Alternative Insight: Recent Episodes
Aztec Group
Alternative Insight brings together the Aztec Group's expertise across the alternative investment sector's hottest topics, from structures and regulation to ESG, technology, fund operations and market insights.
In this episode of our Alternative Insight podcast, Oliver Sinclair Director of Technology - Markets at Aztec Group, is joined by Pavandeep Wakem, Head of Strategic Operations at Investec, and Tom Brewer, Partner at Alpha FMC, to explore how digital ecosystems are transforming operating models across private markets.
The conversation examines what it takes - both technically and organiseationally - to build private markets systems that are integrated, scalable and genuinely useful in practice. A central theme throughout is that the greatest opportunity lies not in replacing people, but in augmenting human expertise with better data, smarter workflows and more connected technology. Highlights from the conversation:
* Digital ecosystems are about more than technology alone - they depend on the interplay between data systems, workflows, governance and people across the operating model
* Interconnectivity unlocks success - without strong integrations, common data standards and effective orchestration, firms risk creating friction rather than efficiency
* Data foundations are the real enabler of AI - structured, accessible and well-governed data is the bedrock if firms want AI tools to deliver scalable, cost-effective value
* Augmentation is the real prize - AI tools free skilled professionals from repetitive tasks so they can focus on analysis, judgement and client relationships, which are the building blocks of better business
* Adoption is as much a human challenge as a technical one - success depends on trust, behaviour change, end-user needs and close alignment between business and technology teams.
What will the Bank of England’s private credit stress test tell us?
In this episode of the Alternative Insight, Andrew Tully and former Bank of England executive director Paul Sharma, unpack how the test is likely to work, where risks may emerge under pressure, and why manager behaviour in a downturn could matter just as much as headline losses.
During a wide-ranging discussion three of the topics covered were:
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How the stress test goes beyond portfolio resilience and is designed to test behaviour too, to make sure managers can keep credit flowing into the economy no matter what the market conditions
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How the test is structured to help managers better understand second adn third wave effects of a market shock and respond accordingly
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Why the winners in a volatile market are likely to be those managers who maintain underwriting discipline, workout capability and sound judgement.
In Part 2 of the Alternative Insight – Private markets rewired: What’s next for AI? podcast, the conversation moves from experimentation to execution, focusing on what it takes to embed AI responsibly across private markets organisations.
Aztec’s Head of Process Digitisation and Optimisation Paul White is again joined by Adam Hofmann, AI Transformation Partner at Elixxir; Henrik Ceder, Chief Digital Officer at Norvestor; and Aztec’s Director of Data, Will Relf.
Together they discuss:
- How evolving regulation can be translated into practical guardrails
- What an effective operating model for AI looks like
- How firms can address security, compliance and cost concerns
- Why strong data foundations and human judgement remain critical to AI adoption
- What differentiates the firms that have successfully embedded AI.
Nearly 70% of private funds CFOs say they are piloting or actively implementing AI, yet only 2% believe it is fully embedded. This headline finding from the 2026 Private Funds CFO Insights Survey highlights both strong momentum and significant execution challenges across the industry.
In this episode of Alternative Insightt, 'Part 1 - Private markets reqired: What's next for AI?', Aztec's Head of Process and Optimisation, Paul White, is joined by Adam Hoffman, AI Transformation Partner at Elixxir; Henrik Ceder, Chief Digital Officer at Norvestor; and Aztec's Director of Data, Will Relf, to examine how private markets firms are approaching AIt oday.
