In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Matt Katz, Managing Director at Fiduciary Trust International, to explore why middle market private equity offers compelling opportunities in today's environment. Matt shares his journey into private markets, explains why the middle market presents a structural advantage with less competition and more operational value-add potential, and provides practical guidance on evaluating private equity funds through the lens of people, process, performance, and references. The conversation also covers the current exit environment, the growing role of secondaries in portfolio construction, the importance of due diligence in evaluating funds, and actionable advice for financial advisors looking to navigate the expanding universe of private market investments.

Matt Katz, CFA, Managing Director, Investment Director - Private Markets: As head of the Advisor Solutions Group private markets research team, Matt focuses on private equity and real estate investments and is responsible for sourcing, due diligence and monitoring investments across each asset class. He determines strategic and tactical allocations within ASG's Model Portfolio, while monitoring existing and prospective investment opportunities. With over 18 years of experience, Matt serves as a key contributor to the analysis of current macroeconomic conditions through participation in daily market updates, Investment Committee meetings, and quarterly market overviews. In addition, Matt has also worked with impact-focused clients to source and analyze appropriate private investments, serving both financial and social purposes. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust International, Matt was an associate director at Segal Rogerscasey, an investment consulting firm, as a member of their Alpha Research team focused on private equity manager research and due diligence. While at Segal Rogerscasey, he participated in the portfolio planning, underwriting and execution of private investments for the firm's discretionary clients. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Connecticut. Matt is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder; Member, CFA Society Boston; and a Member of the RAISE Global Summit LP Selection Committee.

Resources:

Matthew Katz, CFA | LinkedIn
Franklin Templeton Private Markets
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this insightful episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony talks with Paul Jodice of Morgan Stanley about the evolving landscape of alternative investments. Advisors are seeking incremental alpha, differentiated yields, and enhanced diversification in their portfolios, and Paul shares his expertise on how they're turning to alternative investments to meet these needs. The conversation delves into portfolio construction, market outlook, and the drivers of advisor adoption. As someone working closely with advisors, Paul offers valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of integrating alternative investments into portfolios.

Paul Jodice is Co-Head of the Global Investment Manager Analysis (GIMA) team, which provides manager analysis and due diligence on alternative and traditional investment strategies. As co-head, Paul primarily leads the evaluation and manager selection for alternative strategies. Previously, he was an investment officer and head of the Private Equity research team within the GIMA group. Paul joined Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in 2017. He began his professional career with Cambridge Associates (Boston/Singapore) in 1999. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2006, the Abu Dhabi Investment Company - Invest AD (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) in 2007 and Bank of America Merrill Lynch in 2015. Paul graduated from Babson College with a BS in Investments and Economics. He received his MBA from the Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.

Resources:
Paul Jodice | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this essential Alternative Allocations podcast episode, Tony and guests dissect the 2026 outlook, offering crucial insights for financial advisors navigating commercial real estate, private equity secondaries, and private credit. Discover the macro themes shaping these dynamic sectors, from new cycles in real estate to the growing need for liquidity in private equity. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to identify opportunities in the evolving private markets landscape.

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Anant Kumar is a managing director and head of research with Benefit Street Partners, based in our West Palm Beach office. Prior to joining BSP in 2015, Mr. Kumar worked in the capital markets advisory group at Lazard Frères and the leveraged finance group at Deutsche Bank. Mr. Kumar received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, a Master of Science from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington's ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton's global Stewardship & Sustainability Council.

​​Jeb Belford, equity owner and Managing Director, is the Chief Investment Officer of Clarion Partners. He is chairman of the Firm's Investment Committee, and a member of the Executive Board​. From 2013-2021, Jeb was the lead Portfolio Manager of the Firm's open-end core fund, with overall responsibility for fund management and portfolio strategy. From 2005-2012, Jeb was the Portfolio Manager for the Firm's value-add investment platform. Prior to becoming a portfolio manager, Jeb was a senior member of the Firm's Acquisitions Group, completing investments across a broad range of strategies. His background includes all key aspects of portfolio management, including acquisitions, financing and sales totaling over $20 billion in all property types and risk strategies, in markets across the U.S., Brazil and Mexico. Jeb joined Clarion Partners in 1995 and began working in the real estate industry in 1984.​​

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Resources:

2026 Private Market Outlook Executive Summary
Anant Kumar | LinkedIn
Taylor Robinson | LinkedIn
Rick Schaupp | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

In this special episode, Tony and the show's producer, Julia, take a trip down memory lane, counting down their top 10 episodes from the first two years of the Alternative Allocations podcast. They share insights into the most impactful discussions, from the evolution of the industry and product development to the importance of manager selection and advisor education. Tony and Julia reflect on the podcast's growth, including consistently ranking in the top 25% of all podcasts! Tune in for a look back at the highlights of their journey and the valuable conversations that have resonated with their audience.

As Director of US Alternatives Marketing at Franklin Templeton, Julia Giordano leads a team responsible for marketing strategy and campaign development for private market strategies and products. Additionally, she serves as the producer of the Alternative Allocations podcast. Julia joined Franklin Templeton in 2018 as part of the US marketing team and began focusing on private markets in 2022 when the specialized marketing team was formed. Along with her previous experience at advertising agencies serving automotive, healthcare, and financial services clients, Julia brings a unique blend of industry knowledge and marketing expertise.

