#United States #Chicago #InsuranceAUM.com #Howard Marks #Insurance Asset Management

The 2025 Insurance Investment Executives' Annual Meeting

The highly anticipated 2025 Insurance Investment Executives’ Annual Meeting took place at the prestigious University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, drawing a sold-out audience of industry leaders and decision-makers. This event, organized by InsuranceAUM.com, marked a significant convening of minds in the insurance asset management sector, providing an invaluable platform for networking and knowledge exchange.

A Vibrant Discussion Environment

Over the course of two days, attendees engaged in high-energy discussions and panels focusing on pivotal areas such as the evolving landscape of investment strategies, risks, and opportunities within the insurance sector. The atmosphere was charged with insights, as leading professionals shared market-trend analyses and innovative practices while fostering meaningful connections.

Keynote Address by Howard Marks

The event featured a standout keynote by Howard Marks, Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of Oaktree Capital, who addressed the complexities of navigating market cycles and global risks that insurers currently face. Marks’ insights resonated with many participants, sparking conversations about the future allocation of risk and opportunity in insurance capital management. His emphasis on strategy and resilience is particularly relevant as the industry grapples with unprecedented changes.

Leading Topics Covered

In addition to the keynote address, several sessions led by senior professionals delved into timely topics, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. Discussions included:

• - Asset-Based Finance: An exploration of various financing structures and their implications for insurance portfolios.
• - Insurance Market Trends: Insight into investor sentiment surrounding equity and fixed income markets, including Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA).
• - Private Credit: The focus shifted towards private credit, moving beyond just middle-market direct lending, discussing how these investments fit into overall strategies.
• - Private Equity and Budget Planning: Addressing the needs of insurers in navigating illiquid budget allocations effectively.
• - Real Estate Debt vs. Equity: An engaging panel dissected the advantages and disadvantages of both investment avenues.

Participants appreciated the curated, Limited Partner-led (LP-led) environment, which encouraged fruitful dialogues and actionable takeaways. Stewart Foley, CFA and Managing Partner of InsuranceAUM.com remarked, "There's no other gathering quite like this in the insurance investment space. The insights exchanged here will help shape decisions across billions in assets under management."

Building Relationships for the Future

The event boasted an impressive ratio of 31 insurers to 1 manager, enhancing its exclusivity and allowing for concentrated discussions that laid the groundwork for future partnerships.

Thanks to the generous support of executive council members and sponsors, the meeting furthered its mission of advancing education and innovation in insurance asset management. The collaborative nature of the event showcased a shared commitment among attendees to navigate the complexities of the market together.

Looking Ahead: Austin, TX

For those unable to attend, the conversation isn’t over. The next gathering will be in Austin, Texas, where the Insurers' Private Credit Forum will take place on November 5–6, 2025. This two-day summit will hone in on the shifting dynamics of private markets within insurance portfolios, covering vital subjects such as direct lending, co-investment strategies, structured credit, and the regulatory landscape.

Registration for the Insurers' Private Credit Forum is open, and interested parties can stay updated by following InsuranceAUM.com on LinkedIn. More information, including registration details, can be found at InsuranceAUM.com.

About InsuranceAUM.com

Established in 2013 by Stewart Foley, CFA, InsuranceAUM.com stands as a premier digital platform for insurance investment professionals. It delivers educational content, industry insights, and unparalleled networking opportunities through a blend of events and thought leadership. The organization’s efforts empower insurers to make informed investment decisions, enhancing their strategies in a rapidly changing environment.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jackie Day
Phone: 321-806-8799
Email: [email protected]