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SESSIONS

Broaden your view. Sharpen your FOCUS.

Get ready for an engaging FOCUS experience, featuring a wide range of expert-led sessions that will transform the way you work. More sessions and speakers will be announced soon!

Use the filters to find sessions by day, track, or topic, then select a session to learn more.

Main Stage

The FOCUS 2026 Main Stage explores how connected intelligence is redefining what it means to lead in investment management—and why the ability to act on insight has never mattered more. Bringing together forward-thinking clients, partners, and industry leaders to challenge assumptions and elevate thinking, the 2026 sessions focus on the ideas and shifts shaping the future of the industry.

FOCUS Opening + Welcome Address
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

FOCUS begins by cutting straight to what matters - setting the tone for what’s ahead and connecting the dots between today’s challenges, tomorrow’s opportunities, and the themes that will shape the next few days. Join us as we kick off the conference with a powerful opening that launches the conversations and momentum for a great week ahead.

Goran Skoko, Chief Revenue Officer, FactSet

Robert Robie, Head of Institutional Buy-Side Solutions, FactSet

Kristina Karnovsky, Head of Dealmakers & Wealth Solutions, FactSet

Christina Sradj, Global Head of Brand, FactSet

Keynote: Innovation Unleashed: Setting the Pace in Finance
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

FactSet CEO Sanoke Viswanathan will take the FOCUS 2026 main stage to share his vision for the future in his keynote, “Innovation Unleashed: Setting the Pace in Finance.” Sanoke will discuss how purposeful innovation will drive the future of financial services at the inflection point of agentic AI. He’ll outline how FactSet is positioned to lead clients through this transformation, with connected intelligence, open and flexible platforms, and technology that elevates workflows to accelerate insight, and empower decision-making.

Sanoke Viswanathan, Chief Executive Officer, FactSet

Keynote Q&A
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 3:50 PM - 4:20 PM

Sanoke Viswanathan, FactSet's CEO, will be joined by Dan Nathan, founder of RiskReversal Media, seasoned trader, and a widely followed voice on markets, risk, and investing for a rapid-fire executive Q&A - sharing his perspective on leadership, markets, and what’s next.

Sanoke Viswanathan, Chief Executive Officer, FactSet

Dan Nathan, Founder, RiskReversal Media

Breaking Down the Market Data Monolith
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Markets don’t wait. And neither can the infrastructure that powers them. In this main stage conversation, leaders from Vanguard, Amazon Web Services and FactSet share the strategic vision behind one of the industry’s most ambitious real-time transformations. This isn’t just about migrating to the cloud. It’s about rethinking the role of market data as a strategic asset. Take a look at how these teams re-architected a market data ecosystem to unlock real-time intelligence at global scale — strengthening resilience, accelerating innovation, and creating a foundation ready for the next decade of market evolution. Because in today’s environment, real-time isn’t an upgrade. It’s a competitive imperative.

Moderator: John Costigan, Chief Data Officer, FactSet

Panelist: Brian Cassin, Global Head of Industry Specialists, Capital Markets, AWS

Panelist: Bryan Vivaldo, Product Manager, Pricing, Reference, and Exchange Data, Vanguard

Fireside Chat
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Details to be announced soon.

Sanoke Viswanathan, Chief Executive Officer, FactSet

Eric Schimpf, President and Co-Head, Merrill Wealth Management

From Data to Alpha: Powering the AI-Ready Buyside
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Details coming soon.

Moderator: Alexander Nacht, AI Partnerships & Strategy Lead, FactSet

Panelist: Roshni Joshi, General Manager Field Engineering, Databricks

Panelist: Vatsal Pandya, Head of Data & Analytics, Federated Hermes

The New Allocation Playbook: Public vs. Private in a Changing Market
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

The lines between public and private markets are increasingly blurred. In this panel, investors discuss how asset allocation strategies are evolving—balancing opportunity and complexity while navigating shifting market conditions, client expectations, and liquidity needs.