She earned an MBA from Boston University's Questrom School of Business and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Julia holds a Unifi by CAIA Fundamentals in Alternative Investments certificate, FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses, as well as the RMA certification from the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Resources:

Julia Giordano, RMA® | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony sits down with Bobby to discuss the current landscape of private equity and growth equity investing. Bobby shares his insights on the market's shift post-2021, the emergence of new opportunities in areas such as AI, FinTech, and sustainable energy, and the importance of investing at a discount to public market valuations. The conversation also touches on the expected increase in exits through IPOs and M&A activity, driven by a more favorable business environment.

Robert "Bobby" Stevenson is a Co-Head of Private Investing for Franklin Equity Group and Managing Director of Franklin Venture Partners, the firm's specialized investment team that invests in private opportunities, focusing on mid- and late-stage companies it believes are poised for transformative impacts across multiple industries.

Bobby joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2004. Previously he was a research analyst and portfolio manager specializing in equity research analysis within the industrials and technology sectors. His primary research coverage included the automotive, and airline industries, as well as the consumer electronics industry. His previous research coverage also included the cable/satellite and transportation industries. Mr. Stevenson was a member of the management team for Franklin Flex Cap Growth VIP Fund.

He holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and a member of the Securities Analysts of San Francisco (SASF).

Resources:

Robert Stevenson | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony and Pat discuss the evolving landscape of Defined Contribution (DC) plans and the integration of private markets. They explore the historical context of DC plans, the challenges and opportunities presented by private market investments, and the critical role advisors play in guiding participants through these complex investment strategies. The conversation highlights Empower's innovative approaches and the potential for private markets to enhance retirement outcomes for millions of Americans.

Pat Arey is a Custom Solutions Sales Director for Empower. In his role, he is responsible for communications, distribution, and sales related to Empower Investments offerings in the core market for the Northeast region. He collaborates closely with advisors, consultants, and registered investment advisers on complex issues surrounding investments, advice solutions, retirement plan design, and longevity for plans and their participants.

Pat originally joined the organization in 2017, serving in leadership and individual contributor roles within investment distribution. Prior to that, he worked in similar roles with consultants and advisors at large asset managers, including State Street Global Advisors and Fidelity. Pat holds a bachelor's degree in finance with a minor in computer information systems from Stonehill College.

He currently maintains FINRA Series 6 and 26 securities registrations and Series 63 and 65 state securities licenses, and he holds FINRA Series 3 and 7 credentials.

Pat is also the co-author of a financial literacy and career development curriculum for youths and young adults designed to help develop more educated retirement savers into the future.

Resources:
Patrick Arey | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Loren and Tony discuss the growing trend of advisors adopting alternative investments in wealth management. They talk about the primary drivers for this adoption, including diversification, risk mitigation, and the potential for higher returns. They note, however, that the process is fraught with challenges, such as the complexity and time required to understand these products, and limited access through many firms. To help advisors overcome these hurdles, asset managers are investing in education, digital content, and the development of model portfolios and blended public-private products.

Loren Fox is the Director of Research at FUSE Research Network, a provider of business intelligence and consulting for the asset and wealth management industries. Loren is responsible for industry benchmarking studies, consulting projects, supporting the firm's clients, and helping to shape the overall research agenda.

Before joining FUSE, Loren spent nearly 10 years as the director of Ignites Research, a unit of the Financial Times that produced original research on the asset management industry; he also created and ran the US financial advisor rankings that appeared in the Financial Times from 2013 through 2020. Previously, he was a senior research analyst at Strategic Insight. Prior to that, Loren was a business journalist for many years, having worked at Institutional Investor and other publications, and he is the author of the book "Enron: The Rise and Fall" (2002).

As an industry expert, Loren has spoken at numerous conferences and been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Planning, WealthManagement.com, and other publications. He earned his BA from Johns Hopkins University and his MS from Columbia University.

Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments!

Resources:

Loren Fox | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn

Bill and Tony discuss the growth and evolution of alternative investments, address liquidity concerns, and emphasize the importance of education in the latest episode of Alternative Allocations. Bill highlights the industry's efforts to make alts more accessible through new product structures and the potential for including private markets in model portfolios and defined contribution plans.

Bill Duffy is a Vice President of Alternative Investments for Fidelity Investments. He is responsible for Fidelity's alternative investment platform solutions which enable Fidelity clients access to alternative investment strategies. Bill focuses on developing Fidelity's alternative investment platform strategy, as well as overseeing Fidelity's relationship with leading alternative investment platforms and asset managers. Additionally, Bill educates Fidelity clients and prospects about alternative investment programs available through Fidelity. He is often a featured speaker on alternative investment strategies and trends at industry conferences and events.

Prior to Fidelity, Bill worked at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. where he was Managing Director of Relationship Management, overseeing relationships with over 700 third-party asset managers. He also led product strategy for Schwab's alternative investment platform team. In that role, he also collaborated with industry thought leaders to deliver alternative investment education to thousands of RIAs.

Earlier in his career, Bill was an Executive Director at a boutique alternative investment advisory firm, where he was responsible for consulting with RIAs, family offices, and institutional investors on alternative investment strategies including private equity, private credit, real estate, and hedge fund opportunities.

Bill is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives ("IPA"), an industry trade group focused on expanding access to alternative investments strategies and advocating on behalf of the alternative investment industry. Prior to being elected Chair of the Board, he was an active Board member since 2020.

Enjoying Alternative Allocations? Please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us deliver more insightful episodes on alternative investments!

Resources:

Bill Duffy | LinkedIn
Alternatives by Franklin Templeton
Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn