Episodios

  • Ep 194: David Neal - From Nation-Building to Member Outcomes: The Power of Long-Term Investing

    Ep 194: David Neal - From Nation-Building to Member Outcomes: The Power of Long-Term Investing
    Apr 14 2025
    After seven years of trying, we’ve finally done it—this episode of Inside the Rope features one of the most influential figures in institutional investment in Australia: David Neal, CEO of IFM Investors and founding CIO and former CEO of the Future Fund, Australia’s $300+ billion sovereign wealth fund. David takes us behind the scenes of building the Future Fund from the ground up—how a clean slate, a world-class board, and a clear long-term mandate allowed for a new investment philosophy rooted in flexibility, illiquidity premiums, and global best practice. We talk about the importance of strong governance, the benefits of a total portfolio approach, and why the endowment model still resonates in long-term capital allocation. Now at the helm of IFM Investors—a global institutional asset manager originally founded by Australian industry super funds—David shares insights into investing on behalf of working people, the tailwinds driving infrastructure investment globally, and why private markets are an increasingly powerful lever for value creation. IFM was conceived by a collective of Australian industry super funds with a bold ambition: to give working people access to the kinds of global, complex investments traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Today, IFM manages over $250 billion across infrastructure, private equity, credit, equities, and real estate—always with a clear mission to deliver strong, long-term outcomes for its members. If you're seeking clarity on private markets, this is a conversation not to be missed.
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    51 m
  • Ep 193: Laurence Marshbaum - Why More Families Are Embedding Philanthropy in Their Legacy

    Ep 193: Laurence Marshbaum - Why More Families Are Embedding Philanthropy in Their Legacy
    Mar 31 2025
    In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark is joined by Laurence Marshbaum OAM, founder of 10x10 Philanthropy and Community Capital, to explore how wealthy families can embed philanthropy into their legacy. Together, they discuss why more families are establishing Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and how strategic giving can sit alongside wealth creation and preservation. Laurence shares his journey from institutional fund management to purpose-driven investing, shedding light on how families can move beyond ad-hoc charitable donations to structured, impactful philanthropy that endures for generations. They discuss how fund managers and sophisticated investors are also stepping in to provide early-stage capital to high-impact, for-purpose organisations—bringing the same rigour they apply to financial markets to the social sector. Whether you're a family considering philanthropy for the first time, or looking to start the conversation, this episode will give you practical insights into how to create lasting social and financial value.
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    51 m
  • Ep 192: David Witkin: Navigating Market Volatility with Event-Driven Investing

    Ep 192: David Witkin: Navigating Market Volatility with Event-Driven Investing
    Mar 17 2025
    David Clark welcomes back David Witkin, Managing Partner of Beryl Capital, discussing event-driven investing and market opportunities. With a track record of delivering outstanding returns, Beryl Capital has been at the forefront of merger arbitrage and special situations, benefiting from corporate activity across global markets. As investors navigate a rapidly changing landscape—shaped by geopolitical shifts, artificial intelligence, and shifting economic policies—Witkin shares his insights on capital deployment, risk management, and where he sees opportunities in today’s market. He delves into the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on event-driven investing, the AI-driven demand for data centers and infrastructure, and how regulatory shifts could unlock new investment themes. Listen in to hear how institutional investors think about market cycles, risk-adjusted returns, and how high-quality research and execution can drive investment success.
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    35 m
  • Ep 191: Future Generation Women - Investing in Women: The Future of Wealth Management and Better Returns

    Ep 191: Future Generation Women - Investing in Women: The Future of Wealth Management and Better Returns
    Mar 4 2025
    In this episode of Inside the Rope, David Clark sits down with Catherine Allfrey of Wavestone Capital and Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, to explore why increasing female representation in funds management is not just about fairness—it’s about better outcomes for investors and the broader economy. We dive into the launch of Future Generation Women, a new fund exclusively managed by female portfolio managers, designed to drive both strong financial returns and positive social impact. Why are women statistically better long-term investors? How is gender inequality costing the Australian economy $128 billion annually? And what can both men and women do to accelerate progress in wealth management? This episode is packed with insights on the next generation of wealth transfer, the importance of financial education for women, and how investors can be part of the solution. Whether you're an investor, adviser, or simply passionate about equality, this conversation will challenge perspectives and inspire action.
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    33 m
  • Ep 190: Frewen Lam - Investing Smarter: Lessons from Private Markets, Asia & Agri

