Shows
The SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsLocked In for the Long Term: The 2026 Outlook with SWIB Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer Edwin DensonFor long-term institutional investors like SWIB, 2025 reinforced the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio, managing risk carefully, and staying disciplined through market cycles.
Rather than reacting to short-term headlines, the focus remained on fundamentals, valuation, and the long-term objectives of the Wisconsin Retirement System.
In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, we welcome back SWIB Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer Edwin Denson.
We’ll look back at how global financial markets performed in 2025, a year shaped by easing inflation pressures, shifting interest-rate expectations, and continued uncertainty across economies and geopolitics.
Lo...
2026-02-1126 min
All Things FundraisingFundraising News Podcast: Fabulous FundraisingIn this episode of Dakota's Fundraising News Podcast, we cover newly launched RIAs like Bright Advisors, BayTrust Wealth Management, and Farmers Asset Management. We also share updates on commitments from The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), The Wayne County Employees Retirement System, and Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). On the search front, we highlight activity from the Illinois Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund (FPIF), Plymouth County Retirement Association, and The Norfolk (MA) County Retirement System (CRS). We’ll also cover fundraising from SOLV Energy Inc., Incard, and Shield Technology Partners — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota...
2026-02-0412 min
Dakota Research PodcastFundraising News Podcast: Fabulous FundraisingIn this episode of Dakota's Fundraising News Podcast, we cover newly launched RIAs like Bright Advisors, BayTrust Wealth Management, and Farmers Asset Management. We also share updates on commitments from The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), The Wayne County Employees Retirement System, and Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). On the search front, we highlight activity from the Illinois Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund (FPIF), Plymouth County Retirement Association, and The Norfolk (MA) County Retirement System (CRS). We’ll also cover fundraising from SOLV Energy Inc., Incard, and Shield Technology Partners — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota...
2026-02-0412 min
All Things FundraisingFundraising News Podcast: January JubilanceIn this episode of Dakota's Fundraising News Podcast, We cover acquisitions by Azimut Group and newly launched and registered RIAs including Cohen Capital Advisors and MFT Wealth Management. We also share updates on commitments from the Fairfax County Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement Plan, the Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System, and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. On the search front, we highlight activity from the Illinois Police Officers Pension Fund, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, and SWIB. We’ll also break down the latest fundraising trends, including growing sovereign wealth fund allocations to private credit in emerging markets from invest...
2026-01-2111 min
Dakota Research PodcastFundraising News Podcast: January JubilanceIn this episode of Dakota's Fundraising News Podcast, We cover acquisitions by Azimut Group and newly launched and registered RIAs including Cohen Capital Advisors and MFT Wealth Management. We also share updates on commitments from the Fairfax County Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement Plan, the Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System, and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. On the search front, we highlight activity from the Illinois Police Officers Pension Fund, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, and SWIB. We’ll also break down the latest fundraising trends, including growing sovereign wealth fund allocations to private credit in emerging markets from invest...
2026-01-2111 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsPart II - How is A.I. Being Used at SWIB to Benefit WRS Participants? (Dec. 29, 2025)For decades, SWIB has used the best tools available to generate solid returns and provide stable retirement income for the participants of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). While the tools may have changed over the decades, the mission certainly has not. But now, with the advent of artificial intelligence and large language models, the information landscape is changing faster than ever before.
In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, hear from Cefe Quesada, SWIB’s chief technology officer, and Salah Khalaf, senior portfolio manager, about how SWIB staff is using AI to augment their ability to process in...
2025-12-2927 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsSWIB Market Update - Q4 2025 (Dec. 18, 2025)Each quarter, hear from SWIB staff about the economy, the
markets, and how the Wisconsin Retirement System trust funds are impacted. Hear how SWIB is working to help the Wisconsin Retirement System remain among the nation’s most resilient pension funds – growing and protecting participants’ benefits and giving them peace of mind to focus on work, life, and the future.
In this market update, we welcome back SWIB’s Head Economic and Asset & Risk Allocation Chief Investment Officer Todd Mattina to talk about the issues that impacted the markets through the fourth quarter of the
year and what we...
2025-12-1815 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsPart I: What is A.I., and What Does It Mean for the WRS and Its Participants?Public pension systems have always balanced two big priorities: delivering secure retirements to members and safeguarding assets
for the long term. Now, artificial intelligence, or AI, is entering the
picture. Some funds are already experimenting with generative AI to sift
through mountains of unstructured data in seconds. Others are deploying
chatbots to handle routine questions, and many are grappling with governance, ethics, and transparency in these powerful new tools.
In this first of two new episodes of The SWIB Podcast, Cefe Quesada, SWIB’s chief technology officer, and Salah Khalaf, senior portfolio
manager, discuss what’s working, what...
