Month: February 2025

Wealth Management Invest: Unpacking Hightower’s Approach to Private Markets with Robert Picard

Wealth Management Invest: Unpacking Hightower’s Approach to Private Markets with Robert Picard

In this episode of the Wealth Management Invest Podcast, host David Bodamer sits down with Robert Picard, managing director and head of alternative investments at Hightower, to unravel the shifting dynamics of private markets and their role in contemporary investment portfolios. With over 34 years of experience, Robert shares insights into why billionaires and university endowments diverge from the traditional 60/40 allocation model and how individual investors can replicate their success in private markets. 

David and Robert discuss:

  • The evolution of private market access for individual investors
  • The strategic role of a 20% private market allocation
  • The emergence of private credit as a popular asset class
  • The rise of evergreen funds and their democratizing effect on access to alternative investments
  • And more

Connect With David Bodamer:

Connect With Robert Picard:

About Our Guest:

Robert Picard led the creation of the Alternative Investment Platform at Hightower while curating investment opportunities through research and due diligence. Prior to joining Hightower, he was instrumental in building four multi-billion dollar alternative investment platforms at The Carlyle Group/Rock Creek, Optima Fund Management, RBC Capital Markets, and State Street/InfraHedge. Most recently, Mr. Picard served as the Head of Alternative Investments at First Republic Private Wealth Management.

Wealth Management Invest: Ares’ Approach to Private Markets with Brendan McCurdy

Wealth Management Invest: Ares’ Approach to Private Markets with Brendan McCurdy

In this episode of the Wealth Management Invest podcast, host David Bodamer connects with Brendan McCurdy, managing director and co-head of the financial advisor solutions team at Ares, to delve into private market investments. They discuss how financial advisors navigate the complexities of private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure. 

David and Brendan discuss:

  • The structure and role of the Financial Advisor Solutions team within Ares [00:01:10]
  • Navigating complexities in private market investments [00:03:00]
  • The strategic importance of alternative investments in portfolios [00:05:30]
  • Access points in private markets and investor targeting [00:07:20]
  • Trends and shifts in asset classes for 2025 [00:09:50]
  • The rise of infrastructure investments driven by technological advancements [00:15:00]
  • Opportunities in sports, media, and entertainment investments [00:22:30]
  • And more

Connect With David Bodamer:

Connect With Brendan McCurdy:

About Our Guest:

Brendan is a Managing Director and Head of Research & Marketing within Ares Wealth Management Solutions, a premier provider of private market investment solutions for private wealth investors and family offices. Within Research, the Financial Advisor Solutions Team (FAST) is a team of asset allocation specialists that deliver education, insights, and analytical tools that can help optimize the inclusion of private markets in portfolios.