Moderator: David Mellars, Head of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, FactSet

Closing Keynote
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Details to be announced soon.

FactSet MASTERCLASS

Discover how today’s leading investment teams turn insight into action with FactSet MASTERCLASSES. This series of five concise, role-based sessions brings innovation to life through real-world investment workflows, using a practical “day in the life” approach. See firsthand how FactSet’s connected intelligence seamlessly combines data, analytics, and AI to power smarter, faster decisions at every stage of the investment process.

FactSet MASTERCLASS

Alpha, Reimagined
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

The Future of Investment Research and How To Stay Ahead

Generating alpha today isn’t about having more data—it’s about identifying the right signals faster. In an environment defined by information overload, leading fundamental investors are turning to AI not to replace analysts, but to cut through the noise, enhance productivity, and make high-conviction decisions with speed and confidence.
Join Jana in this FOCUS MASTERCLASS and discover how FactSet unifies trusted data, powerful research workflows, and advanced AI capabilities within the FactSet Workstation. Through practical examples, you’ll see how these tools work together to streamline research, surface insights faster, and deliver a sustainable research edge.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Jana Ievins, Strategic Relationship Manager, FactSet

FactSet MASTERCLASS

From Portfolio Vision to Trade Precision
Tuesday, May 5 2026 | 11:15 AM- 12:00 PM

Leveraging Portfolio and Trading Tools to Enhance Your Day-to-Day Workflow

Turn portfolio vision into trading precision with the right lifecycle tools. Learn how leading firms save time, act faster, and make smarter, more impactful decisions across multi-asset portfolios. Join Matt McLean, Senior Director - Trading Sales, in this FOCUS MASTERCLASS to explore how FactSet’s Portfolio Management and Trading Solutions—including PM Hub, Portware Enterprise EMS, and LiquidityBook OMS—connect research, compliance, order, and trade workflows. See how integrated tools help you move seamlessly from strategy to execution and gain a true competitive edge in today’s markets.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM- 12:00 PM

Matt Maclean, Senior Director, Trading Sales, FactSet

FactSet MASTERCLASS

Signals to Systems
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Smarter Workflows for Seamless Systematic Investing

Markets no longer move on instinct—they move on systems. In this FOCUS MASTERCLASS, Jayden will explore how quantitative investors transform data into decisions, from systematic research and signal generation to stress testing and optimized portfolio construction.
This session will demonstrate how FactSet brings these capabilities together in a connected quantitative research ecosystem—enabling firms to move faster, test smarter, and scale systematic investing. See how an integrated approach to quant research empowers teams to build resilient portfolios and deliver results with confidence, every day.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Jayden Rufus, Quantitative and Risk Analytics Specialist, FactSet

FactSet MASTERCLASS

The Evolving Role of Performance
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Convert History, Power Analysis, and Learn How to Measure What Matters Next

Great performance means little if you can’t clearly explain what drove the results. For both institutional and wealth audiences, raw analytics are no longer enough. Today's clients expect clear, actionable answers. Join Matt in this FOCUS MASTERCLASS and follow the day of a modern performance manager to see how firms use total portfolio performance to move beyond static reporting. Learn how enhanced attribution, deeper insights, and more intuitive analysis help teams communicate results more effectively and strengthen client relationships.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Matthew Ross, Vice President, Director, Performance Product Management, FactSet

FactSet MASTERCLASS

Holistic Portfolio Intelligence
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Integrated Analysis & Reporting Empowering Daily Portfolio Insights

Today’s portfolios are more complex than ever. To fully understand them, you need to see the whole picture. Join Joe in this FOCUS MASTERCLASS session and explore how investment teams use holistic portfolio analysis to connect risk, performance, and exposure across the entire portfolio.
See how FactSet’s Whole Portfolio Intelligence brings these elements together to deliver clearer insights, stronger analytics, and reporting you can trust—empowering teams to make better decisions and manage portfolios with confidence every day.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Joe Correia, Vice President, Principal Sales Specialist, FactSet

Flash Sessions

Join FactSet leaders as they discuss the latest trends in Artificial Intelligence and Investor Engagement.

