Tag: Diversification

Private Credit, AI Concerns, and the Power of Diversification with Mark Gatto (Ep. 96)

Private Credit, AI Concerns, and the Power of Diversification with Mark Gatto (Ep. 96)

Markets shift, headlines create noise, and uncertainty rises, but what actually matters when building a resilient portfolio?

How do you separate real risks from exaggerated fears and position yourself for long-term growth?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Mark Gatto, Chief Executive Officer at CION Investments, to discuss the growing attention to private credit and the role of diversification in uncertain markets. They explore how AI concerns are shaping investor sentiment, why fund structure and liquidity matter, and how infrastructure investing offers long-term opportunity. 

Mark also shares insights on manager selection, underwriting discipline, and how individual investors can access strategies once reserved for institutions.

Key takeaways:

  • How private credit continues gaining attention and why concerns around AI disruption may be overstated
  • Why understanding fund structure, liquidity limits, and redemption mechanics is critical for investors
  • How diversification across sectors and geographies helps reduce risk in changing market conditions
  • The difference between direct investing and allocating capital to other managers in private markets
  • Why infrastructure investing presents long-term growth potential across multiple sectors and assets
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mark Gatto:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mark Gatto is Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Co-President of CION Investment Group, CION Investment Corporation (CIC), and CION Grosvenor Infrastructure Fund.

He is also a Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund (CADC). Mr. Gatto serves on the investment committee of CIC and the investment allocation committee of CADC.

Mr. Gatto joined CION in 1999. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Acquisitions Officer from May 2007 through January 2008. He served as Executive Vice President of Business Development from May 2006 through May 2007 and Vice President of Marketing from August 2005 through February 2006. He was also Associate General Counsel from November 1999 until October 2000.

Previously, Mr. Gatto served as an executive at a leading international product development and marketing company from 2000 through 2003. Later, he co-founded a specialty business-consulting firm in New York City, where he served as its managing partner before re-joining CION in 2005. He was also an attorney in private practice prior to joining the firm.

Mr. Gatto received an M.B.A. from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, and a B.S. from Montclair State University.

Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)

Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)

Private equity might sound complex, but it simply means investing in companies that aren’t listed on public stock exchanges.

Are you ready to uncover the world of private equity and alternative investments?

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes Phil Huber from Cliffwater to explore the fascinating world of private equity and alternative investments. 

Tune in as they cover the potential advantages of private investments while mentioning ways they can represent a valuable addition to a well-rounded portfolio, especially for those seeking a work-optional lifestyle. 

Rob and Phil discuss:

  • The dynamics between public and private equity markets and why private equity is becoming increasingly attractive
  • The evolution of Cliffwater and its commitment to providing accessible, diversified private debt and equity opportunities
  • Some intricacies of alternative investments, including co-investments and secondary transactions
  • Insights into how even the ‘millionaire next door’ can benefit from sophisticated investment strategies historically reserved for large institutions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Huber:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

Phil has been featured in a number of notable media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, InvestmentNews, CityWire RIA Magazine, and Bloomberg TV. From 2018-2020, he was named one of Investopedia’s Top Financial Advisors. Phil was also named CIO of the Year by RIA Intel in 2023.

Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)

Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)

Did you know that more than two-thirds of adult Americans have yet to implement any form of estate planning? 

Even high-profile figures like Prince and Pablo Picasso faced chaotic and costly consequences because they lacked a proper plan.

Join Rob Curtiss alongside Roger Silk, CEO of Sterling Foundation Management LLC, for a deep dive into the essentials of estate planning. 

Get ready to learn how to set up a secure and impactful legacy, understand the implications of the upcoming 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and explore strategies to mitigate taxes and avoid probate, all while ensuring your wishes are honored.

Rob and Roger discuss:

  • The value of having a well-structured estate plan to avoid unnecessary legal battles and high taxes
  • Real-life stories of high-profile individuals who faced estate planning disasters
  • Insights into the 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and its potential impact on estate and gift taxes
  • Strategies for managing and diversifying highly appreciated assets to minimize tax liabilities
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Roger Silk:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Roger Silk, Ph.D., is the CEO of Sterling Foundation Management, LLC, and President of Lifetime Perspectives, Inc. Roger is widely recognized as a leading expert and innovator in the emerging field at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. 

Roger has more than three decades of experience working with and advising wealthy clients, high-net-worth families, and the advisors who work with them on a variety of issues ranging from the use of private foundations to the integration of sophisticated charitable planning into multi-generational estate plans. He has worked with numerous investment, accounting, financial planning, and legal professionals to educate them, their firms, and their clients about the benefits and characteristics of a full suite of solutions, entities, and planning tools.

The Role of Alternative Investments In Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 29)

The Role of Alternative Investments In Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 29)

With market volatility and political uncertainty being a few reasons, the truth is that the investment market doesn’t always cooperate with our portfolios.

But as an advisor, how can alternative investments protect our client’s portfolios? Do you know?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam talks about the role of alternative investments in building (and diversifying) a portfolio and the ways they are being integrated within existing client investment plans.

Sam discusses:

  • What you need to know about alternative investments
  • The four key tenets of SEIA’s due diligence process 
  • What kind of income and volatility do alternative investments face compared to public stock markets
  • How institutional investment strategies have trickled down to investment advisory firms and the changes that have been made for individuals rather than institutions
  • The value of identifying what’s important to your clients
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Miller:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.