During this episode they discuss:
* How regulation is influencing AI adoption
* Why firms are implementing AI at different speeds
* The different types of AI being used across organisations
* How managers can prioritise implementation for meaningful business outcomes
Forty-three percent of GPs say they plan to outsource more of their fund accounting functions in the next 12 months. This headline finding from our 2026 Private Funds CFO Insights Survey highlights a growing trend: outsourcing fund administration is no longer just about efficiency, it’s a path to achieving greater resilience, accuracy and strategic focus.In this episode of Alternative Insight, ‘Making outsourcing work: The critical success factors’, Aztec’s Akbar Sheriff is joined by Melanie Cohen, an independent consultant to private equity fund managers, and Richard Day, COO at Schroders Greencoat, to examine how GPs are rethinking their operating models and what separates successful outsourcing partnerships from the rest.During this episode they discuss:
* The need for flexible operating models
* How clear governance and shared expectations set partnerships up for success
* Why responsiveness and continuity matter more than ever
* How managers can retain oversight while outsourcing execution
* The growing impact of automation and integrated data on reporting quality.
72% of GPs say LPs now prioritise clear, timely and accurate reporting above all else.
This is a headline finding from our 2026 Private Funds CFO Insights Survey, which we did in partnership with PEI, and highlights just how quickly investor expectations are evolving.
In our latest episode of the Alternative Insights podcast, Maria Von Oldenskiold, Head of Investor Services, is joined by special Gary Haselgrove, Head of Alternative Operations at USS, and Stefanie Langer Principal and COO at Corten Real Estate, to explore how rising LP scrutiny is influencing operational models, performance expectations and the overall investor experience. During this episode they discuss:
* The growing demand for transparency and responsiveness
* Which performance benchmarks LPs are focused on today
* How managers are adapting their operating models
* Practical steps to strengthen investor confidence through better reporting.
In our latest episode of the Alternative Insights podcast, Pete Blackburn, Director, Global Client Relationship Lead – Real Assets is joined by special guest Zahl Limbuwala, Partner at DTCP (Digital Transformation Capital Partners) for a conversation that cuts through the noise surrounding data centre investment.
During the episode they discuss:
* The accelerating demand for data centres and whether this exponential demand will hit a ceiling and when that might happen.
* Power availability and grid constraints are becoming the biggest factors shaping location, feasibility and returns in data centre investments.
* The Middle East, Latin America and parts of Africa are seeing fast growth as digital infrastructure expands globally.
* Technological change, especially in AI, is creating ongoing step‑change improvements, requiring investors to plan for long‑term adaptability and future‑proofing.
In the second part of our two-part Alternative Insight series on Digital Assets, Aztec Group's Simon Ware, Product Associate Director is joined by Dr Ian Hunt and Eran Fabian from Bite Investments to cover the mainstreaming of digital currencies, and how far off a single operating model might be for private markets.
During the episode they discuss:
* The future of digital currencies and tokenised assets
* The need for a single, automated operating model
* The evolving investor experience and regulatory demands
In the first of our two-part Alternative Insight series on Digital Assets, Aztec Group’s Simon Ware, Product Associate Director is joined by Dr Ian Hunt and Eran Fabian from Bite Investments to take a deep dive into tokenisation and how the full promise of it hasn’t yet been realised.
During this episode they discuss:
* The evolution and impact of tokenisation in private markets
* Operational and regulatory challenges
* Real vs. promised benefits of tokenisation
In this episode of Alternative Insight, Aztec Group's Jon Ball, Head of Global Accounts, is joined by Melanie Collett, Head of Investment Implementation and Real Assets at Aviva Investors, and David Kane, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, toexplore how institutional managers can achieve operational alignment and excellence across multiple strategies and jurisdictions. The discussion focuses on driving scale and efficiency through technology and evolving operating models.