2025-12-0326 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsSWIB Market Update - Q3 2025 (Oct. 8, 2025)Each quarter, hear from SWIB staff about the economy, the markets, and how the Wisconsin Retirement System trust funds are impacted. Hear how SWIB is working to help the Wisconsin Retirement System remain among the nation’s most resilient pension funds – growing and protecting participants’ benefits and giving them peace of mind to focus on work, life, and the future.
In this market update, we talk with SWIB’s Head of Multi-Asset Strategies, Nick Stanton, about the stock market's continued performance despite economic headwinds and what investors might expect in the months ahead.
2025-10-0810 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsSWIB Market Update - Q2 2025 (July 17, 2025)Each quarter, hear from SWIB staff about the economy, the markets, and how the Wisconsin Retirement System trust funds are impacted. Hear how SWIB is working to help the Wisconsin Retirement System remain among the nation’s most resilient pension funds – growing and protecting participants’ benefits and giving them peace of mind to focus on work, life, and the future.
In this market update, we talk with SWIB’s Head of Funds Alpha Derek Drummond about the issues that have impacted the markets through the first half of the year and what we might expect in the second h...
2025-07-1711 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsConstructing a Real Estate Portfolio to Weather Market Volatility (June 25, 2025)Over the last several years, commercial real estate has seen its share of challenges. From a global pandemic to rising interest rates and changes in trade policies, investors in commercial real estate have had to deal with sometimes extreme market volatility. Despite these challenges, commercial real estate remains an important part of a thriving U.S. economy and the investment strategy SWIB has implemented for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). SWIB's real estate portfolio helps diversify the Core Trust Fund and has generated an impressive track record of investment performance which has greatly benefited the WRS, helping keep it...
2025-06-2525 min
The Shrewsbury Biscuit PodcastThe Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast: Shropshire Women in BusinessShropshire Women In BusinessThis episode of The Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast comes to you from Shropshire Business Suite, nestled in the heart of Shrewsbury. This is the perfect place to sit and discuss Shropshire Women in Business with good friend of the show Camilla Monk (Architecture Ventures and Katie Millard (The Happiness Coach).Alex and Vick's really sink their teeth into detailed discuss about the services that Camilla and Katie are offering with Shropshire Women in Business or SWIB for short. Setting up a business is not easy, but can be a lot easier if...
2025-04-091h 06The SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsSWIB Market Update - Q1 2025 (April 2, 2025)Each quarter, hear from SWIB staff about the economy, the markets, and how the Wisconsin Retirement System trust funds are impacted. Hear how SWIB is working to help the Wisconsin Retirement System remain among the nation’s most resilient pension funds – growing and protecting participants’ benefits and giving them peace of mind to focus on work, life, and the future.
2025-04-0209 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsFinding Strong Investment Opportunities at Home (March 26, 2025)As part of its sophisticated and diverse investment strategy, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board makes investments in companies and funds across the country and around the world as part of a disciplined, prudent and innovative approach to market opportunities that ultimately benefit the Wisconsin Retirement System. But did you know that part of that strategy includes making investments right here in Wisconsin? Through its two dedicated portfolios that focus on Wisconsin, SWIB’s private debt program and Wisconsin venture capital portfolio have invested in opportunities that both provide positive investment returns for the WRS and enhance economic growth in...
2025-03-2621 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsA Look Back at 2024 and Ahead to 2025 with SWIB Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer Edwin Denson (Jan. 29, 2025)The financial markets in 2024 were shaped by geopolitical conflicts, a presidential election, the Federal Reserve initiating an interest rate cutting cycle, a continued bull stock market, and a U.S. economy that remained relatively strong. Many of the themes that dominated the past year are likely to continue shaping the financial markets in the year ahead. What does it all mean for SWIB and the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)?In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, we welcome back SWIB Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer Edwin Denson. Edwin provides insight on some of the events and t...
2025-01-2918 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsSmall Cap Stocks Play Big Role in WRS Investment Strategy (Dec. 11, 2024)When investing in the stock market, there is a list of companies that will be familiar to even novice investors. Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Walmart are just a few of the companies that grab the attention of investors and make headlines. These are large capitalization, or large cap, companies. These companies typically have a market capitalization over $15 billion. Although aggressive growth may be in the rear-view mirror for these companies, they typically offer investors stability. But, when building out a successful diversified portfolio, investors cannot overlook small capitalization or small cap companies. These are companies that have a...
2024-12-1120 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsWhy Bet on One Horse When You Can Back the Whole Stable, with Chase Nicholson (Oct. 2, 2024)Multi-strategy funds have become more popular over the years. But what exactly is a multi- strategy fund and how does SWIB’s implementation of a multi-strategy portfolio benefit the overall investment strategy for the Wisconsin Retirement System? In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, SWIB Senior Portfolio Manager Chase Nicholson explains what a multi-strategy portfolio is, why SWIB has the portfolio, and how that portfolio fits into the long-term investment strategy for the WRS.