    Ep 190: Frewen Lam - Investing Smarter: Lessons from Private Markets, Asia & Agri
    Feb 17 2025
    In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Frewen Lam, Managing Partner at ROC Capital, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of private equity, private credit, and real assets. Frewen shares his journey from a first-generation Australian with immigrant roots to co-founding ROC, now managing $8.5 billion in assets. Key Highlights: * Frewen’s transition from public to private markets—why he believes private investments outperform. * Lessons from investing in Asia, including insights into China and India's economic trajectory. * Why agriculture and real assets are the next frontier for wealth creation. * The opportunities in private credit and secondary markets—how to buy assets at a discount. * How top investors build portfolios that balance risk and long-term returns. Frewen’s sharp insights, combined with David’s wealth advisory expertise, make this a must-listen for investors looking to refine their approach to alternative assets.
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    41 m
  • Ep 189: Mike Dorrell - From Boarding School to a $100B Empire

    Ep 189: Mike Dorrell - From Boarding School to a $100B Empire
    Feb 3 2025
    One of Australia's most successful financial minds abroad - In this episode of Inside the Rope, host David Clark sits down with Mike Dorrell, founder and CEO of Stonepeak, a $100 billion infrastructure investment powerhouse. From his humble beginnings in Australia, to building one of the largest private infrastructure firms in the U.S., Mike shares his journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategic vision. He offers invaluable insights into infrastructure investing, where he sees the strongest opportunities today, and how smart investors should think about allocating to this asset class. Mike also shares his thoughts on Trump 2.0’s impact on markets, his personal approach to fitness and discipline, and how he structures his day to stay at the top of his game. This conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for investors, business leaders, and anyone interested in what it takes to build a world-class investment firm. A fascinating deep dive into the mindset of a global finance leader.
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    1 h y 11 m
  • Ep 188: Evana Lithgow - Beyond Wealth: Building Resilient Families Through Leadership and Legacy

    Ep 188: Evana Lithgow - Beyond Wealth: Building Resilient Families Through Leadership and Legacy
    Jan 20 2025
    Unlock the complexities of family leadership and estate planning in this enlightening episode of Inside the Rope. Join David as he speaks with Evana Lithgow from Working Minds, a renowned psychologist specialising in the transition and succession of wealth for high-profile families in Australia and New Zealand. Discover how successful families navigate challenges beyond financial capital, fostering meaningful relationships and connections as their true legacy. From overcoming wealth-related conflicts to starting crucial conversations early, Evana shares powerful insights from her 25+ years of experience. Learn how to shift the focus from mere legal documents to a holistic approach that ensures a resilient and harmonious future for generations. Whether you're managing significant wealth or just beginning the estate planning journey, this episode provides actionable tips to align your family’s purpose with long-term success.
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    48 m
  • Ep 187: Peter Edwards - How the Victor Smorgon Group is Redefining Family Office Investing

    Ep 187: Peter Edwards - How the Victor Smorgon Group is Redefining Family Office Investing
    Jan 6 2025
    In this episode of Inside the Rope with David Clark, we sit down with Peter Edwards, Executive Chairman of the Victor Smorgon Group, one of Australia's most enduring multi-generational family offices. Peter takes us behind the scenes of a pivotal decision: opening the doors of this storied family office to external investors. Discover the rationale behind this transformative move, how it shapes their investment strategy, and what it means for both the family and outside participants. From their thematic investment approach in areas like gold and US property to their forward-thinking embrace of impact investing and philanthropy, Peter shares invaluable insights into navigating complexity and maintaining harmony across generations. Join us for a captivating conversation that delves into family legacy, bold strategies, and the ever-evolving landscape of wealth management. Whether you're curious about the inner workings of a family office or looking for investment inspiration, this episode is one you won't want to miss.
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    50 m
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