Critical thinking
Episodes
Building tomorrow's private market portfolio | In conversation with Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The CEO Perspectives, Mick Dempsey, President of Mercer Investments & Retirement business, sits down with Marc Rowan, CEO of Ap...
Navigating markets: LDI and beyond
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past five years, we've seen vast changes in interest rate and inflation levels globally, making it important for investors to understand...
1 Theme, 2 CIOs, 3 Questions: Navigating Markets in a Macro-Driven Investment Environment with Bon Secours Mercy Health and the Hershey Trust
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're excited to launch the first episode of our new Critical Thinking series: 1 Theme, 2 CIOs, 3 Questions. Each episode focuses on one key inve...
Frontier markets debt’s breakout moment
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With developed markets facing higher debt burdens, elevated rates, and ongoing uncertainty, investors are increasingly considering frontier market deb...
Good governance: The hidden lever behind investment success
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With increasing uncertainty and market complexity putting decision makers under mounting pressure, governance shines through as a tool for gaining a p...
Private markets in motion: Navigating complexity and innovation in today’s private markets
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Private credit has evolved rapidly over the past decade, becoming one of the most in-demand asset classes for investors seeking diversification, incom...
The evolution of private markets
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As private markets have evolved, investors have shifted their approach away from a one-size-fits-all portfolio structure focused on closed end funds t...
Into the mainstream: how semi-liquid funds may be improving access to private debt
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years, the role of private debt has transformed, with the potential for higher returns and greater portfolio diversification seeing the asse...
Janet Yellen on Economic Resilience, Global Stability, and the Path Ahead
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this milestone 100th episode of Critical Thinking, U.S. Treasury Secretary Dr. Janet Yellen joins Mercer’s Niall O’Sullivan for a wide-ranging ...
International CIO Perspectives
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Mercer’s U.S. CIO Olaolu Aganga sits down with fellow Mercer CIOs Christine Tessier, Garvan McCarthy, and Kylie Willment. T...
Cross-border governance
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does investment governance look like when success is defined by more than just returns? In this episode, Andy Farrington, Mercer's Multinati...
Real assets and Asia-Pacific: Global diversification and regional opportunity
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jo Holden is joined by Alan Synott and Robert Ronneberger to explore the evolving real assets landscape.They discuss where we are in ...
The Total Return Conundrum — Rethinking Portfolio Strategy for Endowments and Foundations
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Anubhuti Gupta and Adeline Tan tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing endowments and foundations: del...
Investing in Insurance Portfolios Amid Market Turbulence
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Andreas Vermeiren, Principal in Mercer's Insurance Solutions team, is joined by William Gibbons, Principal ...
Going global: How real estate is evolving in institutional portfolios
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Alan Synnott, Mercer’s Global Head of Real Assets, is joined by Anne Koeman-Sharapova and Simon James to explore how institutional ...
The value proposition of hedge funds
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Robert Ronneberger, Head of Business Development for Asia, is joined by Dave McMillan, Chief Investment Officer, Hedge Funds, to expl...
Navigating change: How liability-driven investing is shaping Europe's financial portfolios
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As trade tensions, uncertainty over the direction of interest rates, and pension reforms reshape the investment landscape, liability-driven investing ...
Enhancing resilience amid shifting trade policy
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Niall O’Sullivan, Global Solutions Chief Investment Officer, is joined by Olaolu Aganga, US Chief Investment Officer, Rupert Watson...
The future of wealth management: Balancing innovation, regulation, and client expectations
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Amit Popat, Global Head of Financial Institutions at Mercer, is joined by Han Dieperink, Chief Investment Office...
Why Operational Due Diligence is important
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Manish Solanki, Head of Mercer Sentinel Group Europe, is joined by Tony Martinez, Head of Mercer Sentinel Americ...
Insurance and investment risk - where are we in the cycle?
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, William Gibbons, Senior Insurance Investment Consultant at Mercer, is joined by Tom Davies, Head of UK Placement, Marsh, and Olaolu A...
Portfolio resilience in 2025 - Top considerations for endowments and foundations
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marieke de Roo, Mercer's Leader in Europe for Single Family Offices and Endowments & Foundations, is joined by Texas Hemmaplardh and Cori Tra...
Navigating the global economy ─ outlook and insights
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode (date of recording: February 28, 2025), Lisa Kots, Head of US Wealth Management Portfolio Management at Mercer, is joined by Rupert Wa...
Mobilising institutional investment towards emerging economies - in conversation with British International Investment
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research and Advisory at Mercer, is joined by Leslie Maasdorp, CEO at Briti...
Lining up with the long term - Family office top considerations 2025
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical thinking, Michel Meert, European Consulting Leader for Endowments, Foundations and Family Offices, is joined by Marieke de...
How Private Equity can potentially unlock value and opportunities from UK Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Schemes
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Sinead Leahy, Co-Head of Cardano Advisory is joined by Nick Gibson, Managing Director, Cardano Advisory, and Dan...
The promise and perils of carbon markets
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical thinking, Cara Williams, Senior Partner and Global ESG and Sustainability Leader at Mercer, is joined by Lovey Sidhu, Sust...
Taking the noise out: Managing change and comms in pension plan design
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating the challenges of modern pension provision requires employers to effectively communicate and implement changes in pension plans while keepi...
Insurance Considerations 2025
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical thinking, Amit Popat, Global Head of Financial Institutions at Mercer, is joined by David Morrow, European Insurance Propo...
Swing state: investment themes and opportunities in 2025 and beyond
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Critical Thinking, Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research at Mercer, is joined by Nick White, Global Strategic Research Dire...