2024-10-0225 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsAn In-Depth Look at the Economy with SWIB Head Economist and Asset & Risk CIO Todd Mattina (July 31, 2024)Despite interest rates that remain high and inflation that is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, the U.S. stock market continues a bull run, unemployment remains relatively low, and wage growth has been steady. So, what does all that mean for investors and what will the second half of the year bring as geopolitical issues continue to grab headlines and we head into a November presidential election? In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, SWIB’s Head Economist and Asset and Risk Allocation Chief Investment Officer Todd Mattina talks about what all these headline grabbing issues mean for...
2024-07-3138 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsThe Role of Passive Strategies in SWIB's Investment Strategy (June 19, 2024)SWIB has implemented a diverse and sophisticated investment strategy for the Wisconsin Retirement System, or WRS. The Core Trust Fund, the larger of the two WRS trust funds, holds investments in public equities, fixed income, real estate, and private markets. That investment strategy also includes a mix of active and passive strategies. In this episode of the SWIB Podcast, learn more about the role passive strategies like synthetic replication, passive exposure management, and leverage implementation have in helping keep the WRS fully funded. Find out how SWIB’s use of securities finance, collateral optimization, and liquidity management be...
2024-06-1938 min
Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment IndustryAnne-Marie Fink - Cutting Edge Pension Investing at SWIBAnne-Marie Fink is the Head of Private Markets and Funds Alpha at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board or SWIB, which manages $140 billion of pension funds in the state. SWIB is not your typical U.S. pension fund manager. It invests with outstanding governance, alignment with beneficiaries, delegated authority, a competitively compensated team, and cutting-edge strategies, all of which have contributed to a fully funded plan. Anne-Marie joined SWIB to lead its external manager efforts four years ago following a career that spans both direct and fund investing. Our conversation highlights Anne-Marie's path, applying the skills of picki...
2024-06-0353 min
Collective ShiftU.S. State Pension Buys Bitcoin & Solana vs Ethereum Debate Heats UpJoin Matt and Nick as they break down the latest market uptick; the state of Wisconsin’s investing in Bitcoin ETFs; the U.S. Senate voting to override an anti-crypto rule; Solana vs Ethereum; altcoin updates; and more.Key Takeaways Cryptocurrencies traded higher following the latest U.S. CPI data coming in line with expectations.The U.S. Senate approved a rule change that would make it easier for banks to offer crypto-custody services. However, President Joe Biden said he would not be signing off on this.Nearly 1,000 entities reported owning spot Bitcoin ETFs as...
2024-05-2128 min
Tech-MexOpenAI's New Voice Assistant, Ilya Sutskever's Departure, Google I/O, and Bitcoin ETFs; Ep 43Hey, Welcome to the Tech-Mex Podcast!We’re your hosts Eric & Mando, and this is Episode Cuarenta y tres. Today, we're bringing you the top stories in Bitcoin, Tech, and Wealth, so you too can carry your best friend in your pocket. ~ DaleA special shoutout to our amazing subscribers checking in with us!As you know, Houston has been in the news a lot for our scary weather. Just a couple of weeks ago, we had flooding, and now we've been hit with tornadoes and a derecho with Category 2 hurricane winds up to...
2024-05-2140 min
CryptoTalks🐂 CME, maior bolsa de futuros do mundo, planeja lançar negociação à vista de bitcoinPrimeiro Bloco, o fastcast diário do MB com as notícias mais quentes do universo cripto! Aqui você encontra informações exclusivas e análises aprofundadas com o especialista cripto André Franco, Head de Research do MB, sobre as últimas tendências do mercado de criptomoedas, NFTs, Web3 e mais!
No episódio de hoje, abordaremos sobre:
🐂 CME, maior bolsa de futuros do mundo, planeja lançar negociação à vista de bitcoin - O CME Group, que já oferece contratos futuros de bitcoin desde 2017, está se preparando para lançar um serviço de...
2024-05-1704 min
Peer ConnectionsEvolution of Insourcing: Understanding the Different ModelsMatt Brunette of Norges Bank, Jerry May of OPERS and Michael Stamm of SWIB join Brooke Gillman to discuss the reasons each approach insourcing securities finance in different ways, from hybrid trading, to control over cash management, to owning risk or to managed agent models. No matter the route, each beneficial owner has evolved to meet their organization's needs while understanding their relative skill sets, resources, and operational capacities.
