Summary

Ed Lopez shares his path as head of product management at VanEck, where he guides a team that has helped transform the firm from its mutual fund roots to an ETF powerhouse. Through candid discussions about product launches, team building, and business growth, Ed reveals how patience and conviction shape successful leadership decisions. His practical approach to developing new products, combined with his commitment to open communication and team empowerment, offers a masterclass in modern asset management leadership.

Takeaways

Leadership Style

• Emphasizes democratic decision-making and open communication with teams

• Believes in giving products time to prove themselves in the market

• Values team input while maintaining clear direction

Business Growth

• Helped expand VanEck from 20 ETFs to 72, now managing $87 billion

• Built product success through methodical development and strategic timing

• Developed systematic approach to evaluate new product opportunities

Product Development

• Uses rigorous criteria to assess market opportunities

• Focuses on sustainable trends rather than short-term trades

• Aims for "pure play" investment themes that can support billion-dollar funds

Market Insights

• Active ETFs gaining momentum, particularly in fixed income

• Private markets presenting new opportunities for product development

• Digital assets attracting increased advisor attention and interest

Team Building

• Maintains long-term team stability through collaborative culture

• Encourages subject matter expertise across product lines

• Balances creative freedom with structured decision-making

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to VanEck and ETF Landscape

04:04 VanEck's Growth and Product Management

06:54 The Current ETF Market Dynamics

10:10 Active ETFs and Market Trends

12:57 Mutual Fund Conversions and Their Impact

16:06 Thematic ETFs: Trends and Challenges

19:08 Exploring Private Markets and ETPs

21:57 Product Development and Market Strategy

24:48 Measuring ETF Success and Sustainability

27:49 Digital Assets and Advisor Adoption

31:09 Leadership and Management Style Evolution

33:46 The Future of Asset Management

In this conversation, Steven Clark connects with Eric Levinson, head of business development at VinaCapital, who shares his journey from the United States to Vietnam. Eric discusses his career transitions, the impact of travel on his professional life, and the unique challenges and opportunities he faced while moving to Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. He provides insights into the investment market in Asia, the distribution models in the region, and offers advice for those considering bold career moves.

Takeaways

• Eric has a rich background in financial services, transitioning through various roles.

• Travel has significantly influenced Eric's career choices and perspectives.

• The importance of believing in oneself when making career transitions.

• Eric's experience during COVID-19 highlighted the challenges of remote work and adaptation.

• Eric emphasizes the need for patience and listening in a new work environment.

• Eric's journey reflects the importance of personal growth and self-discovery.

• He encourages others to pursue their dreams without fear of regret.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eric Levinson

03:00 Eric's Journey in Financial Services

09:02 The Impact of Travel on Career Choices

15:03 Transitioning to National Accounts

20:54 Moving to Vietnam During COVID-19

27:02 Financial Services in Asia

32:47 Distribution Models in Vietnam

39:07 Advice for Bold Career Moves

Summary

In this conversation, Steven Clark interviews Lee Kowarski, head of distribution solutions at SS&C Technologies. They discuss Lee's background, his journey in the financial services industry, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. They also touch on topics such as the evolution of consulting firms, the impact of data and artificial intelligence, and the future of the financial services space. Lee shares his insights on leadership, the mutual fund industry, and the importance of being adaptable and innovative in a changing landscape.

Takeaways

The financial services industry is facing challenges such as margin compression and fee compression, but it is still an exciting space with opportunities for growth and innovation.

Leaders in the industry need to be strategic and adaptable, embracing data, technology, and artificial intelligence to drive their businesses forward.

The mutual fund industry is experiencing pressure as assets move to other investment vehicles, but there will always be a mix of products and opportunities for growth.

The James Beard Foundation and Rethink Food are organizations that Lee Kowarski supports, as they work to support and uplift the restaurant industry and address food insecurity.

Lee Kowarski emphasizes the importance of building and leading a strong team, and takes pride in the impact he has had on the careers of his team members.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:18 Starting and Selling a Business

14:21 The Changing Landscape of Consulting Firms

23:32 Predicting Future Themes and Developments

28:15 Lightning Round

Stewart Foley, founder of Insurance AUM, discusses his career in insurance asset management and the growth of his platform. He shares the importance of self-reflection and his experiences of taking time off to go on motorcycle rides for well-being. Foley also highlights the opportunities in the insurance industry and the impact of technology on insurance and asset management.

Takeaways

• The insurance industry offers diverse career opportunities and is often overlooked by young professionals.

• Insurance companies are sophisticated investors and play a significant role in the asset management industry.

• Technology, such as insurtech and AI, is transforming the insurance industry and creating new opportunities.

• Foley emphasizes the importance of taking time off and engaging in self-reflection to make informed career decisions.

• He is a strong advocate for mental health and supports initiatives to raise awareness and prevent suicide.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Relocation to Austin

03:03 Early Years and Career in Finance

07:59 Key West to Halifax Ride and Taking Time Off

14:07 Teaching and Mentoring in Finance

22:03 The Importance of the General Account in Insurance

25:00 Trends in Insurance Asset Management

32:10 Insurtech and Technology in Insurance

37:01 Outlook on Financial Services and Insurance

39:57 Insurance AUM Podcast and Mental Health Advocacy

44:57 Lightning Round

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. The 988 National Mental Health Crisis Hotline offers confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't hesitate to reach out and get the support you need.

Bill Cashel, co-founder and head of business development for Privacore Capital, shares his career journey and insights into the financial services industry. He discusses his background, early years, and how he discovered his interest in finance. Bill also talks about his transition from wealth advisory to distribution and his experience at AQR. He expresses his optimism for the future of financial services and the private strategies business. Finally, he explains the mission of Privacore and its role in bridging the gap between top-tier GP firms and the private wealth channel.

Takeaways

• Bill Cashel's career in the financial services industry has been marked by success at every level.

• He emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and being open to new ideas in leadership.

• Bill is bullish on the future of financial services, particularly in the private strategies business.

• Privacore Capital aims to solve the issue of expanding top-tier GP firms into the private wealth channel.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:27 Career Progression and Path

08:16 Transition to Distribution

13:54 Joining AQR

16:00 Bullish on Financial Services

25:22 Private Strategies Business

35:11 Leadership Style

37:02 Privacore Story

© 2024 Privacore Capital, all rights reserved. Privacore Capital is an affiliate of Janus Henderson US (Holdings) Inc. Janus Henderson is a trademark of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. DAK Associates is not affiliated with Privacore Capital, Janus Henderson, or its subsidiaries.

INTRODUCING The Hunter podcast which is dedicated to highlighting leadership insights from top-tier executives within the financial services industry. Our show is designed for wealth and asset management executives, and we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of talent recruitment since 1979. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the unique demands of the wealth and asset management industry, and we're here to share the stories of the leaders who have weathered the storms and emerged as trailblazers in their field.

Meet Your Host

Steven Clark, President and Partner, has been a search professional with DAK since 1989. As President, Steven is principally involved in driving firm revenues, managing client company relations, setting strategic direction, and managing and directing the day-to-day efforts of DAK’s team of search professionals.