Higher-for-longer interest rates, the golden age of private credit, Bitcoin ETFs, and others were all unfamiliar territories as recently as 2019. As markets emerged from the pandemic, they matured into the defining characteristics of our time as leaders continue to navigate a low-growth, soft-landing environment. Geopolitical risk has only compounded concerns for investors looking to negotiate a fragmented global economy. How can today’s investors uncover value and unlock opportunities in this unique set of circumstances? What are the burgeoning big ideas to pay attention to? Where do we go from here?

The future of wealth management is being reshaped by a growing shift in capital allocation between public and private markets. Institutional and retail investors alike are diversifying beyond traditional stocks and bonds, increasing their exposure to private credit, private equity, and structured products to enhance returns and hedge against volatility. The rise of private credit and direct lending is creating new opportunities for investors seeking income-generating alternatives, particularly as interest rates and market uncertainty make traditional fixed-income investments less attractive. 

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices are playing a larger role in private equity, leveraging their longer investment horizons and capital flexibility to access high-growth opportunities previously dominated by institutional investors. Meanwhile, the boundaries between asset classes are blurring—hedge funds, private credit, and equity investments are increasingly being integrated into multi-asset portfolios, creating more dynamic and customized strategies. 

As these trends continue, wealth managers must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape where alternative investments are no longer a niche but an essential component of modern portfolio construction. How will regulatory changes and liquidity constraints impact the growing adoption of private market investments in wealth management? What role will AI and data-driven investment strategies play in optimizing portfolio allocations across public and private markets?
 

The global capital markets are in a state of transformation driven by persistent inflation, recession fears, and geopolitical tensions. With traditional policy tools constrained and public market activity slowing, private capital is stepping in to reshape global investment dynamics. Macro volatility, shifting trade policies, and fiscal divergence are pushing institutions to rethink their strategies and structures. At the same time, technology adoption—particularly AI and automation—is redefining how firms manage liquidity and make decisions. Private credit is booming, offering yield but raising questions about long-term viability and systemic impact. As investors navigate a fragmented and protectionist environment, institutions are uncovering new ways to scale and enhance resilience. Can breakthroughs in capital formation and market infrastructure renew enthusiasm for public markets? How will the evolving macroeconomic climate—shaped by monetary policy, interest rates, trade tensions, and geopolitical shifts—influence capital formation, investor behavior, and the future of global markets?

This panel will delve into the evolving landscape of asset management, focusing on the integration of crypto and digital assets. The discussion will explore the role of ETFs and modern asset management strategies, the impact of blockchain and crypto on institutional services, and what it means to be a future-forward asset manager in today’s dynamic environment. By examining the intersection of technology, crypto, and traditional assets, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how innovation is reshaping the industry. The panel will emphasize the importance of strategic evolution and adaptability in driving long-term success in asset management.