During this episode they discuss:
* Why technology alone doesn’t create value
* The need to evolve operating models and servicing partnerships over time
* How to deliver a seamless, consistent experience for investors across asset classes, jurisdictions, and currencies
In the latest Alternative Insight episode, Aztec Group's Sadrack Belony, Head of Investor Services U.S., and Angel Ramon Martinez Bastida, Head of Regulatory Control, are joined by John Verwey, Partner at Proskauer Rose, to discuss the legal and regulatory landscape U.S. fund managers must navigate to successfully enter European markets
During this episode, they discuss:
* The evolving European regulatory environment and its impact on U.S. managers
* Compliance considerations when marketing to European investors
* Practical steps to streamline your fund launch and avoid costly missteps
In the latest episode of the Alternative Insight Podcast, Aztec Group’s Andrew Tully and Ben Middleton are joined by Lukas Burkhard, CSO and Head of Investment Solutions at Mercer, to discuss the market trends impacting private markets funds managers today. During this episode - filmed live in our Luxembourg offices - we explore topics including evolving fundraising challenges, retailisation and the continued growth of the secondaries market. We also explore fund financing, in particular NAV-based lending and subscription credit lines. During this episode, we discuss:
1. Fundraising trends, and how Mercer are adapting.
2. The increasing difficulty in identifying winners.
3. The retailisation of private markets
4. Exit strategies, and the increase in continuation funds and GP-led secondaries
5. How NAV-based lending and subscription credit lines are gaining traction
6. And how technology and automation is streamlining fund financing and risk management.
In the latest Alternative Insight episode, Aztec Group's Sadrack Belony, Head of Investor Services U.S., and Paul Conroy, Group Head of AIFM Services, are joined by Marc Schubert, Partner at Weil Gotshal & Manges, to map out the marketing and structuring essentials for U.S. fund managers eyeing European expansion.
During this episode, they discuss:
* Key routes to market for U.S. managers and how they differ
* Fund structuring best practices and how to avoid common missteps
* Fund domicile selection and how to align this with investor targeting
In the latest Alternative Insight episode, Aztec Group's Sadrack Belony, Head of Investor Services U.S., and Dan Kalish, Head of U.S. Fund Services, are joined by Neal Prunier, Managing Director, Industry Affairs at the Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA) to explore how LP expectations are shifting and what GPs can do to stay ahead.
During this episode, they discuss:
1. The growing demand for granular, standardized reporting
2. How ILPA's templates are helping drive consistency
3. Why tech and third-party admin support is becoming a non-negotiable
4. What it takes to stand out as a best-in-class GP in today's market
In the latest Alternative Insight episode, Aztec Group's Sadrack Belony, Head of Investor Services U.S., and Joanne Earles, Senior Client Relationship Manager, are joined by Stefanie Langer, Principal COO/CCO at Corten Real Estate, and Mark Mangion, Head of Financial Crime at Passthrough.
During this episode, they discuss:
1. The new US Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) rules on AML and CFT.
2. The impact these changes will have on advisers.
3. The importance of starting the compliance process early.
4. Potential penalties for non-compliance.
5. Seeking expertise from third-party service providers.
Deal-by-deal transactions support specific outcomes for managers and investors. Many investors value the close connections they build with independent sponsors through these transactions, which result in heightened trust and transparency in their relationships.
In our latest podcast episode, Aztec Group’s Director of Private Equity Julie Fairclough and Director Daryl Pilcher are joined by Ben Cocoracchio, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, and Christiaan de Lint, Managing Partner at Headway Capital Partners, to discuss the role of an independent sponsor and why their deal-by-deal transactions are becoming increasingly topical in a tough macroeconomic climate.
In the latest episode, Aztec Group’s Simon Ware, Associate Director, Innovation and Angel Ramon Martinez Bastida, Senior Regulatory Change Manager are joined by Céline Mollie, Counsel from Goodwin Proctor in Luxembourg.
During this episode, they discuss:
1. The basics of the crypto-asset ecosystem and how it opens up exciting new investment opportunities.
2. Exploring how funds can grow their knowledge about digital assets to be able to invest in them in a compliant and risk-managed way.
3. Discussing the custody requirements for crypto-assets and how managers can better understand the digital asset custody requirements.
4. Examining the legal and regulatory aspects of managing crypto-assets, including insights on DORA, MiCA, and other relevant regulations.
‘We must break [barriers], jump over them, or go under them, what matters is we get to the other side,’ says Hind El Gaidi, Head of Luxembourg at ICG, during the second episode of our two-part podcast series, Women in Leadership – Breaking barriers in the financial sector.