A focus on members is key to potentially helping DC members secure better retirement outcomes
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the past 16 years, Mercer has been benchmarking retirement systems across the globe. The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2024 uses more ...
Navigating Private Market Strategies: Insights on Co-Investments and Secondaries (IN FRENCH)
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a French speaker looking to deep dive on co-investments and secondary market opportunities? In this first episode in French of the podcast &qu...
How retirement planning could change in the face of the Longevity Economy
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As birth rates decline and our population ages, the ripple effects of this demographic transition are felt across all areas of our lives, from financi...
Constructing agile portfolios in Asia, Live from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Hong Kong
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us to explore some of the key challenges Asian allocators are facing in today's dynamic market. In this episode of Critical Thinking, live ...
Exploring Asia’s alternative investment evolution, live from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Hong Kong
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With diverse and often divergent economic backdrops among the region’s economies, as well as complex and evolving risks, navigating the Asian altern...
How can investors combine financial and non-financial objectives?
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Values-aligned investing is becoming increasingly prevalent among asset owners, but the way in which investors incorporate these considerations into p...
Exploring the growth in private debt with Pengana Capital Group: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Melbourne
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode, recorded at the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Melbourne, Australia, Rebecca Jacques and David Scopelliti are joined by Peng...
Captive insurance market insights: navigating the evolving landscape
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Unpacking the findings from the Mercer and Oliver Wyman 2024 global insurance investment survey
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Amit Popat, Eryn Bacewich and Joshua Zwick as they unpack the findings from our Mercer and Oliver Wyman 2024 Global Insurance Investment Survey i...
The changing nature of the US pensions landscape: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Market volatility, higher rates and an ageing population are creating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape for US pensions.Rich Nuzum, Scott Jarbo...
How are long-term investors navigating regime change? Insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Higher for longer interest rates are having profound effects on endowment and foundation portfolios across the US.The volatility this creates is makin...
The search for “unicorns”: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 clo...
Investing through a time of uncertainty: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amid market volatility, we believe agility as a driver and enhancer of performance – has become the key attribute in building portfolios.However, no...
Alternative investments for Single Family Offices: trends, strategies, and sustainability
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Exploring alternative investment opportunities for wealth managers
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Leadership both on and off the field with Ireland rugby legend Ronan O'Gara
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Unlocking the power of Private Markets: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Exploring agile portfolios with Generali: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Navigating the Age of Agility: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Investing in an era of misinformation: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Top considerations for Alternative investments in 2024
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Navigating the new normal: Endowment and Foundation investing in an evolving market
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
The Davos debrief: Reflections from Amy Barnes, Nick Studer and Pat Tomlinson
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Driving change: DEI insights for a diverse supply chain
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Climate adaptation: Building resilience in a changing world with Marsh and Oliver Wyman
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Driving change: The role of investors in climate transition with Clwyd Pension Fund
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Themes and opportunities 2024: An age of agility
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Navigating climate risks in today's economy with Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
What role can Private Credit play for insurers in the current environment?
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Managing legacy: Exploring Single Family Office strategies
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Navigating the longevity economy
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
How can wealth managers build resilient portfolios to overcome today's challenges?
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
What are insurers doing to navigate today’s higher yields?
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Charting the course in Private Debt
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Impact investing: Transition, transformation and innovation
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
The Silicon Valley Bank collapse – Navigating the fallout
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Building wealth, building communities: Affordable housing investing
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
DEI in investing: A pathway to better returns
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Is nature the next major ESG theme?
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Bonds may be back, but uncertainty continues…
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
Market update: charting our future course
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not n...
2022 global wealth management investment survey findings - Part 2
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
COP27 and a new wave of investment opportunities: what institutional investors should know
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We recorded this episode as a part of a podcast series on the occasion of COP27. Each episode illustrates the breadth and depth of Marsh McLennan’s ...
COP27 and Emerging Markets – the challenge and opportunity
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We recorded this episode as a part of a podcast series on the occasion of COP27. Each episode illustrates the breadth and depth of Marsh McLennan’s ...
Top considerations for insurers in 2023
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Economic and market outlook 2023
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Top considerations for alternatives in 2023
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Top Considerations for Endowments and Foundations 2023
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Top Considerations for Financial Intermediaries 2023
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
“How can the insurance sector support climate resilience?” by Marsh McLennan
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We recorded this episode as a part of a podcast series on the occasion of COP27. Each episode illustrates the breadth and depth of Marsh McLennan’s ...
Déjà new: Themes and Opportunities 2023
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
"High seas: Enabling a climate resilient Suez Canal" by Marsh
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We recorded this episode as a part of a podcast series on the occasion of COP27. Each episode illustrates the breadth and depth of Marsh McLennan’s ...
Net zero, are we getting it right?
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
2022 global wealth management investment survey findings - Part 1
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Reflecting on the past and future of private markets
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Pension plans today and tomorrow
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
What does the future hold for listed infrastructure?
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Central Banks: Doing whatever it takes! But what's the cost?
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Regenerate and restore – Adopting a circular economy approach
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
2022 Global not-for-profit investment survey findings
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Mid-year outlook: Can inflation be curbed without a crash landing?
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
A perfect storm for active management?
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Recession fears are high but what does it mean for equity markets?
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Behind the scenes with Rich Nuzum at Davos
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Private markets and the $1tn data question
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Hedge funds: the comeback kid?
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Deep Impact: going beyond ESG considerations
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Making waves: A spotlight on water scarcity
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
Russia - Ukraine: Is stagflation inevitable?
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...
New ideas to help you navigate the investment environment right now
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer...