This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Remarkable growth in the captive insurance space has been driven by a range of factors over the recent past  – from an extended hard market to the expansion of risks requiring underwriting. 

In our latest episode of Critical Thinking, we dive into the world of captive insurers as William Gibbons is joined by Ellen Charnley, President of Marsh Captive Solutions, and Chris Tschida, Head of US Insurance at Mercer.

Join Amit Popat, Eryn Bacewich and Joshua Zwick as they unpack the findings from our Mercer and Oliver Wyman 2024 Global Insurance Investment Survey in the latest episode of Critical Thinking. 

They dive into the key investment themes, outlook and risks highlighted by the survey and assess the road ahead for insurance portfolios through the second half of the year.

Read the full survey report here.

Higher for longer interest rates are having profound effects on endowment and foundation portfolios across the US. The volatility this creates is making it more challenging to construct portfolios for the long-term and creating questions around liquidity management. Bill Burns and Meggan O'Shea join Texas Hemmaplardh in this episode.

Market volatility, higher rates and an ageing population are creating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape for US pensions. Rich Nuzum, Scott Jarboe and Kelly Henson help us unpack how these complex and converging risks are playing out across US defined benefit and defined contribution plans in this episode.

What goes into selecting the best hedge fund managers and when you find them how do you gain access to these “unicorn” managers that are often closed to new investors. Niall O’Sullivan and Dave McMillan join Raelan Lambert to explain Mercer’s approach in this episode of Critical Thinking recorded at the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville. 

Amid market volatility, we believe agility as a driver and enhancer of performance – has become the key attribute in building portfolios. However, not all volatility warrants the same responsiveness. Olaolu Aganga and Jay Love join Marc Cordover in this episode of Critical Thinking.

In this episode, Gregg Sommer is joined by colleagues Marieke de Roo and Casey Wamsley to discuss alternative investments in the wealth management space. Together they explore the democratization of private markets, the importance of education, and the due diligence process. They also discuss the potential opportunities in hedge funds and the role of technology in accelerating growth in alternative investing.

In this episode, Orla Aherne sits down with Ronan O'Gara, Head Coach at La Rochelle and former professional rugby player as he shares his insights, experiences, and lessons learned on and off the field. Together with Mercer’s Michael Lernihan, they share their perspectives on leadership, teamwork and achieving success in a competitive environment.

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.

Recent market experiences have highlighted the importance for insurers to construct robust portfolios that not only support their primary business, but also enable them to respond to evolving market risks and opportunities.

In this episode, Marieke de Roo is joined by Francesco Martorana, Chief Investment Officer at Generali and Mercer colleague David Morrow live from the Global Investment Forum in Dublin. Together they unpack what it means to build agile portfolios in today's insurance landscape and discuss how insurers can navigate the ever-changing market dynamics and seize potential opportunities.

Join us as Mark McNulty, Europe Wealth Leader, takes you live to the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Dublin to discuss the theme for this year’s Forum “An Age of Agility”.

In this episode, Mark is joined by Mercer colleagues, Garvan McCarthy and Jo Holden to explore the key findings from our recent Themes and Opportunities 2024 report and discuss the strategies and insights that could help investors in this age of agility.

In this episode, our host Mark McNulty, Europe Wealth Leader, takes you live to the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Dublin. Together with Rich Nuzum and Jo Holden, they explore the impact of misinformation and disinformation on the investment landscape.

Misinformation was identified as the number one risk in the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, making it a topic that demands our attention. Join us as we delve into the challenges of quantifying and assessing these risks in the investment sphere, especially in the face of rapidly evolving information flow and the integration of AI in investment processes.

In this episode, Global Alternatives Leader Raelan Lambert is joined by three esteemed guests: Billy Charlton, who shares his thoughts on the private equity perspective; David Scopelliti, who provides insights on private debt; and Dave McMillan, who discusses the implementation of hedge funds in portfolios. Together, they offer an overview of the Alternative investment landscape and discuss the top considerations for investors in 2024. 

In this episode, Texas Hemmaplardh, US Not-for-Profit Investment Leader is joined by Olaolu Aganga, US Chief Investment Officer and Shane Brereton, Senior Investment Consultant, Australia to discuss the critical issues facing endowment and foundation (E&F) investors around the world and share practical takeaways for E&Fs navigating the ever-changing investment landscape.

Together they also explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from the dynamic nature of long-term investing, including the impact of inflation on long-term investments, the role of private and unlisted assets in portfolio diversification and the importance of aligning investment objectives with changing market conditions.

Following the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Pat Tomlinson, President at Mercer and Nick Studer, CEO of Oliver Wyman joined Amy Barnes, Head of Sustainability and Climate at Marsh, to unpack some of the key themes emerging on the ground.