This episode includes extracts recorded at an exclusive event at The British Ambassador’s Residence in Luxembourg where Eva Devine, Aztec Group’s Head of Depositary continues the discussion with Anne-Sophie Minaldo, Forensic Lead at KPMG, Hind El Gaidi, Head of Luxembourg at ICG, and Barbara Leveel, Director General, Human Resources at European Investment Bank.
* How women can harness their superpower - their identity - to meet challenges.
* How private markets can contribute to gender parity by making choices beyond ticking boxes.
* What workplace policies have the biggest impact in supporting women to reach leadership positions.
If you like what you heard, head to Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts, find Alternative Insight podcast by the Aztec Group and hit the subscribe button, so that you receive all future episodes as soon as they’re published!
‘Pay attention to the silence,’ says Forensic leader at KPMG, Anne-Sophie Minaldo, who is one of the guests for this two-part podcast series.
The podcast includes extracts from an exclusive event at The British Ambassador’s Residence in Luxembourg where Group Head of Depositary Services Eva Devine was joined by Anne-Sophie Minaldo, Forensic Lead at KPMG,Hind El Gaidi, Head of Luxembourg at ICG, and Barbara Leveel, Director General, Human Resources at European Investment Bank.
These three senior leaders in finance share their extensive knowledge of effecting workplace change to build better, more inclusive cultures across the financial sector.
During this episode, they discuss:
* How the power of representation and mentoring the younger generation is non-negotiable in helping the workplace change.
* What actions people should take to ensure women and men have equal space to share their ideas and opinions at work.
* Alternative ways to prepare for challenging meetings and certain aspects of your role in a way which builds confidence and drives success.
Natural capital is the fourth topic for discussion in our Green Infrastructure podcast series. In the latest episode, Aztec Group’s Michele Basilico is joined by Parit Shah, Senior Product Development Manager from Climate Asset Management. During this episode, to discuss:
- How returns and environmental, social and climate outcomes can go hand in hand, on the right projects.
- How investing in natural capital can help to deliver sustainable solutions that are regenerative rather than extractive.
- How a nature-based carbon strategy verifies and generates carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.
- How these strategies will increasingly mobilise bigger pools of capital from insurance companies, pension funds and corporates in pursuit of a net-zero future.
Energy transition – the largest capital reallocation in history is the third topic for discussion in our four-part Green Infrastructure podcast series. In the latest episode, Aztec Group’s Ed Bellew is joined by Low Carbon founder and CEO Roy Bedlow. During this episode they discuss how:
* The energy transition represents the largest and fastest capital reallocation in history, with $37 trillion of investment required through to 2030.
* Further advancement in proven renewable energy technology is creating new generation opportunities, in battery storage and next generation solar panels.
* The energy transition is offering exciting investment opportunities for private market investors, by blending technology and sustainability to deliver returns.
Investing in sustainable supply chains is the second topic for discussion in our four-part Green Infrastructure podcast series. In the latest episode, Aztec Group’s Joane Koko Eineke is joined by Don Dimitrievich, Portfolio Manager for Energy Infrastructure Credit at Nuveen. During this episode, they discuss:
* The growth of investment opportunities in sustainable supply chain, as technology becomes more efficient and cost-effective.
* How green energy companies are reaching parity with traditional energy-generating sources.
* How legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act is incentivising investors to support the manufacture of components for clean energy generation.
* The rise of infrastructure debt in providing green infra managers with capital opportunities.
The growing might of sustainable finance is the first topic for discussion in our new, 4-part Green Infrastructure podcast series, exploring the opportunities across the depth and breadth of sustainable investments.In this first episode, Aztec Group’s Katrina Magsino is in conversation with Laetitia Hamon, Head of Sustainable Finance at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.During this episode, they discuss:
* The genesis of the Luxembourg Green Exchange, the first platform for sustainable securities launched in 2016.
