Educational Alpha

In this season finale of Educational Alpha, host Bill Kelly welcomes John Bowman, the incoming CEO of CAIA Association. Reflecting on the evolution of CAIA and their professional journeys, the two explore major themes shaping the investment landscape—diversification, digitization, and democratization. They discuss the organization's transition from Bill's tenure to John's, emphasizing CAIA's mission to educate and advocate for better portfolio construction, transparency, and investor outcomes. Bowman also lays out a roadmap for CAIA's future, highlighting challenges and opportunities within a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. This conversation is not only a handover of leadership but also a deep dive into the principles driving the Association forward. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill interviews Kenneth Heinz, President of HFR, to explore the evolving landscape of hedge funds. Kenneth shares insights into HFR’s growth from its inception in 1992 to its current position as an industry leader. The conversation delves into hedge fund strategies, performance benchmarking, and the role of transparency in driving trust and innovation. Kenneth also highlights emerging trends such as the rise of pod shop structures, the growing impact of cryptocurrency, and the importance of democratization in investment strategies. Listen in! 

In this episode, Bill sits down with David Frazee, a Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist and innovation advocate, to explore the dynamic intersections of venture capital, global entrepreneurship, and the democratization of innovation. David shares his fascinating career journey from high-tech law to investing in groundbreaking startups, many of which have become unicorns. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in venture capital, including the evolving dynamics of liquidity, the rise of entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging markets, and how risk capital drives transformative innovation. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill welcomes Will Goodhart, Chief Executive of CFA UK, for a reflective discussion on leadership, professional evolution, and the challenges of addressing sustainability in finance. Will shares insights from his two-decade-long tenure, including his journey from journalism to leading one of the most respected professional bodies in finance. The conversation dives into the importance of serving end investors, the role of professional bodies in fostering ethical and technical competence, and the urgency of addressing climate change. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill engages with Brett Christophers, Professor of Human Geography and author, to explore the intersections of private equity, climate investment, and the realities of capitalism in tackling global issues. He delves into the premise of his book, The Price is Wrong, questioning the reliance on private capital to drive decarbonization and assessing the potential limits of profitability in achieving climate goals. Their conversation addresses policy gaps, the importance of long-term investment vehicles, and the role of public versus private sectors in leading sustainable change. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Yann Robard, founder of Dawson, to explore the evolving dynamics of private equity markets. Yann shares his unique career journey, from a furniture store startup to leading initiatives at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and ultimately founding Dawson. They discuss the rise and development of the private equity secondary market, the evolution of structured liquidity solutions, and the anticipated growth in private markets, and more. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Jennifer Choi, CEO of ILPA (Institutional Limited Partners Association), to discuss the dynamic landscape of private equity, its governance, and the evolving role of limited partners (LPs). Jennifer shares insights from her extensive career, starting with consulting and private equity emerging markets, to leading ILPA. This conversation provides a deep dive into the mechanisms driving change in private equity and the critical role LPs play in ensuring accountability and governance. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Scott McMunn, CEO of the Loan Market Association (LMA), to discuss the dynamic shifts in private credit and the significant role that trade associations play in today’s financial landscape. Scott shares his career journey from asset management to leading the LMA, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the evolving loan markets. The conversation dives into the growth of private credit, the influence of non-bank financial intermediaries, and the burgeoning fund finance market. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Aishah Ahmad, Board member at the Financial Alliance for Women and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to discuss diverse topics including innovation, regulation, climate action, and female leadership shedding light on the financial landscape in Africa. Aishah shares her fascinating career in finance and transition into regulatory roles, in a conversation rich with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the future of finance in emerging markets. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill welcomes Keith Black, a longtime colleague and cryptocurrency expert, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. Keith shares insights from his extensive career, including his early work in commodity derivatives, hedge funds, and institutional consulting, as well as his role in the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association. The conversation dives into Keith's move toward digital assets and cryptocurrencies, highlighting key topics such as the current state of institutional adoption, Bitcoin’s rise, and the role of stablecoins. Listen in! Additional Resources Mentioned: https://train.riadatabase.com/digitalassets/ https://www.amazon.com/Investing-Cryptocurrencies-Digital-Assets-Understanding/dp/1394268629