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In this episode of The Money Maze Podcast, NEPC's Michael Manning discusses the evolving role of investment consultants, highlighting how they help institutional investors navigate complex markets, build resilient portfolios, and make strategic, long-term decisions. The conversation explores whether these consultants are indispensable in an increasingly dynamic investment landscape.

As with any technology, change happens gradually, not overnight. And GenAI is no different. While it may seem to many that the AI enterprise adoption is at a standstill because the financial benefit is not yet evident, important steps are happening behind the scenes that are setting the stage for broader scale adoption and monetization in the not-too-distant future. In this report, we address the common questions about the generative AI theme.

Pressure is building for professional services firms to tackle industry trends head-on, including M&A strategy, technology adoption, tax considerations, and succession planning. Some are also rethinking fee structures and commoditizing service lines; others are restructuring their partnership agreements and expanding their global reach as part of improving their client experience and meeting expectations. Instead of simply reacting to megatrends, competitive organizations and future-focused firms are making changes.

By most measures, the start of the first quarter of 2025 painted a picture of positive economic momentum and optimism in the U.S. Growth remained solid. Unemployment hovered near 60-year lows. Real wages were rising. Corporate earnings were on track for double-digit growth. And then it turned from optimism to uncertainty to sheer panic with the Trump administration surprising markets with a sweeping set of tariffs. By quarter’s end, the tariffs have ignited fears of global trade war, surging inflation, and a material growth slowdown.

Going into the year 2025, the insurance industry faces a landscape marked by complexity and uncertainty. In this summary, learn more about the top-of-mind insurance issues and what to expect in the areas of digital disruption, GenAI, reinsurance trends, emerging risks, economic trends, regulatory updates, evolving tax roles and responsibilities, and more.

Given the impact of the back-and-forth tariffs and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the risks of creating a bout of inflation or a bout of economic slowdown (or both) are very real. The uncertainty, market gyrations, and indications of a double-digit market correction at some point during 2025 are also creating tremendous angst. Instead of trying to dodge any market volatility and drawdowns, investors should stay the course. There are mitigating factors to the headwinds of the tariffs and DOGE. There will eventually be clarity.

Enhancing risk management is no longer optional but essential when the global landscape is fraught with uncertainties and disruptions that include changing business dynamics, shifting trade tensions, a tough tariff environment, geopolitical conflicts, and a volatile economic landscape. Building resilience across all aspects of the business is imperative now and for the long-term.