2024-04-0340 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsAccessing the Private Markets Through Co-Investment (April 3, 2024)Investments in the private markets is one aspect of SWIB’s diversified investment portfolio. But there are many ways to invest in the private markets. One approach that has been gathering momentum in the past decade is co-investment. In a private market context, coinvesting involves buying equity or debt in private companies alongside a private equity or private credit fund. What are the benefits of these investments and how do they help the Core Trust Fund? How has SWIB built and grown its co-investment portfolio? And what is the outlook for co-investments going forward? In this episode of...
2024-04-0327 min
10X Capital PodcastE44: Chris Prestigiacomo of SWIB ($140B AUM) on What Pensions Look for in VCsChris Prestigiacomo, Portfolio Manager at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss his journey, the role of private debt in venture portfolio management, and the Wisconsin Investment Board's asset allocation strategy. They delve into backing criteria for General Partners, venture capital's role in SWIB's strategy, and the unique governance structure of Wisconsin's retirement system.
(0:00) Introduction and recent fund performance insights
(0:42) Chris Prestigiacomo's career and private debt's impact on VC
(2:20) Venture debt market overview and pension plan strategies
(4:01) Selecting GPs and constructing a venture portfolio
(7:11) Sponsor: Deal
(8:03) Venture capital's role and...
2024-02-2218 min
How I Invest with David WeisburdE44: Chris Prestigiacomo of SWIB ($140B AUM) on What Pensions Look for in VCsChris Prestigiacomo, Portfolio Manager at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) sits down with David Weisburd and Erik Torenberg to discuss his journey, the role of private debt in venture portfolio management, and the Wisconsin Investment Board's asset allocation strategy. They delve into backing criteria for General Partners, venture capital's role in SWIB's strategy, and the unique governance structure of Wisconsin's retirement system.
(0:00) Introduction and Chris Prestigiacomo's journey to becoming a portfolio manager
(1:48) The role of private debt portfolio in venture portfolio management
(3:02) The State of Wisconsin Investment Board's asset allocation strategy and venture returns
(4:08) Criteria for backing General...
2024-02-2218 min
Simon BizcastEp. 34: Simon Club Spotlight Part OneJoin Trista Kukucka, director of MS admissions, as she chats with current students Meredith Shewell (MBA) and Sofia Troshina (MS in Marketing Analytics), about their involvement with clubs at Simon, including: Simon Women in Business (SWIB) Forté Simon Volunteers Simon Sports Product Management Club Vision Consulting Simon Marketing Association Uncorked With more than 30 clubs and organizations to get involved in at Simon, there is something for everyone. Tune in to learn more!
2024-02-0524 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System Insights‘It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over’: A Look Back at 2023 and Ahead to 2024 with SWIB ED/CIO Edwin Denson (Jan. 31, 2024)Yogi Berra once famously said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” That was certainly true for financial markets in 2023. Just when it looked like many of the same issues that investors faced in 2022 would hold down returns, 2023 finished strong. Despite the challenges of the past year, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board remained committed to its long-term investment strategy that aims to keep annuity adjustments and contribution rates stable and deliver the benefits promised to over 675,000 Wisconsin Retirement System participants. In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, SWIB Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer Edwin Denson t...
2024-01-3124 min
3 Siblings Walk Into a BarOne of those mall Santas that you should not let your children aroundEp.62! This week Sage tells the story of Ronald Gene Simmons. The sickening story of a man and his Family on Christmas. How many times can Sage say basically? Is it really a 3 SWIB episode without technical difficulties?
2023-12-1847 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsA Look into the Housing Market and SWIB’s MBS Portfolio (Nov. 29, 2023)The U.S. economy has shown remarkable resiliency despite many industry experts saying a recession is inevitable. The same cannot be said about the housing market. Home prices continue to climb, interest rates are near record highs, and home inventory is not matching homebuyer demand. It seems like the dream of owning a home is inching further out of reach for many Americans. In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, Leo Kropywiansky, senior portfolio manager on the Research Team in SWIB’s Asset & Risk Allocation Group, shares his thoughts on just how long the volatility facing the U.S. ho...
2023-11-2930 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsThe State Investment Fund: Providing a Strong, Steady Economic Pillar for Wisconsin (Sept. 21, 2023)While the investment management of the fully funded Wisconsin Retirement System may be more well known, SWIB also manages several other smaller trust funds including the State Investment Fund or the SIF. The SIF is a pool of cash balances of various state and local governmental units created by state statute. In managing the SIF, SWIB works on behalf of local governments to manage approximately $3.5 billion in the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP). SWIB makes world class investment expertise available to even the smallest municipalities by providing them a safe and liquid investment vehicle. In this episode...
2023-09-2117 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsAn In-Depth Look at the Economy Midway Through 2023, with Todd Mattina (June 23, 2023)As we reach the midway point of 2023, investors continue to navigate a unique set of challenges that have caused, at times, volatile financial markets. Investors face concerns from geopolitical crises and supply chain issues, to inflation and rising interest rates and the ongoing possibility of a recession. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board has worked to meet the challenges head on. But what lies ahead for the second half of 2023? Will the Federal Reserve rethink its most recent decision to pause interest rate hikes? Will inflation start to ease? And will the U.S. face a a recession?