Flash Session

What if Research Could Do More?
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:50 PM - 3:00 PM

What if research wasn’t just information—but an intelligence system built for investment professionals? What if your workflow moved as quickly as the market, delivering insights that drive efficiency and smarter decisions?
Join Chris Ellis for an introduction to FactSet’s Research Intelligence—a unified solution bringing together AI-driven broker research summaries, detailed company models, and expert network insights from leading providers.
Designed to integrate with your investment process, the package streamlines access to the data and analysis you need, helping you save time, enhance decision-making, and operate with greater agility.
This Flash Session is your starting point to a more connected, efficient approach to research.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:50 PM - 3:00 PM

Christopher Ellis, Executive Vice President, Head of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, FactSet

Flash Session

What if Investor Engagement Could Move Faster?
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:50 PM - 3:00 PM

Join us for a first look at Corporate Connect, FactSet’s approach to more connected, efficient investor–issuer engagement. Designed to reduce friction on both sides, Corporate Connect brings outreach, insight, and prioritization into a more streamlined, intuitive workflow. Curious what that looks like in practice? This Flash Session is where it starts.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:50 PM - 3:00 PM

Kristina Karnovsky, Head of Dealmakers and Wealth Solutions, FactSet

Flash Session

Inside FactSet Intelligence – How FactSet is Architecting the AI-Driven Future of Finance
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Forget AI as a feature. At FactSet, we are building AI as an architecture for action.
Join Chief AI Officer Kate Stepp for a fast-paced deep dive into FactSet Intelligence (FI) - the architecture driving and redefining how workflows get done.
From AI-ready data to MCP integrations to agent triggers and real AI agents, Kate unpacks the layers that build “connected intelligence” and turn static data into autonomous action. You’ll get a live look at FI in motion, with demos showing how we bring agentic capabilities to life.
If you want to understand not just what AI can do, but how FactSet is building it into every workflow, this is your inside look.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Kate Stepp, Chief AI Officer, FactSet

BREAKOUT TRACK 1

Platform Power

Discover how unified front- and middle-office solutions help asset managers, asset owners, and wealth professionals drive agility, insight, and scale. From research and trading to risk, performance, and reporting, learn how firms are redefining operating models through stronger connectivity, automation, and data-driven analytics.

Breakout Session

Beyond the Dream: Navigating the Journey to Modern Systems
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

During this fireside chat, we’ll explore the evolution of operating models in today’s dynamic landscape. From the shift between open, best-in-breed ecosystems and closed, monolithic systems to the growing role of outsourcing and managed services, we’ll unpack the biggest drivers of change shaping the industry. Gain insights into building resiliency, future-proofing decisions, and understanding the competitive advantages and trade-offs of each approach to stay ahead in a rapidly transforming market.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Moderator: Nina Mayers, Vice President, Director, Performance Product Management, FactSet

Speaker: Diane Roberston, Vice President, Global Head of Investment Performance Analysis, T. Rowe Price

Breakout Session

Managing Risk in a Volatile World
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

In a rapidly changing world, effectively measuring and managing risk has never been more critical. This discussion will explore the models and strategies needed to accurately assess various types of risk, the role of stress-testing, and the importance of accounting for macroeconomic impacts in today’s unpredictable environment. Gain insights into innovative approaches for de-risking portfolios and staying resilient amidst global uncertainty.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator: Alec Mendes, Senior Director, Multi Asset Class Analytics, FactSet

Panelist: Ashish Shrivastava, Global Head of Investment Risk, Janus Henderson Investors

Panelist: Leon Chen, Managing Director and the Global Head of Risk Management, Lazard Asset Management

