Private Markets, Public Problem: How Illiquidity Is Becoming a Portfolio Advantage

What happens when public markets no longer provide the diversification they once promised? In this episode, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, is joined by Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute, to explore the tectonic shifts transforming private markets.

Tony shares insights from decades of experience working with institutional capital, family offices, and advisors. He breaks down the evolution of private equity, real estate debt, and evergreen structures and why today’s investors may be missing out on an illiquidity premium worth 3–5% per year. 

From secondaries to real estate, digital infrastructure to target-date funds, this conversation offers a masterclass in building smarter portfolios in an uncertain world.

What to expect in this episode:

  • Why diversification is broken and what’s replacing it
  • The rise of evergreen investment structures for individuals
  • How institutions use illiquidity to their advantage
  • What 401(k) plans and retirement models could look like soon
  • And more!

Related: The Strategy Behind Better Returns in Tough Markets