They discuss why companies need to be more competitive in a more muted growth environment; how health access has become a priority topic for an increasing number of employers; and why companies need to think more about political risks going into 2024.

You can find all the reports mentioned in this podcast at Marsh McLennan’s website at www.marshmclennan.com

In this episode we explore the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion in supply chains and delve into the crucial role that DEI plays in shaping and transforming supply chains for the better. To discuss, Cara Williams, Global ESG and Sustainability Leader for Mercer is joined by Kevin Davidson, Director, Esprit de Corps Consulting Ltd., Phil Styles, Diversity Supply Chain Leader, Mercer and James Crask, Head of Strategic Risk Consulting & Supply Chain Risk Advisory Leader, Marsh. Together they explore the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for creating inclusive and sustainable supply chains that can benefit both businesses and communities. 

In the year since the previous COP in Egypt there has been little progress made in scaling adaptation.

To discuss, Amy Barnes, Head of Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy at Marsh is joined by James Crask Head of Strategic Risk Consulting at Marsh UK and Rob Bailey, Partner at Oliver Wyman, specializing in climate and sustainability.

Together they share insights into navigating the challenges and seizing possible opportunities presented by climate change. Also exploring how organizations can both build and embrace resilience by anticipating potential disruptions, quantifying risks, and developing response plans.

For more information about Marsh McLennan’s presence at COP28, contact the team at mercerinvestmentsolutions@mercer.com or visit https://www.marshmclennan.com/pages/COP28.html

Mercer is proud of its ESG commitments, which are reported by Marsh McLennan, as well as its responsible investment policy and TCFD report. 

For further information, please visit www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably or  www.marshmclennan.com/about/esg.html

In this episode Helga Birgden and Hill Gaston sat down with Debbie Fielder, Deputy Head of Clwyd Pension Fund to delve into the topic of transition.

Together, they explore the crucial role investors play in driving the transition to a net-zero economy and how they can effectively manage investment risks, seize opportunities, and seek to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Read the full Transition today report here.

For more information about Marsh McLennan’s presence at COP28, visit the webpage here or contact the team at mercerinvestmentsolutions@mercer.com.

Mercer is proud of its ESG commitments, which are reported by Marsh McLennan, as well as its responsible investment policy and TCFD report. 

For further information, please visit https://www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably or https://www.marshmclennan.com/about/esg.html

Our current long-term views on the world and the potential economic and social developments to watch out for fall into three themes: 

• Regime change — one-off, open-ended paradigm shifts in conditions
• Supercycles — conditions expected to outlast multiple market cycles
• Megatrends — multidecade transitions that are gradually but steadily materializing

In this episode, Jo Holden sits down with Nick White and Matt Scot to explore the themes and opportunities we believe investors should consider in 2024 and beyond.

Read the full report here.

Climate related risks are on the rise globally, with floods that were once considered one-in-200-year events occurring more frequently and impacting both advanced and developing economies.

In first episode in our COP28 series, Andrew Bailey, Principal in Oliver Wyman's Government and Public Institutions practice sat down with Julian Enoizi, CEO of Guy Carpenter, Europe. Together, they delve into the evolving challenges posed by climate change and explore the potential measures that both the public and private sector can take to address these issues.

For more information about Marsh McLennan’s presence at COP28, visit the webpage here or contact the team at mercerinvestmentsolutions@mercer.com.

Mercer is proud of its ESG commitments, which are reported by Marsh McLennan, as well as its responsible investment policy and TCFD report. 

For further information, please visit https://www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably or https://www.marshmclennan.com/about/esg.html

In this episode David Morrow is joined by Tamsin Coleman and Niall Clifford to delve into the world of private credit and its growing interest among insurance companies in today's dynamic financial landscape. 

Throughout, they explore the latest developments in the private credit market, discussing the potential opportunities for insurers within this asset class while also addressing the potential challenges they may face, including navigating regulatory intricacies, tackling operational complexities and integrating ESG principles.

In this episode, we delve into the world of Single Family Offices, each one a distinct entity with its own set of structures, objectives and internal dynamics. To explore, Paul Fleming is joined by Beth Johnson and Michel Meert, as they shed light on the challenges and opportunities that currently define the Single Family Office landscape.

The discussion includes the role of governance, succession planning and the ever-evolving landscape of long-term investment trends, including the adoption of impact-driven strategies.

In an era where people are living longer than ever before, it's crucial for businesses, governments, and individuals to rethink their strategies for planning for the later stages of life. 

In this episode, we'll be delving into the concept of the longevity economy looking at three fundamental pillars: quality of life, purpose, and financial resilience, presented in the recent report "Living Longer, Better: Understanding Longevity Literacy," a collaborative effort between the World Economic Forum and Mercer.  