Panelist: Noah Comen, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Wellington Management

Breakout Session

Bridging the Divide: How Asset Managers and Wealth Managers are Reimagining Distribution
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Discover how the buy-side is transforming their approach to delivering products to the home office, wealth advisors, and retail investors. This panel discussion will examine the shifting strategies used to connect with end consumers, including innovative offerings and more efficient delivery methods. Learn how the relationship between product distribution and client needs is driving change across the industry.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Moderator: David Mellars, Senior Director, Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Brittany Bascom, Head of Investment Office, Manulife Wealth

Breakout Session

The Rise of Whole Portfolio Intelligence
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Institutional portfolios are more complex than ever, spanning public and private assets, multiple managers, evolving performance frameworks, and rising demands for transparency. Yet many firms still rely on fragmented systems, manual reconciliations, and delayed reporting to make critical decisions. From digital onboarding to whole-of-fund analytics and option-level performance insights, this fireside chat explores how leading firms are rethinking portfolio intelligence, embedding analytics into distribution workflows, and building scalable models that support faster decision-making and greater transparency.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Moderator: Matthew Ross, Vice President, Director, Performance Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Anthony Booth, Executive Director, Fusion by J.P. Morgan

Panelist: Jason Mirsky, Managing Director, Global Head of Data Solutions for Securities Services, Fusion by J.P. Morgan

Panelist: David Mellars, Senior Director, Product Management, FactSet

Breakout Session

Operational Alpha: Rethinking Data Management
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

What separates operational leaders apart is not access to data, but the ability to trust it, move it, and act on it at scale. And as portfolios grow more complex and client expectations increase, firms must rethink how data flows across front, middle, and back offices. Learn how your peers are modernizing data management and investment operations to reduce friction, improve accuracy, and support faster decision-making. Better understand common operational bottlenecks, governance challenges, and the evolving role of technology in creating a more connected operating model in today’s increasingly data-driven environment.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator: David Mellars, Senior Director, Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Rochelle Glazman, VP, Head of Product Marketing, Arcesium

Panelist: Joseph Wright, Business Architect, Investment Platform Capabilities, American Century Investments

Panelist: Steven Cipolloni, Managing Director, Blackstone Credit and Insurance

Breakout Session

Mission Critical: The Importance of the Performance Function
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Dive into the growing role of Performance teams as they navigate legacy roadblocks, adopt automation, and leverage emerging technologies to modernize workflows and streamline the performance cycle. This discussion will explore how functions can be automated, reimagined, or removed entirely--and explain how Performance teams are transforming into strategic advisors to the front office. Learn how these teams are driving smarter decision-making by calculating, analyzing, and distributing validated insights to downstream consumers with greater efficiency.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Moderator: Jeremy Welch, Director, Meradia

Panelist: Louise Head, Head of Global Performance Operations, Federated Hermes

Panelist: Tom Anderson, AVP of Performance, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Breakout Session

From Reports to Relationships: The Digital Transformation of Client Reporting
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Uncover how digital transformation is reshaping client reporting, moving from static PDFs to interactive, dynamic portals that foster growth and deepen client relationships. Discover how innovations like personalized dashboards, streamlined onboarding, mobile apps, and self-service platforms are not only unlocking new market opportunities but also enhancing client engagement and trust. In this session, we'll delve into how these cutting-edge tools are empowering firms to retain clients, grow assets under management (AUM), and stay competitive in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Moderator: McKay Marschalk, Senior Director, Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Jacky Fu, Partner, Head of Reporting & BI Solutions, North America, AlphaFMC

Panelist: Rob Bowles, Client Lead - Global TOM Transformation, Mercer

Breakout Session

The Middle Office Mandate: Performance at the Center
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

