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Alternative Investor Conference



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29 days to go
4/27 - 4/29/2026
Duration: 3 Days
604 Participants

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Opening

Meridian


Speaker:

Achim Pütz Bio
Vorstandsvorsitzender @ BAI e.V. | Partner @ Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Keynote: Where Will the “Autumn of Reforms” Lead the German Economy? (GER)

Meridian

The global economy is dominated by geopolitical developments, most recently by the Iran war. Reacting to this new situation with short-term measures makes little sense. Instead, European and German economic policy must position themselves strategically—on the one hand through new trade agreements and a strengthening of the EU single market, and on the other hand through improving competitiveness.

The member states themselves are responsible for the competitiveness of their economies, as only they are familiar with their own economic policy challenges. In Germany, the issue is structural reforms that improve the cost situation for companies. Labor costs, energy costs, the intensity of regulation, and the tax burden are too high. Reforms in these areas are progressing only slowly. Instead, the federal government is relying on higher debt without achieving the hoped-for growth effects.

It is therefore time for a change of direction in economic policy.

Speaker:

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Lars Feld Bio
Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Wirtschaftspolitik und Ordnungsökonomik / Direktor @ Universität Freiburg - Walter Eucken Institut

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Private Credit in Transition – Why a Portfolio Is Incomplete Without the Lower Middle Market

Mistral
  • How has the market environment in direct lending evolved?
  • Why do smaller, established companies in particular offer attractive returns?
  • How can risks be minimized when gaining access to this segment?

In recent years, investors have had very positive experiences with corporate direct lending. However, margin pressure and looser documentation in the core market have been increasing. By contrast, the lower mid-market is characterized by less competition. The lower middle market in particular provides access to companies with resilient cash flows, strong equity backing, and conservative credit structures.

This presentation illustrates how the direct lending landscape is being reshaped in response to changing market dynamics, why smaller, established companies represent an attractive portfolio addition, and why a broad, well-established platform is crucial not only for sourcing transactions but also for securing access to them.

  • Private Debt

Speaker:

Fabio Biasion Bio
Portfoliomanager @ Golding Capital Partners
Florian Hofer Bio
Managing Director Investments – Private Credit @ Golding Capital Partners

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Opportunities in the European Infrastructure Debt

Orient

•    The case for European infrastructure
•    Key investment themes for investors
•    Insights into current transactions and pipeline

  • Infrastructure

Speaker:

Bertrand Loubieres Bio
Head of Infrastructure Debt @ BNPP AM Alts

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Differentiated Direct Co-Investments

Okzident
  • Superior risk/return profile of co-investment funds
  • Sourcing of direct co-investments outside the usual channels
  • “Double” due diligence requirements (at the asset and GP level)
  • Tactical exit options to optimize the risk and cash flow profile
  • Private Equity

Speaker:

Philipp Scheier Bio
Partner Private Equity @ Unigestion S.A.

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Building a multi-asset portfolio for alternative investments (GER)

Kristall
  • Between inflation, regulation, and transformation, institutional investors face complex challenges.
  • In a dynamic market environment, strategies must be rethought, risks reassessed, and opportunities leveraged in a targeted way.
  • How can a resilient portfolio for alternative investments be built in such an environment?

Speaker:

Susanne Skujat Bio
Senior Portfolio Manager Real Assets @ Helaba Invest Kapitalanlagegesellchaft mbH

10:35 am - 11:05 am

Sponsor vs. Non-Sponsor in today’s middle market direct lending: Implications on Risk, Returns, and Relationships

Mistral
  • Understanding the landscape: who are sponsors and non-sponsors?
  • Risk and return profiles: what drives performance?
  • Relationship-driven lending: building trust beyond private equity
  • Investor implications: diversification and resilience in portfolios



This presentation will examine the strategic differences between sponsor-backed and non-sponsor middle market lending, focusing on how these distinctions impact risk, return, and portfolio construction. Gain insight into underwriting approaches, covenant structures, and market trends shaping both segments.