* How the exchange has since grown to exceed one trillion dollars, and how it plans to raise the next trillion.
* The valuable role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in verifying the credentials of sustainable investments.
* The creation of a central data hub that provides an invaluable resource for investors to make informed decisions.
How are fund managers adapting their operating models amid evolving market conditions? In the latest episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, our host Ore Adegbotolu is joined by Andrew Muscat, Global Head of Finance and Accounting at Lasalle Investment Management, to speak with him about his experiences and advice on establishing the right operating model for your business.
During this episode they discuss:
* What they key considerations are when implementing any changes to your operating model.
* How changes in the marketplace have impacted finance and back-office operations.
* The pros and cons of co-sourcing.
* How your choice of an outsourcing partner can impact investor decisions.
* How to address the increased need for better data.
In the last episode of this three-part Alternative Insight podcast series, our special guests discuss what makes Luxembourg so attractive for global fund managers and investors who are planning to market their funds in the EU. Our host Stephanie Atnas is joined for the final time by Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, Claire Burke, Managing Director of Luxembourg at Bluegem Capital, and Peter Brown, Jurisdictional Head of Luxembourg at Aztec Group. During this episode, they discuss:
* The key attractions of Luxembourg to overseas investors
* The advantages of setting up funds in Luxembourg
* Regulatory considerations for fundraising in Europe
* How the EU corridor works for US managers
* Key considerations for Asian investors when looking to access Europe
In the second episode of this 3-part Alternative Insight series, our host Stephanie Atnas is joined again by Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, Claire Burke, Managing Director of Luxembourg at Bluegem, Capital, and Peter Brown, Jurisdictional Head of Luxembourg at Aztec Group. During the discussion, they talk all things ‘innovation’ – and how the alternatives market in Luxembourg is rapidly transforming to deliver a better experience for investors and investment managers.During this conversation, they discuss:
* How innovation can enhance Luxembourg’s position as an important international finance centre
* How businesses are embracing AI
* How ELTIF 2.0 could attract wider pools of investors into private markets
* The importance of sustainable finance in Luxembourg.
* How the private markets industry is evolving through digitalisation and tokenisation.
In the first episode of this 3-part Alternative Insight series, our host Stephanie Atnas is joined by Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, Claire Burke, Managing Director of Luxembourg at Blue Gem Capital, and Peter Brown, Jurisdictional Head of Luxembourg at Aztec Group. During the discussion they explore the economic outlook for Luxembourg in 2024, and how this will play into the the wider alternatives market globally.
During this conversation, they discuss:
* The current state of the economic environment in Luxembourg.
* How the Luxembourg economy has been impacted by global economic trends.
* Opportunities and challenges in the wider alternatives market today.
* How the Luxembourg government is supporting the funds industry to retain the Duchy’s position as a leading European jurisdiction.
* Key trends in the regulatory and tax environment and what investors and investment managers need to keep in mind.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, we discuss generative AI and explore use-cases with leaders actively working with AI within today's modern business model.
Tom Bennett, Head of Innovation, is joined by Steve Steinberg, Co-founder and CEO at Responsum and Dr Andreas Kemper, Managing Director at Gordon Brothers, for what promises to be a fascinating discussion around the recent steep trajectory of AI influencing operational decisions.
In this conversation, they explore:
* What's the difference - Gen-AI vs. AI?
* Industry use-cases - how is AI being used within the industry today?
* How will people and AI co-exist effectively?
* What are the risks associated to AI integration?
* AGI singularity – some of this tech is not as new as some people might think
In this episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, we’re discussing responsible investing and ESG factors within private infrastructure investing.
Our host, Joane Koko Eineke, is joined by industry infrastructure leaders for an insightful conversation:
* Isela Bahena – Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments – Nuveen
* Melisa Simic – Senior Director, ESG Integration, Private Infrastructure Investments – Nuveen
* Jordi Francesch – Head of Asset Management and Chief Risk Officer – Glennmont Partners
During this conversation, they discuss:
* The role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors within private infrastructure investing
* Benefits and challenges of integrating ESG considerations into infrastructure investments.
