Asset management is at a crossroads. Increased competition across asset classes and market segments, higher client expectations, consolidation across the industry ecosystem, margin pressure and new technology are just some of the issues facing asset managers today.
Distribution related functions, including marketing, product, sales, service, and consultant relations, are at the epicenter of these changes. While disruptive markets create challenges, they also create opportunities to gain competitive advantage.
Asset managers who skillfully adapt and evolve their business models, strategies, and tactics will be poised to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. Implementing the optimal approaches at both a firm-wide and functional level will characterize the market leaders of the future.
| Time |
Friday, October 17 |
| 7:30AM - 8:30AM |
Breakfast |
| 8:30AM - 9:15AM |
Welcome Back & State of the Market Address – Harnessing Change to Propel Growth
|
| 9:15AM - 9:45AM |
Keynote Speaker
Donald Sanya
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
RBC Global Asset Management (US) Inc.
|
| 9:45AM - 10:30AM |
PANEL
The Marketing Advantage – Delivering Business Value to Drive Growth
Over the last decade investment management Marketing functions have, collectively, taken on greater strategic roles within their organizations. In addition to long-standing responsibility for topics, such as brand and thought leadership, the focus of Marketing teams has expanded to include topics such as the client experience, personalization, and the use of new channels and tools to influence stakeholder perceptions. What will the investment management Marketing function of the future look like? Where can Marketing teams have the greatest business impact, and how and where will technology enable those activities?
SPEAKERS
John Brockelman
Chief Marketing Officer
State Street Investment Management
Jose Ma Arturo Castillo
Head of Institutional Client Marketing
PGIM
Aliette Estrada
Managing Director, Head of Global Marketing
Wellington Management
Kathryn Ferrero
Chief Marketing Officer of Americas and Global Head of Brand Experience
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
|
| 10:30AM - 10:45AM |
Break & Morning Snack
|
| 10:45AM - 11:30AM |
PANEL
Distribution Disrupted – Winning Strategies for a Changing Landscape
In today's crowded market, asset managers face intense competition for assets. With asset owners consolidating relationships and peers expanding their capabilities, the distribution landscape has never been more challenging. But despite these headwinds, some distribution leaders have been able to supercharge sales efforts while managing costs, implement targeted sales strategies and tactics without losing strategic vision, and stay ahead of the curve when peers get lost in the complexity. What sets leaders apart from the rest, and how can others learn from their success?
SPEAKERS
Rachna de Koning
Managing Director, Head of Global Inst. Relationship Management
TD Global Investment Solutions
Michi McDonough
Managing Director, Head of Global Client Relationship Management
Morgan Stanley
|
| 11:30AM - 12:15PM |
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Asset Management Hot Topics
Drawing on some of the themes covered during the day, this session offers an opportunity to participate in focused, curated roundtable discussions examining some of the pressing issues and challenges facing the asset management industry. Attendees will be invited to share their views as they relate to the table topics, consider examples of best practice seen in the market and exchange ideas on how firms might look to differentiate themselves against a backdrop of evolving client needs.
Topics to be covered:
- AI/Tech
- Brand
- Customization
- Employee Engagement
|
| 12:15PM - 1:15PM |
Buffet Lunch
|
| 1:15PM - 1:45PM |
Keynote Speaker
Ognjen Sosa
Chief Executive Officer
Breckinridge Capital Advisors
|
| 1:45PM - 2:00PM |
PRESENTATION
Private Markets – The Evolving Playing Field
|
| 2:00PM - 2:45PM |
PANEL
Emerging Partnerships Between Specialist Private Markets Players and Traditional Managers
Headlines thus far in 2025 have been dominated by announcements of traditional asset managers forming strategic partnerships with alternative managers to capitalize on the growing demand for alternative products. As the priorities and objectives of institutional and wealth investors become more aligned and access to private markets expands, managers are contemplating how to best take advantage of this growing opportunity. From partnering to acquiring to developing, what approach makes the most sense and how should firms think about broadening their scale? With distribution, marketing, client service, and product teams all impacted, how are managers navigating these new relationships for the greatest chance of long-term success? Hear from senior leaders who have grappled these issues as asset managers look to build on this momentum.
SPEAKERS
Daniel Celeghin
Chief Operating Officer for Global Client Solutions
KKR
Clint Harris
Head of Wealth Management Platforms
Invesco
Trevor Slaven
Managing Director, Global Head of Asset Allocation and Multi-Asset Portfolio Solutions
Barings
|
| 2:45PM - 3:00PM |
Break & Afternoon Snack
|
| 3:00PM - 3:45PM |
PANEL
The Evolving Role of Investment Consultants – Strategies for Success
The traditional model of investment consulting is being shaken up by technological advancements, consolidation, and evolving client expectations. As consultants expand into new areas, such as asset management, and leverage technology to enhance their services, the role of the consultant is becoming more sophisticated. What does it take to navigate the changing dynamics of consultant relations and uncover the keys to driving mutual success and long-term partnerships? Our expert panel will examine the latest trends and strategies for building successful relationships with investment consultants and asset owners and explore the opportunities and challenges presented by this new landscape.
SPEAKERS
Matthew Curran
Principal/Research Consultant
Meketa
Jeremy France
Managing Director, Head of Institutional Consulting Solutions/Co-Head OCIO
Morgan Stanley
Patrick O'Donnell
Global co-Head of Consultant Relations
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Chris Tarui
Head of Global Alternatives Distribution, OCIO, and U.S. Consultant Relations
T. Rowe Price
|
| 3:45PM - 4:15PM |
Keynote Speaker
Sarah Keohane Williamson
Chief Executive Officer
FCLTGlobal
|
| 4:15PM - 4:45PM |
PANEL
Asset Owner Discussion
SPEAKERS
Saheba Sahni
Director of Investments
Tufts University Investment Office
|
| 4:45PM - 5:00PM |
Networking & Snacks
|