 

Why It’s relevant for end investors:

  • Portfolio diversification: combining sponsor and non-sponsor exposure can reduce concentration risk and enhance resilience.
  • Yield opportunities: non-sponsor deals often command higher spreads, appealing in a high-rate environment.
  • Risk management: understanding governance and covenant differences helps investors assess downside protection.
  • Market positioning: with private equity dry powder at record levels and non-sponsor lending gaining traction, investors need clarity on where to allocate capital for optimal risk-adjusted returns.
  • Private Debt

Speaker:

Lee Landrum Bio
Partner - Global Head of Investor Relations @ Manulife I Comvest Credit Partners

10:35 am - 11:05 am

Investing Where Digital Transformation Creates Value: Directly Benefiting from Innovation, Digitalization, and Sustainable Growth (GER)

Orient
  • Access to a $7 trillion growth market – benefit early from the AI-driven transformation of energy infrastructure.

  • Additional revenue streams through the intelligent combination of different energy technologies instead of relying on single assets.

  • Stable returns, lower risk – targeted diversification reduces concentration risk and ensures predictable income.

  • Infrastructure

Speaker:

Detlef Schreiber Bio
CEO @ CYCAP

10:35 am - 11:05 am

Continuation Investments: Hype or Market Disruption

Okzident
  • GP-led secondary transactions are transforming the private equity market, whose volume is expected to more than quadruple over the next ten years.

  • Growing investor demand for mature, lower-risk assets, along with the increasing use of these vehicles by GPs, is driving this growth.

  • This is fundamentally changing the acquisition and exit dynamics within the private equity segment.

  • Private Equity

Speaker:

Nils Rode Bio
Chief Investment Officer @ Schroders Capital

11:05 am - 11:35 am

Coffee break


11:35 am - 12:20 pm

Panel: Infrastructure in Germany

Meridian


  • Infrastructure

Moderator

Dr. Thorsten Volz Bio
Partner @ Simmons & Simmons LLP

Panellisten:

Manfred Ackermann Bio
Geschäftsführer @ Emscher Lippe Energie GmbH
Dr. Bernhard Graeber Bio
Geschäftsführer und Leiter Real Assets @ EB - Sustainable Investment Management GmbH
Michael Henn Bio
Global Head of Green Deal Infrastructure @ Commerz Real Investmentgesellschaft mbH
Thomas Seibel Bio
CEO @ re:cap global investors ag

11:35 am - 12:20 pm

Panel: Private Debt: Default Risks in the Current Macroeconomic Environment

Mistral
  • Market Environment in the European Context
  • Discussion and Assessment of Potential Risk Factors
  • Managing Potentially Higher Default Risks in Direct Lending: Diversification and Asset-Based Finance
  • Assessment Based on Current Data on Default Risks in Germany
  • Private Debt

Moderator

Dr. Markus Geiger Bio
Head of Private Debt @ ODDO BHF Asset Management

Panellisten:

Jens Bauer Bio
Co-Portfolio Manager, European Private Debt @ Oaktree Capital Management
Dr. Benjamin Mohr Bio
Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung @ Creditreform Rating
Christopher Schubert Bio
Senior Vice President und Portfoliomanager @ PIMCO

12:25 pm - 12:55 pm

European High Growth Companies – Does Europe have the power to innovate?

Mistral
  • State of the market
  • Innovative companies in Europe (e.g. AI)
  • How to help growth companies in their growth journey
  • Identifying the right innovation and successfull company of the future

This session explores whether Europe has the power to innovate by examining high-growth companies across the continent. Focusing on venture capital and venture debt, it highlights Europe’s vibrant startup ecosystem—home to around 33% of global startups—while addressing the key challenge of scaling due to limited access to growth capital. The discussion will showcase how growth funds, including the role of a client (to be determined)  help bridge this financing gap. From the perspective of a German investor, the session offers insights into Europe’s startup landscape, innovation potential, and investment opportunities. For institutional investors, the session explains why European growth capital offers attractive diversification, long-term return potential, and access to innovation-driven companies at an earlier stage of value creation.

