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Attracting and retaining top talent depends on effective incentive programs that engage skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve ideal outcomes and drive sustainable value. As technological change accelerates and economic conditions remain uncertain, compensation and human capital committees play an increasingly pivotal role. Their mandate is expanding beyond executive pay oversight to encompass enterprise-wide human capital evolution—advancing talent development, engagement, and organizational resilience.

Most Wall Street innovations fail taxable investors by ignoring taxes, layering on complexity, and charging exorbitant fees. They are products in search of a buyer rather than solutions to real problems. Long-short direct indexing, like the index fund and ETF before it, is different: aligned incentives, transparent and reasonable costs, and a clear, measurable benefit. For the ultra-high-net-worth and family office investors, it can turn market volatility into a sustainable source of after-tax outperformance—something Wall Street has long failed to provide.

Crypto has long been treated as a fringe market, better known for speculation than innovation. That era is ending. Regulators and institutions have stopped ignoring crypto and started shaping it, notably through the GENIUS ACT, the first federal framework for U.S. Dollar stablecoins that combine aspects of the stability, backing, and regulatory clarity of U.S. Dollars, with the technological advantages of blockchains. Although improved, crypto remains an emerging and volatile market.

With the use of crypto assets increasing, the answers to ten frequently asked questions (the FAQ) provide clarification on crypto that goes beyond bitcoin in the fast-evolving universe of blockchain-based assets. From the perspectives of opportunities and risks, the FAQ explain stablecoins, utility tokens, and murky regulation, while stressing crypto’s real superpowers: speed, low cost, and global reach. And with the new U.S.

After a prolonged period of subdued deal activity and capital accumulation, private equity is entering 2026 with renewed optimism—flush with dry power and ready to deploy. Financing conditions are stabilizing, interest rates are decreasing, and valuations are beginning to reset. As the industry prepares for renewed activity, private equity firms are shifting from growth-at-any-cost strategies toward operational value creation, deeper diligence, and more disciplined risk underwriting.

The urgency and optimism of donors wanting their capital to do more have propelled venture philanthropy into mainstream conversations among individuals, families, and foundations seeking not only to give, but to drive meaningful, measurable change. As the broader impact investing market surpasses $1 trillion globally, more investors are treating philanthropy with the same level of strategic focus and performance expectations that guide their financial portfolios.

The asset management industry is facing massive opportunities and competitive pressures in 2026, driven by more regulatory clarity, technological innovation, and shifting investor priorities. Asset managers should expect to see more digital assets entering the mainstream, decision making powered by artificial intelligence (AI), and the democratization of alternative investments. In addition, private equity is increasing its investment in asset management and offering both opportunities and challenges as managers compete to be trusted advisors for new capital.

This year brings unique opportunities and challenges following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which reshaped key provisions affecting estate planning, charitable giving, and income tax threshold. Signed into law in 2025, the OBBBA permanently extends key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and introduces new measures aimed at easing the fiscal burden on individuals and estates. These changes also include adjustments to funding for certain social programs and green energy initiatives.

The client experience excellence is undergoing a profound transformation, with Agentic AI accelerating the shift. The goal is no longer just to serve the client well in a single interaction, but to connect every person, process, and digital interaction around a consistent, coherent, and human-centered experience. Powered by agentic AI, discover how leading organizations are delivering on the Total Experience promise by creating experiences that are anticipatory, effortless, and trusted.

In this roundtable discussion, NEPC’s investment manager research team shares perspectives on current market conditions, trends in investment management, and strategic priorities for 2026. From their deep experience and knowledge, they offer insights into their approach for evaluating a manager’s investment track record and proactive strategy for re-evaluating underperformance that may be outside the range of expected outcomes.