2023-06-2338 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsHow SWIB’s Venture Capital & Private Debt Portfolios Stay Well Positioned in Challenging Markets, with Chris Prestigiacomo (June 2, 2023)Investors have been navigating challenging financial markets for the past several years. From stocks to bonds, asset classes have been impacted by high inflation, rising interest rates and the lingering effects of the pandemic. But were venture capital and private debt investments the exception? Chris Prestigiacomo oversees the state of Wisconsin investment boards, venture capital and private debt portfolios. Like other portfolio managers, Chris and his team have sought to limit the impact the volatile financial markets have had on his investment strategy while positioning his portfolios for continued success in the future. In this episode of...
2023-06-0224 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsFinding the Best Ideas for Long-Term Success, with Susan Schmidt (March 22, 2023)It's no secret that 2022 was a challenging year for the financial markets. There was nowhere to hide for investors looking to escape the volatility that impacted almost every asset class, including stocks. Following strong performance in 2021, the markets faced rising inflation that soared to 40-year highs, a series of unprecedented interest rate hikes, and fears that the country would be thrown into a recession.SWIB worked to navigate the volatility while seeking opportunities to keep the WRS well-positioned for the future. Because almost 50% of the Wisconsin Retirement System's Core Fund and all of the Variable Fund are...
2023-03-2222 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsNavigating Volatile Financial Markets: A Look Back at 2022 and Ahead to 2023 with SWIB ED/CIO Edwin Denson (Jan. 26, 2023)The past year presented a unique set of challenges for investors navigating volatile financial markets. Investors faced concerns from geopolitical crises and supply chain issues, to the great resignation and the Federal Reserve raising interest rates several times in an effort to counter the highest inflation in four decades.Despite the challenges of 2022, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board remained committed to its long-term investment strategy that aims to keep annuity adjustments and contribution rates stable, and meet the benefits promised to over 660,000 Wisconsin Retirement System participants. So how did SWIB's strategy weather the volatility of the...
2023-01-2624 minPeer ConnectionsIndemnification can no longer be ignored, the conversation continuesFollowing the first GPFA podcast on indemnification, Matt Brunette from NBIM, Chris Benish from SWIB and Jerry May from OPERS continue the conversation comparing their views on how the cost of indemnification may impact the global beneficial owner community as well as the broader market.
Read Mark Faulkner's paper here: http://globalpeerfinancingassociation.org/s/Something-Better-Change-13622-Credit-Benchmark.pdf
2023-01-1925 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsHow SWIB’s Strong Corporate Governance Program Benefits the WRS, with Sara Chandler and Tom Robinson (Dec. 14, 2022)SWIB owns stock in over 6,000 public companies across the globe at any given moment. As a shareholder, SWIB is focused on the long-term economic interests of the companies it invests in. In addition to a company's economic health, solid products, a strong customer base, and a growing market share, SWIB is also concerned about accountability, transparency, and alignment, hallmarks of a company that is doing things the right way. Broadly, corporate governance refers to a company's processes and structures that are aimed at ensuring this type of effective oversight. SWIB's corporate governance program utilizes various methods to evaluate and...
2022-12-1414 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsPeering into the Future to Keep the WRS Positioned for Success, with GRS Actuaries Jim Anderson and Brian Murphy (Oct. 5, 2022)The Wisconsin Retirement System is one of the few fully funded public pensions in the country, thanks in part to SWIB’s strong investment management. Because of the unique shared risk design of the WRS, investment returns directly impact annuity adjustments for retirees and contribution rates for employees and employers. The challenge is finding the right balance between taking enough risk to make sure the WRS is providing the benefits promised to its participants while avoiding taking too much risk that could cause volatile swings in those annuity adjustments and contribution rates. By implementing a sophisticated investment strategy, SWIB ha...
2022-10-0526 minPeer ConnectionsTotal Fund Asset Allocation to Maximize Sharpe RatioDigging into the research, HOOP and SWIB presented their separate published papers on how to construct a better beta portfolio
2022-10-0435 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsMid-Year Market Update: Finding Stability in Volatility, with Edwin Denson and Leo Kropywiansky (Aug. 31, 2022)Volatility is a word that has become all too common in the last couple years when talking about the financial markets. Over the past two years, the pandemic has been a big economic story driving both monetary and fiscal policy. While the pandemic continues to create hurdles, new concerns are grabbing headlines. From supply chain issues to the great resignation, to the highest inflation rate in four decades, investors have to navigate volatile economic waters. As the Federal Reserve seeks to put the right policies in place to combat the economic challenges investors are facing, SWIB is also keeping...
