Navigate the shift from siloed allocation to a dynamic "one-fund" mindset that integrates governance, culture, and strategy for superior investment outcomes.
What happens when asset owners stop managing asset classes and start managing the whole fund? How do portfolios change, and how does the industry reorient its business models around them?
In this episode, a practical sequel to Season 1's introduction, we break down how the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) changes investment processes, how portfolios differ under a Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) framework, and what this means for external managers.
With insights from CPP Investments, NZ Super, Blue Owl, and Capital Group, the conversation highlights how partnership, transparency, and solution-oriented relationships reshape the manager—investor relationship in a TPA world.
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association
CAIA Association is a global network of forward-thinking investment professionals, redefining the future of capital allocation in a world where traditional and alternative investments are converging at an unprecedented pace. United by a commitment to improving investment outcomes, we lead with authority, educate to inspire, and connect people who turn insight into action. CAIA Association creates dynamic and captivating learning experiences designed to engage investment professionals at every level. Its programs – the CAIA Charter and the CAIA.nxt™ platform – offer critical levels of access to a comprehensive curriculum that equips the investment community with the skills and knowledge needed to build modern portfolios. CAIA Association is a global member-driven community of more than 14,000 professionals, united by a shared commitment to improving investment outcomes and building a more aligned, principled capital market system.
Senior Managing Director and One Fund Strategist at CPP Investments
Geoffrey heads One Fund Strategy Group (OFSG), which reports to the CEO and helps optimise strategy throughout the organization by identifying priorities for the Fund. The OFSG works with leaders across the firm to prioritise and develop specific investment and operational strategies while helping build a unified team culture to invest as One Fund. Before taking on this role, Geoffrey was Senior Managing Director & Chief Investment Strategist, responsible for designing and implementing the Fund’s long-term investment strategy. He has also helped shape the growth and evolution of the Total Fund Management department after joining CPP Investments in 2011. Previously, Geoffrey held finance roles with Fannie Mae and Capital One Financial where he managed the global balance sheet. He also ran a consulting practice and was an Adjunct Professor at American University’s Kogod School of Business in Washington, D.C., and holds a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia and a PhD in Economics from Princeton University. Geoffrey serves on the Board of Directors of Antares Capital.
Head of Asset Allocation, New Zealand Superannuation Fund
Charles joined the Fund in 2015. As Head of Asset Allocation, he oversees the construction of the Fund’s Reference Portfolio, the allocation of risk capital across the Fund, the determination of the cost of capital, the modelling and monitoring of portfolio flexibility, and the Guardians’ economics function.  Charles’s previous roles include Head of Quantitative Research at MIR Investment Management; Head of Equities Research at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia; and Principal Economist in Transfer Pricing at Deloitte. Charles has also held a number of academic roles in finance and economics at the University of Melbourne, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Sydney. He has a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.
Institutional Solutions, Capital Group
A multi-asset investment leader with over 20 years of experience, this professional works at the intersection of sales, research, and portfolio management to deliver custom solutions for sophisticated asset owners. They are known for building strong relationships with clients and partners, translating complex investment concepts into consumable recommendations, and providing wide-ranging thought leadership. They possess extensive experience across asset allocation, risk budgeting, manager selection, portfolio construction, and building and leading teams at Capital Client Group, Inc.
Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Institutional Capital, Blue Owl Capital
James Clarke is a Senior Managing Director at Blue Owl and the Global Head of Institutional Capital. James has 23 years of asset management experience and oversees the business development and client service for Blue Owl’s institutional investors, including public and corporate pensions, sovereign wealth funds, foundations and endowments, healthcare plans, and large family offices globally.  Prior to joining Blue Owl, he worked for PIMCO, GoldenTree Asset Management, and Landmark Partners.  Originally from Australia, James has a BA from the University of Sydney.