To explore these insights, Graham Pearce is joined by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, the National Council on Aging, Haleh Nazeri, Longevity Lead at the World Economic Forum and Lin Shi, Global Consultant at Mercer seconded as a fellow to WEF.  

Read the full report here

In this episode the spotlight is on wealth management, particularly portfolio construction. Conor Power is joined by Marieke de Roo and Rebecca Jacques to explore a fundamental question: How can wealth managers design portfolios that yield better results for their clients?

Amid this exploration, a key theme emerges: resilience. While unconventional in portfolio discussions, recent years have seen a cascade of crises – from pandemics to inflation and geopolitical unrest. With this backdrop, we hold a core belief: imminent uncertainties demand preparedness. Wealth managers who infuse resilience into portfolios can navigate risks and seize opportunities ahead, listen to the full episode to find out how.

Boutros Thiery and Stephanie Thomes speak to Chris Bewley about how rising rates have supported a pivot to fixed income for insurers. After a decade of searching for yield, the asset class is once again an attractive source of income for investors. While rapid rate increases have left some with unrealized losses on existing fixed income allocations, Mercer is supporting those exploring increasingly diverse private markets investments that could offer access to higher durations and higher yields, or free up the liquidity to flex to market conditions as they evolve.

Mercer's Global Head of Private Debt, David Scopelliti is joined by Joe Abrams, Head of Private Debt, Europe, and Tamsin Coleman, Deputy Head of Private Debt, Europe to explore the current Private Debt landscape. They discuss market evolution and volatility and share insights into portfolio building and considerations for manager selection. Stay tuned to the end for rapid-fire surprise questions from David.

Transition, transformation and innovation are the three words top of mind when it comes to Impact Investing right now, but how can investors start to implement Impact Investing into their portfolios?

In this episode, Angelika Delen, Global Head of Impact Investing is joined by Silvia Ruprecht, Senior Policy Advisor at the Swiss Federal Office of Environment and Cara Williams Global, Head of ESG and Sustainability to explore.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has unnerved investors across the world, boosting bond prices, knocking equities, and raising fears of contagion. Amid the uproar, Credit Suisse shares crashed then rallied, but the market mood remains febrile. In our special podcast, Jo Holden, Mercer’s Global Head of Investment Research and Advisory, is joined by David Scopelliti, Global Head of Private Debt, and Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, to discuss the impact of SVB’s failure on private and public financial markets, and whether we believe the turmoil in the banking sector can be contained. Crucially, they explore the vital role of good governance in building resilient investment strategies able to weather an unpredictable future.

Despite the challenging macroeconomic backdrop, there may be opportunities within Real Estate to gain exposure to trends shaping the future such as affordable housing.

Zeenat Patel, Alternative Investments Lead at Mercer is joined by Hannah Marshall, who is responsible for CBRE IM's Pan-European Residential Impact Strategies and Anne Koeman-Sharapova who leads Mercer’s efforts in Real Estate investment and Due Diligence in Europe and the UK to discuss.

Now, more than ever, investors are seeking to address systemic imbalances by increasing diversity within their organisations and boosting DEI with their investment portfolios.

To explore how both investors and managers are approaching this, Alexa Shanks, Head of Intermediary Relationships, Mercer UK is joined by Stephen Deane, Portfolio Manager and Partner at Skerryvore Asset Management and Terrance Jones, Manager Research, Mercer US to discuss.

Nature as an ESG theme is rising into prominence and the link between nature and investors’ climate strategies is becoming clearer.

In this episode, Andrew Lilley, Sustainable Investment Head, Continental Europe is joined by Kate Brett, Global Intellectual Capital Lead for Sustainable Investment and Sarika Goel, Head of Sustainable Investment Manager Research to explore the market developments and trends for nature as well as the possible actions for investors today.

2022 was not a year for bond investors - but with inflation beginning to roll over, a strong start to the year, and bonds now offering the levels of income we haven’t seen in 20 years, 2023 looks far more optimistic.

Aisling Doherty, Senior Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at Mercer, is joined by Ella Hoxha, Senior Investment Manager, Pictet Asset Management and Samantha Milner, Head of U.S. Liquid Credit, Ares Management to discuss the outlook across bond markets for the year ahead, and how best to position portfolios to take advantage of the income and returns on offer.

2022 will go down in history as unpredictable and unprecedented. It started with a lot of optimism, then geopolitical unrest began, inflation took off, markets sold off and the era of cheap money effectively ended.

To make sense of it all, Rachel Volynsky, CIO of Canada and Global Chair of Equities is joined by Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, Europe and Cameron Systermans, Head of Asset Allocation, Asia.