2022-08-3135 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsAn Inside Look at SWIB's Real Estate Portfolio with Anne-Marie Fink & Jason Rothenberg (July 20, 2022)Office buildings, warehouses, and apartment complexes dot the landscape from coast-to-coast. They are common landmarks that we usually pass by every day without a second thought. We know these brick and mortar spaces are important to a thriving economy, but what might surprise you is how important they are to SWIB’s investment strategy. SWIB’s real estate portfolio helps diversify the Core Trust Fund and has generated an impressive track record of investment performance, which has greatly benefited the Wisconsin Retirement System, helping to keep it fully funded and well positioned to deliver on its promise to over 652,000 part...
2022-07-2023 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsHow Technology is Transforming the Portfolio Management Process at SWIB, with Nick Stanton and Derek Drummond (April 27, 2022)We live in a world full of technology; faster computers, smart phones, and cars that can drive and park themselves are all part of the world that is becoming more reliant on technology. Like every other industry, the financial sector has been touched by these changing times.The relationship between data, technology and human talent is key to the successful incorporation of these trends in active portfolio management. Investment managers are constantly enhancing the technology they use to stay on the cutting edge of an industry that is changing at a rapid pace.The State...
2022-04-2722 min
Stern ChatsNicole Gallagher on Women's LeadershipThis week, we talk female leadership. Qurat and Heather are joined by Nicole Gallagher, a Stern grad and Principal at Deloitte, to discuss leadership workshops, tactical advice for improving leadership and communication styles, and the ways in which allyship and the pandemic have affected this complex business topic. You’re sure to learn something new from this episode, which was co-sponsored by SWIB, the Stern Women in Business club.
Hosts: Qurat Kahn and Heather Rosen-Kahnowitz
Guest: Nicole Gallagher
Produced by: Heather Rosen-Kahnowitz
Edited by: Heather Rosen-Kahnowitz
Music by: Jesse Han
Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn! @SternChats
2022-04-0632 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsPensionomics: How the WRS Provides a Strong Economic Pillar for Wisconsin, with NIRS Executive Director Dan Doonan (March 9, 2022)The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) was created 40 years ago to help protect public employees and their beneficiaries against the financial hardships of old age and disability, to attract and retain a qualified public workforce, establish modest benefits, and achieve administrative savings.There is no doubt that the WRS has done that and more over the last four decades. But, the WRS, as one of the only fully funded public pension systems in the country, is more than just a retirement benefit for state and local government employees. It also provides a strong, steady economic pillar for the...
2022-03-0922 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsLooking Back at 2021 and Forward to 2022 with SWIB ED/CIO Edwin Denson (Jan. 28, 2022)The beginning of a new year is a time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to what lies ahead.In 2021, the financial markets saw ongoing volatility caused by COVID-19 while the Federal Reserve continued with the policies it put in place to combat the economic effect of the pandemic. Interest rates, inflation, and supply chain backlogs were all topics that grabbed headlines throughout the year. But in the end, SWIB remained committed to its long-term investment strategy for the Wisconsin Retirement System and generated strong investment returns, which are expected to deliver annuity...
2022-01-2818 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsExploring the Innovative Strategies that SWIB is Deploying to Generate Returns for the WRS (Dec. 20, 2021)Innovation has always been critical to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board’s (SWIB’s) success. As assets under management continue to grow, and the investment industry and the world continue to change, SWIB is positioning itself for the future, finding innovative ways to invest the public pension funds and help secure the financial futures of the people who rely on the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).Last year, SWIB continued to look forward when it launched two new internal alternative fixed income strategies. The new Mortgage Backed Securities and High Yield Portfolios are designed to target less effi...
2021-12-2023 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System Insights70 Years of Service: A Look Back at the History of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (Oct. 28, 2021)This year, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) is celebrating 70 years of service to the state of Wisconsin. A lot has changed over the past 70 years. And, while our world has and continues to change, one thing that has remained a constant is SWIB’s commitment to helping provide retirement security for hundreds of thousands of current and former state and local government employees and their families, who rely on the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).Since its creation in 1951, SWIB has grown into a premier asset manager recognized around the world for its innovation and success, st...
2021-10-2821 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsSWIB's New Executive Director and CIO Edwin Denson Charts a Steady Course for the WRS (Aug. 25, 2021)Excellence, innovation, integrity, collaboration, and people. Those are the core values at the heart of SWIB’s mission to the members of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Edwin Denson, SWIB’s new executive director and chief investment officer, is using those core values to build on SWIB’s already strong foundation as one of the country’s premier investment managers.Edwin joined SWIB in 2018 as the managing director of asset and risk allocation, responsible for risk analysis, allocation and oversight, asset allocation, passive portfolio and leverage implementation, macroeconomic analysis, and fund level investment strategies. After arriving at SWIB, Ed...
