Alternative Allocations Podcast Trailer

Jul 25, 2023 | 6 min

We’re excited to introduce our new podcast series Alternative Allocations focused on helping advisors make better informed decisions about the role and use of private market investments. I am your host, Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Strategist with the Franklin Templeton Institute. This monthly podcast series is designed specifically for sophisticated advisors who are seeking private market investments to meet their clients’ goals and objectives.

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Disclaimers

This material reflects the analysis and opinions of the speakers as of the date of this podcast, and may differ from the opinions of portfolio managers, investment teams or platforms at Franklin Templeton. It is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as of the date of this podcast and may change without notice. The information provided in this material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry, security, or strategy. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but no representation or warranty is made as to their completeness or accuracy.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the full amount invested.

Please see episode specific disclosures for important risk information regarding content covered in the specific episode.

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More episodes

Franklin management
May 6, 2026 | 28 min

Episode 37: The Illiquidity Premium: Lessons Learned from Institutions with Guest Wendy Li, Ivy Invest

In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Wendy Li, founder of Ivy Invest, who brings nearly two decades of experience investing for major endowments and foundations to her mission of democratizing institutional investment strategies. Wendy shares invaluable lessons learned and explains why the illiquidity premium shouldn't be reserved for institutional investors alone and how evergreen fund structures are changing the game for individual access to private markets. The conversation explores current opportunities in GP-led secondaries and distressed credit, while providing practical guidance on how advisors can help clients overcome their conditioning around daily liquidity. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how endowment-style portfolio construction can work for everyday investors.

Franklin management
Apr 7, 2026 | 29 min

Episode 36: Infrastructure Investing: Growth, Income, and Inflation Protection in One Asset Class with Guest Michael Bell, Meketa Capital

In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Michael Bell from Meketa Capital breaks down why infrastructure has become one of the most compelling opportunities in private markets today. Michael explains how infrastructure investments offer a rare combination of growth potential, steady income, inflation hedging, and low correlation to traditional assets, making them particularly valuable in today's market environment. The discussion dives deep into the differences between public and private infrastructure, the importance of working with experienced managers who have decades of proven performance, and why the private markets allocation in wealth portfolios is expected to grow from 2-3% to 20-25% over the next decade.

Franklin management
Mar 3, 2026 | 29 min

Episode 35: Navigating the Evergreen Fund Boom: Market Insights with Guest Kim Flynn, XA Investments

In this episode, Tony welcomes Kim Flynn, a pioneer in researching the growth of evergreen funds in private markets and founder of XA Investments. Kim shares insights from her latest report on the interval and tender offer fund marketplace, which has exploded to over 308 funds growing at 25% annually. They discuss how the market has evolved beyond its private credit origins to include private equity, infrastructure, hedge funds, and emerging sectors like tech and AI. Kim offers practical guidance on due diligence in an increasingly crowded field, the importance of track records as products mature, and why advisors must set proper expectations about liquidity and investment horizons. We also explore future trends including public-private partnerships, model portfolio implementation, and opportunities in underserved sectors.

Explore all Alternative
Allocations episodes

Knowledge hub

The cost of being too liquid

Private markets have historically delivered an “illiquidity premium” which has been captured by many institutions and family offices in their asset allocation to alternatives. Learn more about the illiquidity premium and get some ideas about allocating to private markets.

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Accessing private markets: Evergreen and drawdown funds

Product evolution has brought more flexibility for advisors and investors to gain exposure to private markets. Franklin Templeton Institute explores the potential risks and rewards.

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Why Alternatives

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Commercial real estate debt: Another way to access real estate

CRE debt's historical performance, risk-adjusted returns, correlation to traditional investments, and its resilience during market downturns make it a potentially attractive option as a portfolio diversifier.

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