Have you wondered what it’s like to be a member of the Thinking Ahead Institute? Perhaps you’re curious to find out more about the kind of work we collaborate with our members on? Our new monthly member spotlight series celebrates our valuable member base and showcases our collaborative work, from working groups to global studies.
Our newest 2025 partner, CAIA, takes the spotlight. Aaron Filbeck, Managing Director of Content & Community Strategy at CAIA, talks collaboration—from our joint paper and its industry impact to plans for 2026.
What inspired you to collaborate with us on the research paper, and what impact do you hope it will have on the industry?
CAIA Association and Thinking Ahead Institute are like-minded in their desire to introduce new and innovative topics to the broader investment management industry. Following our initial report Innovation Unleashed: The Rise of the Total Portfolio Approach, it became clear the industry needed not just theory, but a roadmap. Partnering with WTW/TAI allowed us to bridge that gap. Our collaboration brought together complementary insights and experiences, especially around the needs of asset owners. The result was a richer, more grounded set of findings that we both believe can support real progress across the industry.
Co-hosting the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) event was a brilliant opportunity to leverage both of our networks and thinking—what was your biggest takeaway from bringing those conversations to life?
A standout theme for me that echoed throughout the joint London event is that TPA’s real differentiator lies in the “soft stuff”: the governance frameworks and cultural alignment needed to make a joined-up portfolio truly effective. The technical elements matter, of course, but without organisational readiness, the impact is limited. This message resonated strongly across both our networks, reinforcing that it’s not until the governance and culture are aligned that you really unlock the benefits of TPA.
TPA’s real differentiator lies in the “soft stuff”: the governance frameworks and cultural alignment needed to make a joined-up portfolio truly effective.
Looking ahead, what areas of research or discussion excite you most in the coming year?
One area we’re committed to exploring further is the convergence between public and private markets and how it reshapes asset allocation, portfolio design, and even the internal structures of investment organisations. With markets evolving quickly, firms need to reorient their thinking across the entire investment system, especially around talent and decision-making. We’re looking forward to building on this work with the Thinking Ahead Institute in 2026.
Finally, what’s on your shelf? Tell us what you’re either reading, watching or listening to.
I just finished pop-science book on space exploration called A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through? Very funny, but also very informative (my favourite combination!). I am finally all caught up on the show, Slow Horses Apple TV, which is an excellent show based on a series of books that I’m hoping to start in 2026. Otherwise, my music library continues to grow. For anyone who wants to exchange top albums of 2025… come and find me!
Dive into our member spotlight series:
– Andrew Fisher, Head of Strategy at Australian Retirement Trust
– Yolanda Blanch Ruiz, Chairperson at Pensions Caixa 30
