In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Wylie Tollette, Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions.
Wylie oversees over $160 billion in multi-asset portfolios and has spent his career bridging investment strategy, operations, and leadership, from CalPERS to Franklin Templeton.
But this isn’t just a CIO talking markets. This is a conversation about trust, transparency, and the invisible infrastructure that makes long-term investing work.
We dive into Wylie’s unusual path from CPA to CIO and unpack the habits, frameworks, and philosophies that have shaped his career at the highest levels of finance.
We cover:
📊 How technology is transforming the front and back office
🧭 Why transparency is more than a compliance buzzword
🏛️ What it’s really like working inside a giant public pension fund
🛠️ The tension between risk models and real-world decision-making
📚 What operations can teach us about strategy
🤝 How to bridge the cultural gap between portfolio managers and tech teams
🧠 What keeps Wylie curious after 30 years in the industry
🧩 Why asset owners are becoming the real drivers of investment innovation
If you're leading an investment team, rethinking your tech stack, or just curious about the machinery behind global portfolios, this one is packed with insight and clarity.
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Enjoy the episode!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.