  • Private Debt

Moderator

Rizwan Khan Bio
Managing Director, Private Credit Product Strategy @ BlackRock

Speaker:

Sebastián Harlander Bio
Senior Investment Manager @ KfW Capital
Mårten Vading Bio
Managing Director @ BlackRock

12:25 pm - 12:55 pm

Success Factors for BESS Investments in Europe: From Market Potential to Payback (ENG)

Orient
  • Which European markets currently offer the most attractive opportunities for BESS projects?
  • How reliable are revenue streams for BESS projects, and what challenges exist regarding market risks?
  • What exit strategies are available, and what role do recycling and second-life usage play?
    Market sizing & storage duration – what is the path to fully bridge renewable energy intermittency?
  • Stand-alone vs. co-location – which business models for two different asset profiles?

European markets present compelling opportunities for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, supported by diverse regulatory frameworks and incentive schemes. At the same time, challenges persist, including supply chain risks, uncertain revenue models, and lenders’ assessment of bankability. Success hinges on robust income structures, well-defined exit strategies, and proactive consideration of recycling and second-life applications.

  • Infrastructure

Speaker:

Dr. Mathias Bimberg Bio
Head of Infrastructure @ Prime Capital
Gautier de Montalembert Bio
Investment Manager, Climate and Infrastructure Funds @ European Investment Fund (EIF)

12:25 pm - 12:55 pm

Aerospace & Defense in Europe: a moment of truth

Okzident
  • Unilateralism is back. And it is here to stay, because it is driven by long-term trends.
  • In response, Europe is increasing its defense spending and faces a crucial turning point and needs to ramp-up “Made in EU” solutions.
  • This development presents both challenges and opportunities for investors, especially in key sovereign industries.
  • During his keynote Fabien Roauldes will analyse the impact of this transformation and the resulting investment opportunities. 
  • Private Equity

Speaker:

Fabien Roualdes Bio
Managing Director, Co-Head of Aerospace & Defense @ Tikehau Capital

12:55 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch Break on level 4


2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

When investing becomes a lifetime passion - Innovation Next Generation Alternatives (GER)

Meridian
  • Origin of Wealth: Partners Group – Built differently
  • Set up of the family office: PG3 – Innovating Next Generation Alternatives
  • Shaping the future: Blue Earth – capital with impact

Speaker:

Urs Wietlisbach Bio
Co-Founder @ Partners Group

2:50 pm - 3:20 pm

Direct Lending: Three Common Challenges and Misconceptions (ENG)

Mistral
  • Cockroaches and the Private Credit Bubble
  • The “Doom” of Software Lending
  • The Upper Middle Market offers no Value
  • Private Debt

Speaker:

Jean Joseph Bio
Senior Managing Director @ Blue Owl

2:50 pm - 3:20 pm

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – A strategic allocation for institutional investors

Orient
  • Using batteries to power the global transition to a more sustainable energy system
  • Energy storage offers a compelling hedge against the inherent intermittency and market risks of wind and solar investments
  • BESS are no longer optional but a necessity to balance renewable generation
  • Infrastructure

Speaker:

Lefteris Strakosias Bio
Investment Director @ Gresham House

2:50 pm - 3:20 pm

Asia Private Equity - Opportunities and Risks

Okzident
  • Why does Asia matter - macroeconomic & geopolitical update
  • Our perspectives on Asia private equity investing in China, India and Japan
  • The Asian secondary opportunity
  • Private Equity

Speaker:

Rebecca Xu Bio
Founding Partner @ Asia Alternatives

2:50 pm - 3:20 pm

The custodian as your strategic partner (GER)

Kristall
  • More than just control: The custodian as a strategic partner in asset management
  • Between supervision and cooperation – efficient interfaces between asset managers and custodians
  • Digitalization in the fund ecosystem: How custodians and asset managers can work together to create efficiency and transparency
  • Regulatory developments in asset management: Opportunities and challenges for custodians

Speaker:

Marc Kriegsmann Bio
Head of Business Development @ Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe Privatbank AG

3:25 pm - 3:55 pm

Tailwinds for Alternative Investments: New Structuring Approaches Following the Location Promotion Act (GER)

Mistral
  • Structuring options for institutional investors in Germany
  • Practical report: Experiences from current fund and mandate structures
  • Outlook: Areas of action for managers and institutional investors

The presentation highlights the new structuring and investment opportunities offered by the Standortfördergesetz and uses current practical examples to show how institutional investors can benefit from this in concrete terms. The focus is on why the reform strengthens Germany's position in particular compared to Luxembourg, thereby opening up new options for end investors.

