Liquidity Illusion: The Wake-Up Call in Canadian Private Markets

In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with Nimar Bangesh of Obsiido to unpack one of the most infuriating developments in Canadian investing this year: fund gating.   After years of rapid growth, private markets have become mainstream in Canadian portfolios. But recent gating events have forced investors to confront a hard truth — liquidity in alternatives isn't guaranteed. Is this simply how private markets are designed to function, or is it a warning sign that investor expectations have drifted too far from reality?   Rob and Nimar break down the evolution of alternatives in Canada, the role they play in portfolio construction, and where the risks may be hiding. They explore whether the industry oversold accessibility, how advisors should think about sizing and liquidity management, and whether this moment marks a structural shift in how private investments are packaged and sold.   From private credit crowding to valuation pressures and de-globalization, this conversation goes beyond headlines to tackle the deeper issues shaping alternatives today and why a thorough due diligence process is more important than ever.   If you think alternatives are a free lunch — this episode may change your mind.   Speakers Nimar Bangesh, Co-Founder and CEO, Obsiido https://www.obsiido.com/    Chapters 01:23 Guest Background and the Genesis of Obsiido 04:03 The Evolution of Private Markets and Accessibility 06:52 Understanding Alternatives: Definitions and Structures 09:48 Liquidity and Governance in Alternatives 11:35 Changes in the Canadian Alternative Landscape 15:46 Why Alternatives Exist: Capital Market Construction 20:01 Benefits of Alternatives: Diversification and Return Enhancement 21:27 Common Misunderstandings About Alternatives 23:02 Resources to Learn More About Alternatives 26:29 Impact of Capital Abundance on Private Companies 27:08 Market Gating and Liquidity Challenges 30:25 The Role of Gating in Private Markets 38:14 Building a Portfolio: Strategies and Best Practices 41:52 Diversification and Manager Selection in Alternatives 43:52 The Future of Private Capital and Market Trends 45:26 Private Companies Staying Private Longer 46:13 Red Flags in Private Market Dealings 48:09 Final Remarks and Future Outlook 50:46 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts   Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/    Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/    Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/    Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/    Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/    Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/     Thank for you listening, please considering leaving a review and subscribing for future episodes.   For any questions, comments or suggested topics please reach out to Rob Duncan, [email protected]