The Allocation Agenda

In this episode of The Allocation Agenda, host Steve MacDonald sits down with Pradeep Tekkey, Chief Data Officer at Harbor Capital Advisors, to explore how data is transforming the investment management industry — and why firms that overlook it do so at their own peril.From growing up in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands without a television to leading Harbor’s Data Intelligence Center of Excellence, Pradeep’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability, innovation, and strategic vision.He shares how Harbor Capital is:Re-engineering business processes to remove inefficienciesUsing data lineage and cataloging to improve transparency and decision-makingBalancing efficiency gains with competitive differentiationBuilding resilience and trust through robust risk and access controlsEmbedding a nimble, 18-month tech roadmap mindset instead of long, rigid strategiesYou’ll hear how Pradeep views data not just as information, but as the lifeblood of active management — essential for delivering insight, efficiency, and performance in a world of fee pressures and fast-moving technology.

The Allocation Agenda with Jason WindtGuest: Jason Windt, Director of Operational Due Diligence, Impact and Private Equity at M&G InvestmentsHost: Steve MacDonaldIn this episode of The Allocation Agenda, Steve MacDonald sits down with Jason Windt, a leader in operational due diligence at M&G Investments, to explore how data is transforming the investment management industry.Jason shares his journey from semi-pro cricket in South Africa to leading operational risk management across 500+ funds with just a team of three. He unpacks how digital tools, data integration, and automation are reshaping the way allocators monitor risk, manage compliance, and scale their operations—without increasing headcount.You’ll hear:• Why digitizing operational workflows is critical for scale and efficiency• How real-time data access enabled M&G to navigate the US regional banking crisis• The power of automated DDQs and benchmark dashboards for better fund manager engagement• Use cases of AI, from legal reviews to ongoing risk monitoring• The importance of cross-system integration for a unified view of risk and opportunityJason also discusses the evolving role of AI in operational due diligence and why governance is as crucial as innovation. His advice? Embrace digital adoption and data transparency to unlock smarter decision-making and build more resilient investment portfolios.

In this episode of The Allocation Agenda, we sit down with Matthew Burrows, Director of Investment Relations and Marketing at Frostrow Capital LLP, to explore the role of the intermediary in allocator–manager relationships. With a background in discretionary portfolio management, and now working as the 'middleman' between allocators and fund managers, Burrows offers a unique perspective on how to build trust and alignment between two distinct sides of the investment landscape.He challenges the short-termism often imposed on fund managers, and argues that real conversations should be enabled, not replaced, by technology. From reconciling mismatched timelines to reducing friction through clearer communication, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to strengthen relationships in a fast-moving, data-saturated industry.

With over two decades of experience in manager research and investment analysis, Gary Tom offers a detailed examination of the 1940 Investment Company Act’s diversified fund rule. He explains why outdated constraints continue to shape trillions of dollars in large-cap assets, explores the real costs associated with capping top holdings, and shares insights on how managers and asset owners can advocate for a non-diversified approach better suited to today’s market dynamics.

Liron Mandelbaum, COO of Dasseti, shares insights from his Bloomberg career and how they shaped transformative strategies at Dasseti. He highlights the “aha moment” in investment management, exposing data collection challenges in private markets. Liron explores data democratization and how Dasseti streamlines data flows, replacing outdated processes with seamless, efficient solutions. "Our client’s job is to invest wisely, manage risk, and assess risk—not to structure data or figure out how to organize unstructured data. That’s where we come in." - Liron MandelbaumThis conversation highlights the intricacies of data democratization within investment management. He describes how Dasseti is paving the way for more accessible and structured data flows, easing the archaic processes traditionally burdened with inefficiencies. As Liron vividly depicts, aligning tech solutions with market needs can spearhead the journey from cumbersome dirt roads to seamless six-lane data interchange highways, benefiting asset allocators and managers alike.

In this episode of The Allocation Agenda, Matthew Stiling, Senior Operational Due Diligence Analyst at Investcorp-Tages, discusses the evolving dynamics between internal and external investment managers. They discuss the critical role these managers play for allocators, the importance of trust and transparency in relationships, and how new technologies are streamlining the flow of data between allocators and managers. Matt also highlights the challenges of rising costs, regulatory pressures, and talent retention while emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to internal and external management strategies."The key to success in this industry is trust, transparency, and culture. Whether you're working with internal or external managers, the relationships you build and the flow of information you maintain are what drive long-term performance." – Matthew StilingThe conversation also delves into the benefits of internal platforms, such as real-time data flow and operational scalability, and the unique opportunities external managers provide through niche strategies and diversification. Matt shares insights on how allocators can better manage relationships, ask for the right information, and leverage technology to improve efficiency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of investment management today.