Investments
- 38:15 Benefits of Portfolio Diversification
- 40:17 Encouraging Industry Collaboration
- 41:47 Wrap-Up and Acknowledgments
We hope you enjoy the episode!