As performance becomes more embedded in real-time decision-making, the role of the middle office is rapidly evolving from support function to strategic orchestrator. Sitting at the intersection of front office demands and back-office controls, middle office teams are uniquely positioned to unify data, streamline workflows, and ensure the integrity of performance insights across the investment lifecycle. Explore how performance functions are increasingly serving as the nexus of investment insight, connecting portfolio construction, risk management, and client communications.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Moderator: Nina Mayers, Vice President, Director, Performance Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Alex Shafran, Senior Vice President, Head of Performance & Client Reporting, Cohen and Steers

Panelist: Stephen Langone, Vice President, Investment Performance & Analysis, T. Rowe Price

BREAKOUT TRACK 2

Investment Megatrends

Explore the major forces shaping institutional and wealth management firms today and tomorrow. From the rise of artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies, to sustainability and global economic shifts, this track brings together expert insight, real world case studies and actionable ideas to help you be better positioned for your next investment opportunity.

Breakout Session

Reimagining Systematic Investing: Next-Gen Quant Workflows
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Systematic investing is evolving rapidly as data availability, compute power, and AI transform how models are built and deployed. This session explores how next-generation quant workflows are enabling faster research cycles, more adaptive strategies, and improved portfolio outcomes.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Moderator: Shamin Parikh, Senior Director, Sales, FactSet

Speaker: Srikanth Iyer, Managing Director, Head of i3 Investments, Guardian Capital

Breakout Session

From Data to Decision: GenAI-Powered Research for the Modern Buy-Side
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM -12:00 PM

The buy-side is drowning in data—but alpha comes from insight, not volume. This session explores how generative AI is reshaping the research workflow, helping investment teams move faster from raw information to actionable decisions while maintaining rigor, transparency, and control.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM -12:00 PM

Moderator: Matt Vodicka, Senior Director, Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Nathan Chang, Director of Business Applications, Causeway Capital Management

Breakout Session

Trading Transformed: Mega Trends Driving Automation, Outsourced Trading, and Scale
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Data, automation, and outsourced trading are transforming how trades are planned, executed, and evaluated. Learn how modern trading desks are leveraging analytics, AI, and flexible operating models to improve performance and reduce execution risk.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Speaker: Aaron Hantman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Tourmaline Partners

Breakout Session

Navigating the Low-Carbon Transition: Opportunities, Risks, and Returns
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

The global shift toward a low-carbon economy is reshaping industries, capital allocation, and investment risk. This session provides a framework for understanding how climate transition dynamics are influencing markets—and where investors can uncover both opportunity and exposure.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Moderator: Andrew Bradford, Senior Director, Content, FactSet

Panelist: Constantyn Gieskes, Vice President - Project Development, Pacifico Energy

Panelist: Michael Bennett, Founder and Principal, Grid Asset Strategies Inc

Panelist: Nate Collamer, Co-Founder, Power Carve LLC

Breakout Session

Adapting to Global Macro Trends: Defense, Space and AI Infrastructure
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Global macro dynamics are evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping markets, asset allocation, and risk management decisions across the buy side. In this session, we’ll examine how rising defense spending, accelerating innovation in space technology, and surging energy demand driven by data center expansion and AI infrastructure are creating new investment opportunities and risks across global markets.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator: Erin Bascom, Senior Regional Director, Buy-Side Sales - Northeast & Canada, FactSet

Speaker: Pedro Palandrani, SVP, Head of Product Research & Development, Global X ETFs

Breakout Session

The Next Evolution of Performance Management: Behavioral Analytics for Alpha Creation
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Attribution explains what happened, but not how to improve. Today, asset owners and investment teams are demanding deeper insight into how decisions are made and how alpha is generated. As expectations shift, performance and mid-office teams are moving beyond reporting to help analyze decision patterns.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Moderator: Erin Bascom, Senior Regional Director, Buy-Side Sales - Northeast & Canada, FactSet

Panelist: Timothy Kubarych, Deputy Director of Research, Harding Loevner

Panelist: Alex Shafran, Senior Vice President, Head of Performance & Client Reporting, Cohen and Steers

