KKR whitepaper: How CIOs can future-proof portfolios with alternative credit

A new KKR whitepaper is out, and it’s a must read, particularly for the forward-thinking CIOs working to future-proof portfolios through alternative credit solutions. The piece examines how U.S. corporate pension plans have entered a new era. With many plans now fully funded or close to it, my colleagues share a framework for CIOs to help shift from defense to offense through alternative credit solutions that can maintain strong downside protection while positioning portfolios to sustain returns in today's dynamic interest rate environment. https://go.kkr.com/48gjpq5

A new KKR whitepaper is out, and it’s a must read, particularly for the forward-thinking CIOs working to future-proof portfolios through alternative credit solutions. The piece examines how U.S. corporate pension plans have entered a new era. With many plans now fully funded or close to it, my colleagues share a framework for CIOs to help shift from defense to offense through alternative credit solutions that can maintain strong downside protection while positioning portfolios to sustain returns in today's dynamic interest rate environment. https://go.kkr.com/4gq64h8

Last month’s presidential executive order - “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors” - could unlock a transformative pathway for U.S. pension money to flow into private market funds. Click to read more about our take on how 401(k) could reshape private equity in the September 2025 edition of our Private Capital Advisory Insights. https://lnkd.in/e4wMiBpM #privateequity #401k

Retirement 3 - Cash Flow Allocation Most people, indeed most financial advisors, put a lot of emphasis on “Asset Allocation”; that is, where do your assets sit on your Balance Sheet? Are they invested in stocks or bonds? Are they based here in the US, or do you hold foreign investments? All of these questions, and many others about asset allocation are important. They just are not as important as cash flow allocation. What do we mean about cash flow allocation? Read on here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eHBdTE3n #teampatelsciabica

Great to see the conversation around private investments in 401(k)s picking up. The mark-to-market issues still don’t get enough attention — and Clayton is absolutely right about the concentration risk participants face. That said, there’s more to this than just allocations. Operational and behavioral challenges are being overlooked. Most plan infrastructure isn’t ready for private markets, and the average participant struggles with transparency and liquidity even in traditional options. Still — it’s good they’re talking. Progress starts with dialogue. #401k #privateequity #privatecredit #retirementplanning

Is Fiduciary Management still relevant for smaller pension schemes nearing endgame? As schemes approach endgame, the need for agility, oversight, and governance support becomes even more critical. This article explores how Fiduciary Management can help smaller schemes stay responsive to market shifts, manage funding positions more effectively, and navigate increasing regulatory pressures. 👉 Read the full article: https://bit.ly/46tdAV4 Investment involves risk

For small schemes approaching endgame, the need for oversight and governance support is increasingly crucial. In my colleague Chris Haywood's article below, we consider how Fiduciary Management is as beneficial now for small schemes as it ever was - if not more so! If you have a small scheme that you think we might be able to help with, I'd love to have a conversation with you.

It's been 6 months since I joined Charles Stanley and I've noticed some interesting benefits to the fiduciary model - in particular for smaller schemes nearing endgame - that I perhaps didn't fully appreciate before moving across. I wanted to highlight a few of these in a short blog below - enjoy!

Private equity in 401(k)s: exciting new opportunity or added risk? Michelle Rand explores how it could boost diversification—and why it may come with higher fees and less liquidity. #financialplanning #retirementplanning https://lnkd.in/ePGu9f8r

Private equity in 401(k)s: exciting new opportunity or added risk? Michelle Rand explores how it could boost diversification—and why it may come with higher fees and less liquidity. #financialplanning #retirementplanning https://lnkd.in/eC65h86p