Enterprising Investor

Mark Anson, CFA: Rethinking Portfolio Construction in a Globalized, Uncertain World

At CFA Institute LIVE 2025, guest host Chris Wiese, CFA, managing director of \education at CFA Institute, sat down with Mark Anson, CFA, CEO of Commonfund, for a wide-ranging conversation on how institutional investors can adapt to today’s shifting global landscape. Drawing on leadership experience at CalPERS, British Telecom Pension Scheme, and Nuveen, Anson reflects on regulatory complexity, the evolution of global equity markets, and why a 30/30/40 allocation model remains relevant. The episode explores emerging market opportunities, accessing the illiquidity premium in private capital, and how rising uncertainty—from geopolitical shifts to potential changes in endowment taxation—is shaping portfolio strategy. Anson also shares thoughtful advice for early-career professionals on developing global perspective and getting the most out of the CFA® charter. Tune in for a timely conversation on building resilient portfolios in an increasingly interconnected—and unpredictable—world.

Christopher Shipley: Navigating US Equities, Tariffs, and Global Markets in 2025

What’s driving the curious performance of US equities in 2025—and what risks are flying under the radar? Christopher Shipley, Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Fort Washington Investment Advisors, joins host Mike Wallberg, CFA, to unpack the geopolitical and economic currents shaping investor sentiment. From the muted market reaction to Middle East tensions and the structural tilt of US markets toward growth, to the evolving implications of tariffs and AI’s layered impact across industries, Shipley offers a clear-eyed view on where investors might find both challenges and opportunities. Listen in for his take on why value stocks are resurfacing, how housing affordability pressures could shape the macro landscape, and why small caps might be ripe for a comeback. Don’t miss this deep-dive conversation on market resilience, risk signals, and forward-looking strategies for navigating volatility.

Nerina Visser, CFA: Elevating Investment Impact Across Africa and the Middle East

Guest host Chris Wiese, CFA, Managing Director of Education at CFA Institute, sits down with Nerina Visser, CFA, President’s Council Representative for the Middle East and Africa, during the CFA Institute LIVE 2025 conference. Their conversation spans the dynamic investment environment across the region and the evolving role of CFA Institute in supporting professionals navigating local and global challenges. Nerina discusses the structural realities shaping participation in the profession—including currency volatility, affordability, and access—and highlights new ways of thinking about program value relative to income levels. She also shares her advocacy for gender diversity through Women in ETFs South Africa and reflects on initiatives designed to ensure lasting, inclusive progress in the industry. Additional insights include strategies to overcome persistent misconceptions around ETFs, the role of transparency and education in investor decision-making, and a forward-looking vision for integrating African capital markets into the global investment ecosystem through regulatory alignment and regional cooperation. Tune in for perspective on unlocking talent, expanding access, and promoting resilience across frontier and emerging markets.

Barbara Stewart, CFA: The Smartest Things People Ever Did—Global Stories of Risk, Change, and Reward

Barbara Stewart, CFA, returns to The Enterprising Investor to share findings from her latest Rich Thinking study, based on candid conversations with 54 people across the globe. This year’s central question—“What’s the smartest thing you ever did?”—unlocks an inspiring range of stories about personal and professional transformation. From a Singaporean ballet dancer who defied expectations, to an Argentine executive who discovered the Japanese concept of ikigai, to an Australian entrepreneur who rebuilt his life after addiction, Barbara explores how risk-taking, mindset shifts, career pivots, and geographic leaps often lead to unimagined success. With trademark warmth and insight, she illustrates how the boldest moves can become the smartest decisions. Listen to the full episode for powerful, real-life stories—and explore the Rich Thinking summary on the Enterprising Investor blog for even more global insights.

Mark Higgins, CFA: Private Credit, Caution, and the Lessons of Financial History

At CFA Institute LIVE 2025, returning guest Mark Higgins, CFA, sat down with guest host Lotta Moberg to explore the rise—and risks—of private credit. With a historical perspective and a sharp eye for market cycles, Mark challenges the prevailing optimism, drawing parallels to past investment booms and offering a compelling case for greater caution. He also examines the expanding role of consultants and questions common assumptions in portfolio construction. A must-listen for anyone navigating the complex terrain of private markets.