* The role of private infrastructure as an asset class
* Challenges in the industry
The alternatives fund industry is bracing itself for sweeping changes to regulation, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) proposing reforms targeting private markets funds based and operating in the US.
In this episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, we discuss the upcoming SEC reforms – specifically those relating to private markets – with experts from across the alternatives fund industry in the US giving their views on the proposed reforms.
Our host, Lynne Westbrook, is joined by:
* Neale Prunier, Senior Director of Standards and Best Practices – ILPA
* Paul Marino, Partner – Sadis & Goldberg LLC
* John Beczak, Partner & Chief Financial Officer – Resource Capital Funds
In this episode we discuss:
* What do these reforms mean for LPs and GPs, particularly the Private Fund Advisors rule?
* Will the changes provide increased transparency?
* Are there any unintended consequences our clients should be wary of?
In this episode of Alternative Insight, we discuss recent revisions to the ELTIF (European Long-Term Investment Fund) regime made by the European Parliament, and whether these amendments are simply tinkering or will in fact turbocharge the establishment of ELTIFs.
Our host, Hana Prochaska, is joined by our special guests for an insightful conversation:
- Christophe Verboomen, Public Affairs Manager – Invest Europe
- Jean-Christian Six, Regulatory and Asset Management Partner – Allen & Overy
- Rocio Goenechea, Partner – Oquendo Capital
During this conversation, they discuss:
- The background to the ELTIF 2.0 legislation;
- ELTIF eligibility;
- The success of ELTIFs to-date;
- Regulatory timings, challenges, advantages and complexities;
- What changes mean for the alternative investment industry; and
- Their views on the regulatory developments.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, we discuss the benefits of generative AI and its impact within the private markets.
Hana Prochaska, Group Head of Business Development, Europe, is joined by Charlotte Light, Chief Technology Officer and Tom Bennett, Head of Innovation here at Aztec, for what promises to be a fascinating discussion as they uncover how new technology - and in particular generative AI - is influencing private markets.
In this conversation, Hana, Charlotte and Tom explore:
- What is generative AI?
- Where are private markets on the Gen AI revolution?
- How quickly could AI be adopted?
- How will AI transform operational decisions within the deal-making process for clients within private equity and venture capital markets?
- What can Gen AI be used for?
- What does the future development of AI look like?
On Thursday 25 May 2023, the Luxembourg private markets industry gathered at Stade Emile Bintner for Aztec Group’s annual Luxembourg Football Tournament and Networking Event.
On this special episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, we’re live at the event and speak to a range of people to find out about their experiences and discuss a range of subjects including diversity, equity and inclusion.
Hear from a range of guests, including:
Hana Prochaska: Aztec’s Head of Business Development - Europe (1:04)
Zequeline Gomes: Aztec Group Women’s captain (4:02)
Geraud Verstraeten: Business Development Associate Director Aztec Group (6:14)
Maxime Vandemaele: Apollo Global (9:46)
Vincent Oliveira: Julius Baer Europe S.A. (13:23)
Peter Brown: Head of Luxembourg, Aztec Group (16:02)
Charlie Bowen: Alpha Group (20:10)
Adina Kakanskas: KPMG Luxembourg (scorer of the winning goal in the women’s final) (25:09)
In this episode of Alternative Insight, we discuss the benefits of investing in infrastructure assets during times of uncertainty. Donna Gumbleton, our Head of Real Assets in the UK, is joined by Isela Bahena from Nuveen Real Assets and Infrastructure, and Jordi Francesch from Glennmont Partners.
