FINDING ALTERNATIVE PATHS INTO PORTFOLIOS

The term ‘alternatives’ has become a catch-all for a wide spectrum of assets, strategies and structures. At their best, alternatives can improve portfolio diversification, reduce overall volatility and provide another source of returns. However, with memories still fresh over the failed promises of several alternative investments in previous market downturns, there has been significant debate over their suitability, and whether they will perform as expected in different market environments. There are also differing views over their defensive and growth characteristics, with the reality often somewhere in between. What approaches are there for incorporating alternatives into portfolios, and what criteria should we apply in selecting which types of alternatives to include?

SPEAKERS:

STEVE SHEPHERD, Managing Director, Head of Asia-Pacific, CFM

CHRIS LIOUTAS, Director, Insight Investment Consultants

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BELIEVING IN BULLS, BEARS, AND UNICORNS – DEFINING YOUR INVESTMENT
PHILOSOPHY

Like the much-maligned company mission statement, investors often question the practical benefits of having an investment philosophy. However, the process of writing each of its key elements can spark much internal discussion and debate, leading to a focus on a clear set of agreed-upon investment principles, which can be communicated to clients in a clear and concise manner. Speakers in this session will discuss the steps they underwent in defining their investment philosophy, sharing lessons learnt and the key questions that arose from this process.

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SPEAKERS:

TROY SWANN, Investment Committee Chairman, Evidentia Group

ELEANOR DARTNALL, Founder and Principal, Focus Wealth Advisers

LUKE LARETIVE, CEO, Seneca Financial Solutions

MATTHEW WALKER, Director, WLM Financial Services

BLENDING ART AND SCIENCE IN INVESTMENT COMMITTEES

While investment committees can take various forms, there are often common factors behind those which prove to be successful over time. This workshop session will debate and discuss best practices, both in the initial setup, and ongoing meetings and outcomes derived from having a committee in place.

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SPEAKERS:

TIM FARRELLY, Principal, farrelly's Investment Strategy

STEPHEN FURNESS, Director, MGD Wealth