2021-08-2532 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsStrong Governance Keeps SWIB Positioned for Success, with Board of Trustees Chair David Stein (June 14, 2021)As an institution, SWIB has had to adapt and overcome significant challenges over the last year — among them, frenetic markets, the workplace disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the passing of SWIB's former executive director and chief investment officer David Villa.But through it all, SWIB has continued to serve members of the Wisconsin Retirement System at a high level, due in large part to the unique governance structure that positions SWIB as a global leader in public pension asset management.In this episode, we discuss how SWIB's nine-member, independent board of trustees supports the so...
2021-06-1431 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsRunning the Long Race with Derek Drummond, SWIB's Funds Alpha Portfolio Manager (April 8, 2021)Competing under challenging circumstances is nothing new for Derek Drummond. As a triathlete who competes in several events throughout the year, including Madison’s Iron Man competition, Derek challenges himself through tough endurance races with hopes of establishing a personal best time. Derek’s competitive spirit carries over into his work. As SWIB’s funds alpha manager, Derek is constantly pushing himself and his team to find investments across traditional and alternative strategies that will benefit the Wisconsin Retirement System and its over 650,000 members. Being an investment professional and a tri-athlete requires the ability to think clearly under p...
2021-04-0830 minCapital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment IndustryDominic Garcia – Risk-based Investing at New Mexico PERADominic Garcia serves as Chief Investment Officer for the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico (PERA), a $16 billion pension system that serves over 90,000 members and provides over $1.2 billion in annual benefits. Dominic is a native of New Mexico, began his allocator career at New Mexico PERA and returned to re-join the system in 2017 as CIO after nearly a decade at SWIB, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. Our conversation covers Dominic's path to the helm at PERA, challenges of governance and compensation in public pensions, addressing underfunding with variable liabilities, and his risk-based investment approach that includes the separation o...
2021-04-0550 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsManaging Directors Round Table, with Edwin Denson, Brian Hellmer, and Anne-Marie Fink (March 2, 2021)In 2020, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) remained committed to its long-term investment strategy, resulting in strong returns for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), even in a challenging year.The Core Fund, the larger of the two WRS trust funds with more than $120 billion in assets, ended the year with a net return of just above 15%. The Core Fund's 5- and 10-year returns both exceeded the pension system's actuarial target.The great news for WRS participants is that exceeding the pension fund’s 7% target return for both the 5- and 10-year periods is expected to...
2021-03-0231 min
The Successful Women Podcast Show with Gill Donnell099: Viv Allen, Success CoachThis week's guest is Viv Allen, Success + Business Performance Coach, podcaster, speaker, founder. Her mission is to inspire and nurture, so that people can have a beautifully balanced, joy filled life and a prosperous business. With over a decade as a psychotherapist and 2 decades in business Viv combines these skills with her passion for True Growth, helping entrepreneurs to balance their passions and profits so that they can create a business and lifestyle that they love. In 2017 Viv also founded a local charity DorPIP to help families flourish during the first 1001 days of their babies life. With two adu...
2021-02-0523 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsEvolving in Challenging Markets, with Brian Hellmer (Jan. 7, 2021)Sophisticated investment strategies, forward-looking technologies, and strong internal asset management help make the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) a leading investment organization. As a premier money manager, SWIB brings a disciplined, prudent, and innovative approach to market opportunities. But to remain a leader in the public pension industry, SWIB must continue to evolve. In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, we talk with Brian Hellmer, SWIB’s managing director of global public market strategies, about how his Madison-based team executes active management strategies that help grow and add value to the Wisconsin Retirement System, even during 2020’s challenging mark...
2021-01-0735 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsForward-Thinking Investments in Private Debt and Venture Capital, with Chris Prestigiacomo (Nov. 21, 2020)Wisconsin's forward-thinking culture has contributed to a history of entrepreneurs who have turned ideas into successful businesses that have become fixtures in the state.Whether it's a company headquartered in Wisconsin or a global corporation doing business in the state, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board is proud to have partnered with all types of businesses to help those companies succeed and generate returns for WRS members.In this episode of The SWIB Podcast, we explore SWIB's Wisconsin private debt and venture capital portfolios with portfolio manager and hometown Madison native Chris Prestigiacomo.
2020-11-2135 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsThe "Goldilocks Zone" in SWIB's Asset Allocation Strategy, with Edwin Denson (Oct. 22, 2020)In the classic children's fairy tale, Goldilocks looks for the porridge that is not too hot and not too cold, but just right.Similarly, the investment professionals at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board have to strike just the right balance between an asset allocation that is not too risky for the system's risk sharing design, but takes enough risk to generate the returns necessary to sustain the fund over the long term.In this episode, SWIB's Managing Director of Asset & Risk Allocation Edwin Denson joins Chris and Dusty to talk about how asset allocation...