  • Law & Regulation

Speaker:

Dr. Bela Jansen Bio
Partner @ Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Martin Hüwel Bio
Partner @ Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

3:25 pm - 3:55 pm

Real Estate Strategy and the Leverage Paradox

Orient
  • Are portfolios of core unlevered assets really defensive?
  • The consensus view: leverage adds risk
  • Challenging the consensus: can leverage reduce risk?
  • Real Estate debt as a true investment solution
  • Real Estate

Speaker:

Vincent Nobel Bio
Head of the Real Estate Debt strategy @ Federated Hermes

3:25 pm - 3:55 pm

Private Equity Secondaries: Liquidity, Opportunities, and Strategies in Transition

Okzident
  • From Niche to Core: The Evolution of the Secondaries Market
  • GP-led Deals & Continuation Vehicles: New Pathways to Liquidity
  • Market Outlook: Growth Drivers and Risks Through 2030

This session highlights the dynamic development of the private equity secondaries market. We demonstrate how secondaries have evolved from a niche strategy into a core building block of institutional portfolios. Key drivers to be discussed include slower exit activity, GP-led transactions, and the growing demand for liquidity. Secondaries offer attractive entry points, diversification benefits, and potentially higher risk-adjusted returns — particularly in periods of heightened market volatility.

Speaker:

Charlie Bridgeland Bio
Partner @ Lexington Partners by Franklin Templeton

3:55 pm - 4:20 pm

Coffee break


4:20 pm - 4:50 pm

Secondaries Unlocked: Insights Across All Asset Classes

Mistral
  • Market Development & Trends
  • Deal Structures & Market Dynamics
  • Opportunities & Risks
  • Cross-Sector Themes
  • Outlook & Takeaways 

The lecture provides a comprehensive look at secondaries across all asset classes, highlighting key opportunities, risks, and market dynamics that are most relevant for investors seeking informed decision-making.

Speaker:

John Bohill Bio
Partner @ StepStone Group

4:20 pm - 4:50 pm

Offshore Hedge Funds for VAG Investors (GER)

Orient
  • The Offshore Myth: “Are these funds truly investable for VAG investors?”
  • Regulatory Reality: How investability is effectively achieved
  • High-return strategies beyond UCITS — what offshore structures enable
  • Key success factors for robust, compliant implementation

Offshore hedge funds are often perceived by German VAG investors as being non-investable from a regulatory perspective. This presentation demonstrates why this assumption is incorrect. Using a systematic and holistic due diligence and implementation approach, it explains how offshore hedge funds can be structured to be fully compliant and investable.

The focus lies on the structural advantages compared to UCITS funds, which enable access to high-return, diversifying strategies. Institutional end investors will gain practical insights into how regulatory requirements, operational security, and attractive return potential can be successfully aligned — even in challenging market environments.

Speaker:

Marcus Storr Bio
Managing Director Alternative Investments & Board Member FERI (Luxembourg) S.A. @ FERI AG

4:55 pm - 5:40 pm

Keynote: Fund Selection with Artificial Intelligence (GER)

Meridian

Forecasting the performance of actively managed funds is a difficult task. Nevertheless, academic research shows that various quantitative variables—such as past performance, fees, investment style, or manager characteristics—are associated with future fund performance. By combining such variables with methods of artificial intelligence, this information can be efficiently integrated. Empirical results indicate that funds selected in this way can achieve significantly better risk-adjusted returns than the average randomly selected investment fund.

Speaker:

Prof. Dr. Florian Weigert Bio
Professor und Lehrstuhlinhaber für Digital Finance, TU München @ Technische Universität München

5:40 pm - 5:45 pm

Closing remarks

Meridian


Speaker:

Frank Dornseifer Bio
Geschäftsführer @ BAI e.V.

Legend: Keynote, Investorspeech/-panel, Private Debt, Private Equity, Real Estate, InfrastructureLaw & Regulation, ESG, Hedge Funds, various topics