In this conversation, Donna, Isela and Jordi explore the definitions of, and differences between, private and public infrastructure; the effects of current market conditions on investment allocations; private infrastructure as an alternative to other asset classes; their firms’ investment decisions and innovations; the trends and opportunities for the future of infrastructure; and investment strategies being deployed across equity and debt.alternatives
In this episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, we take you behind the scenes at the BVCA Alternative Fund Strategy conference at London’s County Hall. The event explored how private equity is diversifying as it matures, looking at how infrastructure, secondaries and private debt can present opportunities to alternative fund managers and investors. Recorded live at County Hall, hear from a range of guests including Aztec panellists and members of the BVCA team, as they relay their key learnings from the event:
Katrina Magsino and Kevin Hogan on ESG in Private Debt (00:35),
James Duffield on secondaries (04:16),
Nicola Heffernan (Aztec) and Suzi Gillespie (BVCA) on D&I and women in private markets (09:58),
James Duffield (Aztec) and Chris Elphick (BVCA) on Infrastech (14:41),
In this bitesize episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, we discuss the UK Government’s Spring Budget announcement. Aztec’s Head of Business Development, James Duffield joins Tom Huelin to talk though Jeremy Hunt’s first statement as Chancellor, how it will affect the alternatives industry, what it could mean for deal-making in 2023 and beyond, and how it could impact the alternatives market going forward.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, we explore resilience, real estate and ESG with leading real estate investment trust, NewRiver. We chat to NewRiver’s Head of Asset Management and ESG, Emma Mackenzie, and Katrina Magsino, Manager of ESG and Sustainability Services at Aztec.
In this insightful discussion, Emma, Julie and Katrina will cover: an overview of NewRiver's investment strategy and focus; their ESG journey; their approaches to environmental, social and governance factors; educational challenges and opportunities around ESG in private markets; NewRiver's approach to their communities and tenants; ESG reporting and benchmarking practices and challenges; and NewRiver's future objectives and targets.
Katherine Bond from Mezzana Partners explains how to develop and lead a high performing team, and how to build resilience in your people.
Katherine discusses all things high performance with Reshentha Beeby, Private Equity Director at Aztec, and our host, Ross Davidson, Head of Communications at Aztec.
In this episode, they cover: defining high performing teams and how they operate; the differences between high performance and results; how teams can attain high performance status; understanding potential challenges to high performance; how leaders can develop a high performance culture within their teams; embedding values and behaviours through a high performance mindset and culture; top tips for creating high performance teams; and the advice they'd give to their younger selves.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, specialist presentation coach, Sartaj Garewal, reveals his secrets to top presenting, how to be prepared and relaxed before a presentation and how to pitch your content to your audience.
Sartaj discusses his top tips with Tom Bennett, Head of Aztec's Innovation Team and our host, Tania Duncan, Head of Marketing and Brand at Aztec.
They'll discuss: how to prepare and relax before presenting; tips on making presentations and messages concise and to the point; focusing on what your audience should take away from your presentation; how to differentiate and hold an audience's attention; embracing interactivity and audience participation; building confidence in your approach and your presentation style; top tips for successful presenting; and career advice for their younger selves.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, Andra Tocaciu from the Aztec Academy discusses all things coaching with Debbie Reeve from Aztec's Real Assets team and our host, Ross Davidson, Head of Communications at Aztec.
They'll cover: how coaching is defined by the Aztec Academy; identifying existing knowledge in those being trained; how to become a great coach; how to develop a coaching mindset; the benefits of coaching for teams; and the dynamics between leadership, management and coaching.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, Chris Barez-Brown of Upping Your Elvis discusses all things energy with Jon Ball, Client Development Director at Aztec, and our host, Tania Duncan, Head of Marketing and Brand at Aztec.
Chris walks us through ‘Upping your Elvis’, a concept which encourages people to take a creative leap, in order to achieve more 10 out of 10s.
Tania, Jon and Chris cover: how we define energy and break it down into physical, mental, emotional and spiritual; 'Talk It Out' – a daily technique to help people process their subconscious thoughts and understand what's really important to them; what leaders can do to nurture the right energy in their teams; the advice they'd give their younger selves; what achievements and reflections have stuck with them; and top tips for our listeners in upping their energy levels.
