critical thinking℠
Alternative States
Cutting-edge conversations unpacking the complexity, potential, and strategic role of private markets and hedge funds.
From structural innovation to investor impact, we explore how these evolving alternatives are reshaping portfolios.
Latest episodes
Real assets and Asia-Pacific: Global diversification and regional opportunity | May 2025
As trade tensions, uncertainty over the direction of interest rates, and pension reforms reshape the investment landscape, liability-driven investing (LDI) may provide a source of stability. In this episode, Jeffrey Dissmann, who leads Mercer’s Investments business in Germany, is joined by Sheena Frost, Lead of the Europe ex-UK Portfolio Management Solutions Team at Mercer and Rik Klerkx, Chief Investment Officer LDI and Private Markets at Cardano Netherlands, to discuss how investors across Europe are adapting their LDI strategies.
The discussion spans regulatory variations, the resurgence of bonds, inflation hedging challenges, and the operational plumbing that may facilitate resilient portfolios. Together, they examine the trade-offs between swaps and sovereign bonds, the growing role of private assets, and lessons learned from the UK’s LDI crisis.
The value proposition of hedge funds | May 2025
In this episode, Robert Ronneberger, Head of Business Development for Asia, is joined by Dave McMillan, Chief Investment Officer, Hedge Funds, to explore how investors can future-proof their portfolios — specifically within hedge funds. Robert and Dave examine the most common mistakes seen in hedge fund investing, the impact of recent market volatility and other significant changes, such as the normalization of interest rates, and the potential opportunities in today's markets.
Navigating private market strategies: insights on co-investments and secondaries (in French) I January 2025
In this first episode in French of the podcast "Critical thinking," host Matthieu Mougeot is joined by investment specialists Maud-Kelly Crapeau and Pierre Luc Gariépy to discuss the growing interest in private market co-investments and secondary investments. They highlight their shorter investment horizons and potential for quicker capital deployment compared to traditional primary funds. Zooming in on the unique roles these strategies play in enhancing portfolio diversification and aligning interests between investors and fund managers, they also address the specific risks associated with co-investments and secondaries, including the need for in-depth knowledge and robust due diligence processes.
The discussion touches on the increasing sophistication of investors in private markets and the regulatory impacts influencing investment decisions in some jurisdictions, particularly in France. The episode provides with insights on how investors can effectively allocate resources to these asset classes, stressing the importance of working with experienced asset managers to navigate the complexities of private market investments.
Exploring alternative investment opportunities for wealth managers
Unlocking the power of private markets: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin I March 2024
Join us as Eimear Walsh, Head of Investments for Europe, takes you live to the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Dublin, where we dive deep into the world of Private Markets.
The growth of private markets presents a multitude of possibilities, but success can hinge on adaptability and the ability to seize the right opportunities. Navigating this arena requires agility, a keen eye for identifying the most promising prospects and the ability to thrive in a competitive environment.
In this episode, Eimear is joined by Mercer colleagues David Scopelliti and Michael Butler and together, they walk us through the opportunities in the private markets landscape and what it means for different types of investors.