2020-10-2224 minCapital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment IndustryCarrie Thome – Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained at WARF and beyondCarrie Thome is the longtime former CIO at WARF, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, a $3 billion pool that arose from monetizing technologies developed at the University of Wisconsin. She recently left to start a venture capital firm called NVNG, or Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained. Our conversation covers Carrie's Wisconsin roots, her early experience at SWIB, the State of Wisconsin pension fund, and investing at WARF over the last two decades. We discuss WARF's unique structure, technology transfer, and an all-weather portfolio for the Foundation, including separation of alpha and beta, portfolio construction, and manager selection...
2020-10-1952 minPeer ConnectionsThe SWIB ModelChris Benish, Ping Wong and Michael Stamm from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board review the past, present and future of securities financing activities at SWIB and discuss how peer to peer has allowed them to further optimize their counterparties.
2020-10-1515 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsBehind the Scenes at SWIB, with Rochelle Klaskin and Mike Jacobs (Sept. 30, 2020)Just like you can't put on a play without stage hands, the portfolio and investment managers at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board are supported by a wide variety of professionals whose behind-the-scenes work is vital to SWIB's mission of generating returns on behalf of the Wisconsin Retirement System and its members.Whether it's tracking the performance of individual investments, implementing a new investment instrument or settling a trade, the work of these skilled professionals plays an important role in the diverse and robust portfolio that helps SWIB deliver the returns necessary to fully fund the state's...
2020-09-3028 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsBig Brand Names in the WRS Private Market Portfolio, with SWIB’s Anne-Marie Fink (Aug. 27, 2020)From Harley-Davidson to Kohl’s Corp., the Zoom meetings platform to EatStreet food delivery, from industrial warehouses in California to New York City highrises, private equity investments and the funds alpha strategy provide unique opportunities for SWIB to generate returns on behalf of the Wisconsin Retirement System and its members.In this episode, we talk to Anne-Marie Fink, SWIB’s managing director of private markets and funds alpha, to learn how the investments she oversees play an important role in the diverse and robust portfolio that helps SWIB deliver the returns necessary to fund the state's pension syst...
2020-08-2734 min
eSecLending InsightsInterview with OPERS and SWIB on GPFA FormationPeter Bassler and Brooke Gillman chat with Jerry May from OPERS and Chris Benish from SWIB on how Global Peer Financing Association formed and what their own experiences have been in the peer to peer space. For more information, visit www.globalpeerassociation.org
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2020-08-1022 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsNavigating COVID-19's Financial Fallout, with SWIB Executive Director & CIO David Villa (July 30, 2020)While other pension funds struggle with the financial implications of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and chronic under-funding, the robust Wisconsin Retirement System remains on-track to meet its obligations to retirees.This is thanks, in no small part, to the steady, thoughtful investment decisions of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board's team of financial experts. Under the leadership of Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer David Villa, the WRS has strengthened its position as a model pension fund that's the envy of many state and local employers nationwide.In this episode, David explains the investment decisions...
2020-07-3034 minThe SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System InsightsComing Soon - The SWIB Podcast, from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (July 9, 2020)Arriving later this summer... News and insights about the complex, prudent, and disciplined investment strategies SWIB has put in place to help grow and protect the assets of the WRS. Navigating today’s financial markets takes innovative thinking to design and implement investment strategies that control risk while generating reasonable returns. In a time when public pension funds across the country are struggling with issues related to underfunding, SWIB has helped fuel one of the only fully funded pension systems in the U.S. Join us as we talk about the importance of managing assets in...
2020-07-0901 min
Pieces of AliceFrom the Kitchen to the BedroomI will be talking with Saxy Butler aka Saxy B about her new book "From the Kitchen to the Bedroom", and her new programs for successful women in business. Saxy B. is your educator helping you cultivate healthy and happier relationships and communities.Follow Saxy for more advice and tips at her website www.swib.comFacebook: @saxy b nd @saxybutlerInstagram: @trulysaxyb
2020-01-0630 min
Making Better WorkEpisode #10: "Data. It's every bit as important as oil or sunshine. Our partners know that." How Mississippi is Using Data to Transform its Education and Workforce Systems In this episode, our host, Kristin Wolff, talks with Laura Ring and Dr. Jonathan Barlow. Laura is the Director of the Office of Grant Management at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and Jonathan is the Associate Director of Software Architecture and Development at NSPARC – National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center – located on the Mississippi State University Campus in Starkville. Grab your trainers and chart your course – this episode is longer than most and you'll want to hear every word. We discuss how to build sustainable partnerships, the key turning points in the evolution of Mississippi's longit...
2019-12-2748 min