What are the emerging trends in the private debt market, and is debt becoming a more reliable asset class than private equity? In this episode, we discuss the growth and accessibility of the asset class, the macroeconomic landscape, and the future outlook of the private debt sector.
Kevin Hogan, Group Head of Private Debt at the Aztec Group, is joined by our special guests, Alastair Baird of Rede Partners and Stuart Hawkins of Ardian.
In this episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, James Gow, Chief Client Officer at Aztec, is joined by Maria Liby-Troein, Associate Partner at Bain & Company, and Lise Alm, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldFavor, as we attempt to solve the ESG data challenge in private markets.
We discuss the challenges and obstacles managers are facing in providing ESG data to investors – and regulators, how a lack of standardisation is making ESG benchmarking more difficult, and the effect regulation has had on ESG data collection and distribution.
As private markets become more data driven, it’s essential for managers to understand the ethical challenges that arise in terms of how we collect, manage, and utilise data.
In this episode of the Alternative Insight podcast, Tom Bennett, Head of Innovation at the Aztec Group is joined by Dan Hughes, Founder of Alpha Property Insight and Sue Chadwick, Strategic Planning Advisor Pinsent Masons LLP, as we discuss the key principles of data ethics, why they matter, and explore some real-life examples of data ethics application in practice.
In our latest podcast episode, we discuss how investor data demands have evolved over time, and how they could change going forwards. We also consider how data can be used to drive investment decision making, and how important standardisation is to private markets participants looking to harness the power of data in their business.
In this episode, Jon Ball, Client Development Director at Aztec, is joined by Paolo Alonzi, Board Member at AREF, Martin Bresson, Public Affairs Director at Invest Europe and Simon Robinson, Head of Portfolio Management at M&G Alternatives as we attempt to decode LP’s data demands.
If you like what you heard, head to Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts, find Alternative Insight podcast by the Aztec Group and hit the subscribe button, so that you receive all future episodes as soon as they’re published!
In epsiode 6 of Alternative Insight, we focus on proposals submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority on the introduction of ESG metrics for real estate. Joining Ed Bellew, Director at Aztec, is Bahar Yay Celik from INREV, the European Association for Investors in Non-Listed Real Estate Vehicles, and Oliver Light from Carbon Intelligence, on behalf of the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF).
In the second part of our Alternative Insight episode focusing on private debt, we explore the impact of the current economic environment on the private debt markets and underlying portfolio businesses. Our host Peter Brown is again joined by Mat James from RBS International, Jamie Macpheson from Macfarlanes, Robin Kennedy from Ernst and Young, and Richard Phillips from Aztec.
In this episode of our Alternative Insight podcast series, we discuss recent changes to LIBOR and the wider impact of these changes on the private debt markets. Our host Peter Brown is joined by Mat James from RBS International, Jamie Macpheson from Macfarlanes, Robin Kennedy from Ernst and Young, and Richard Phillips from Aztec.
In this episode of Alternative Insight podcast series, we discuss all things SFDR, ESG and data convergence with Elin Ljung of Nordic Capital and Harry Briggs of KPMG. The roundtable is hosted by Aztec's Chief Client Officer, James Gow.
Mid-market private equity has been the cornerstone of the industry since it began, coming to define the asset class as a whole.
In this episode of Alternative Insight, we turn to the rapidly changing environment that’s creating challenges for many fund managers in the mid-market space. We’ll discuss how these managers are evolving and what this means for the rest of the mid-market.
The distribution waterfall is one of the key components of the private markets model. But how do waterfall calculations work in practice and why is this crucial mechanism so important?
In this episode, we provide an overview of the waterfall model and the carried interest process, including definitions of carried interest, typical cash flow movements, waterfalls in practice, what could go wrong - and how to keep things on track.