FINANZ Podcast

For decades, alternative investments — including private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and real estate — were the preserve of institutional players. But today, that’s changing fast. In this forward-looking panel, industry leaders discuss how the democratisation of alternatives is transforming the investment landscape. Moderated by Manuela M. Fröhlich, Co-Founder and Partner at Fondsfrauen GmbH, the conversation delves into the factors enabling broader access to private markets: technological innovation, the rise of digital investment platforms, and regulatory developments such as ELTIF 2.0, which now allow qualified private investors to participate. Panelists Nalaka De Silva (Head of Private Market Solutions, abrdn), Henry Wolter (Manager Client Advisory, AQ Investment AG), Ulrich Heuberger (Alternative Investments, HSBC Asset Management), and Philippe Bens (Head of Regional Coverage Switzerland, CACEIS) share their insights on how new product structures and sustainable frameworks are making alternatives more transparent and accessible than ever before. The discussion also examines the risks and responsibilities that come with this trend — including liquidity constraints, education gaps, and regulatory oversight — while highlighting the opportunities for investors seeking diversification and long-term value. An essential listen for asset managers, private bankers, and investors looking to understand the future of inclusive investing. More podcast episodes and information: www.finanz-ch.ch More about Fondsfrauen: www.fondsfrauen.de More about abrdn: www.abrdn.com More about Aquila Capital / AQ Investment AG: www.aquila-capital.de More about HSBC Asset Management: www.assetmanagement.hsbc.com More about CACEIS: www.caceis.com Disclaimer DE: Der Inhalt dieser Folge dient der allgemeinen Information und ist keine Empfehlung zum Kauf oder zur Veräusserung bestimmter Finanzinstrumente. Alle Angaben sind ohne Gewähr und es handelt sich nicht um Anlageberatung.   EN: The content of this episode is for general information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific financial instruments. All information is provided without guarantee and does not constitute investment advice.

In this insightful lecture, Prof. Dr. Florian Weigert, Professor of Financial Risk Management at the University of Neuchâtel, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern investment management. Going beyond theory, he presents concrete case studies showing how AI and machine learning are used to identify patterns in financial data, enhance decision-making, and manage risks more efficiently. Weigert, whose research has been published in top-tier finance journals such as the Journal of Finance, Review of Financial Studies, and Journal of Financial Economics, also discusses the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into asset management. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how data-driven innovation is redefining the role of human judgment, the evolution of financial models, and the balance between automation and expertise in the investment process. A must-listen episode for finance professionals, data scientists, and investors eager to understand how AI is creating a competitive edge in modern portfolio management. More podcast episodes and information: www.finanz-ch.ch More about the University of Neuchâtel: www.unine.ch Disclaimer DE: Der Inhalt dieser Folge dient der allgemeinen Information und ist keine Empfehlung zum Kauf oder zur Veräusserung bestimmter Finanzinstrumente. Alle Angaben sind ohne Gewähr und es handelt sich nicht um Anlageberatung.   EN: The content of this episode is for general information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific financial instruments. All information is provided without guarantee and does not constitute investment advice.

Im Fireplace Talk mit Iwan Deplazes, Head Asset Management der Zürcher Kantonalbank und Chairman der Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS), werden zentrale Zukunftsfragen der Schweizer Asset-Management-Branche beleuchtet. Im Gespräch mit Reto Giudicetti, Reputation & Communications Consultant for Financial Services, diskutiert Deplazes, welche Faktoren die Stärke des Schweizer Asset Managements ausmachen – von professioneller Expertise über regulatorische Stabilität bis hin zu internationalem Vertrauen. Gleichzeitig geht es um die entscheidenden Herausforderungen, die es jetzt zu meistern gilt: Digitalisierung, nachhaltige Investments, geopolitische Risiken und der wachsende internationale Wettbewerb. Das Gespräch bietet tiefe Einblicke in die Chancen und Prioritäten der Branche – und zeigt auf, wie sich Schweizer Asset Manager auch in Zukunft als globale Qualitätsmarke behaupten können. Ein inspirierender Austausch über Innovation, Verantwortung und die Zukunft der Finanzindustrie. Mehr Podcast-Folgen und Informationen: www.finanz-ch.ch Mehr zur AMAS – Asset Management Association Switzerland: www.am-switzerland.ch Mehr zur Zürcher Kantonalbank: www.zkb.ch Disclaimer DE: Der Inhalt dieser Folge dient der allgemeinen Information und ist keine Empfehlung zum Kauf oder zur Veräusserung bestimmter Finanzinstrumente. Alle Angaben sind ohne Gewähr und es handelt sich nicht um Anlageberatung.   EN: The content of this episode is for general information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific financial instruments. All information is provided without guarantee and does not constitute investment advice.

In this insightful presentation, Miguel Tiedra, Chief Investment Officer, Quantitative & Alternative Investments at Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV), explores how hedge fund replication strategies can provide investors with hedge fund–style returns — without the traditional drawbacks such as high fees, low transparency, or limited liquidity. Drawing on nearly two decades of expertise in alternative investments and portfolio management, Miguel outlines how quantitative models and systematic strategies can replicate hedge fund beta exposures, while still maintaining diversification and adaptability to changing markets. This session delves into the practical applications, performance characteristics, and risk management techniques behind replication approaches. Listeners will learn how institutional and private investors can integrate these strategies to improve portfolio efficiency, enhance resilience, and benefit from hedge fund–like dynamics — all within a transparent, liquid, and cost-effective framework. An essential episode for investors seeking innovative approaches to alternative investments and alpha generation in today’s dynamic financial markets. More podcast episodes and information: www.finanz-ch.ch More about Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV): www.bcv.ch Disclaimer DE: Der Inhalt dieser Folge dient der allgemeinen Information und ist keine Empfehlung zum Kauf oder zur Veräusserung bestimmter Finanzinstrumente. Alle Angaben sind ohne Gewähr und es handelt sich nicht um Anlageberatung.   EN: The content of this episode is for general information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific financial instruments. All information is provided without guarantee and does not constitute investment advice.