Asset Allocation, Market Behaviour & Private Market Trends | ek Public Voices

In this episode of ek Public Voices, Karam Singh sits down with Brad Creighton, ex-Head of Asset Allocation, Mason Stevens, to explore how portfolios are being positioned in today’s increasingly complex and noisy market environment.

With constant debate across social media and financial circles around active vs passive investing, this conversation explores how experienced allocators actually approach portfolio positioning including the key trigger points and signals that drive asset allocation changes over time.

Key themes explored in this episode include:

  • The evolving active vs passive investment debate and how portfolios are positioned today

  • The trigger points and cues that influence strategic asset allocation shifts

  • How geopolitical developments and political narratives can influence investor behaviour and sentiment

  • The key differences between retail, UHNW and family office investors, and how their priorities have evolved since the GFC

  • How advisers can work more effectively with asset allocators to improve efficiency and client outcomes

  • The growing interest in private markets, including the increasing visibility of private investments across social and digital platforms

  • A practical discussion on how capital might be allocated today including the question: “If you had $20M to deploy, where would you start?”

As markets become more interconnected and influenced by behavioural and geopolitical factors, understanding how asset allocators think is becoming increasingly valuable for both advisers and investors.

This episode offers a grounded perspective on portfolio construction, discipline, and the importance of aligning allocation decisions with long-term strategy rather than short-term noise.

About ek Public Voices

ek Public Voices is a conversation series hosted by Karam Singh, Managing Partner of ek Private, where industry leaders and experts share perspectives on markets, wealth, strategy, and the forces shaping global advisory.

Important

Karam Singh, Authorised Representative of Capella Advisory Pty Ltd ABN 54 669 300 163 AFSL no. 550125. He can be reached at ksingh@ekprivate.com.au or 1300 193 136 

The information in this publication is factual information, and not financial advice. The information is objectively ascertainable information and is not tailored to your personal circumstances. You should consider obtaining financial advice before making a decision in relation to this information.

The views expressed by Brad Creighton in this discussion are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mason Stevens.

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