Breakout Session

Generational Wealth Transfer
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

An unprecedented generational shift in wealth is reshaping investor expectations, asset allocation, and engagement models across the industry. This session will explore how the transfer of wealth is influencing market behavior, product demand, and portfolio strategies, and what firms need to consider to stay relevant with the next generation of investors.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Moderator: Erin Bascom, Senior Regional Director, Buy-Side Sales - Northeast & Canada, FactSet

Panelist: Doug Fritz, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, F2 Strategy

Panelist: Mayank Goradia, Head of Portfolio Construction, Fidelity Institutional

Panelist: Eric Triplett, SVP, Senior Investment Advisor, Wilmington Trust

Panelist: Kellie Weir, Portfolio Manager and Head of Austin Office, Brown Advisory

Breakout Session

Digital Transformation in the AI Era
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

As AI technologies continue to redefine how firms operate, digital transformation has become a strategic imperative rather than a technical upgrade. This session explores how investment organizations are leveraging these technologies to modernize workflows, improve scalability, and accelerate innovation through conversational experiences.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Moderator: Erin Bascom, Senior Regional Director, Buy-Side Sales - Northeast & Canada, FactSet

Panelists: Coming soon.

Breakout Track 3

Capital Connected

Capital Connected will explore how leading allocators are redefining mandates, models, and tools to navigate today’s complex investment landscape. From total portfolio thinking and performance measurement to in-house capabilities, data-driven decision-making, and evolving risk frameworks, this track unites the innovators shaping the next era of portfolio construction and capital deployment across public and private markets.

Breakout Session

Evolving Toward Whole Portfolio Thinking – The Total Portfolio Approach (TPA)
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Asset owners are rethinking traditional strategic asset allocation and moving toward a holistic view of risk, liquidity, and return. This session explores the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) and what it looks like in practice, the cultural and structural barriers to adoption, and how technology enables whole-portfolio visibility. Through case studies and a dynamic panel discussion, we’ll compare TPA to traditional models, examine the role of private markets, and hear where leading institutions are on this journey.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Moderator: Chen Sui, Director, Product Management, FactSet

Panelist: Nahean Nazmul, Head of Front Office Investment Management Consulting - NA & EMEA, Cutter Associates

Panelist: Pranay Gupta, Adjunct Associate Professor - Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Panelist: Jim Ulseth, President, Elementum Capital Group

Breakout Session

Strategic Manager Decisions: Research, Selection & Due Diligence
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

The difference between portfolio success and disappointment often comes down to the decisions allocators make. Join experienced institutional investors as they share how they identify differentiated managers, assess risk, and make high-conviction calls. Hear candid stories from both successes and setbacks, and learn the questions every allocator should be asking. From hiring emerging managers to tough termination decisions, discover the real-world thinking behind institutional portfolio strategies. This session offers rare insight into balancing conviction, governance, and career risk in today’s complex markets.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator: Wayne Coury, Senior Director, Asset Owners, FactSet

Speaker: Terry Dimock, Chief Officer Risk and Execution, National Bank Investments

Speaker: Thomas Quinn, Managing Director / Co-Lead PM, Xponance

Breakout Session

Data as Alpha: Integrating Public and Private Market Intelligence
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

As private markets and alternatives become a larger share of portfolios, fragmented data systems can hinder visibility and slow decision-making. This session will dive into how asset owners and wealth firms are integrating public and private market intelligence to enable holistic portfolio analysis, real-time risk oversight, and faster, more informed investment calls. Learn what best-in-class data integration looks like and why unified data is becoming a source of alpha.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Moderator: Tom Griffiths, SVP, Global Director, Asset Owners, FactSet

Speaker: Kelsey Syvrud, Director of Investment Strategy, Fire Capital Management

Breakout Session

Navigating the New Rate Regime: Asset Allocation in a World of Persistent Inflation
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Rising rates, persistent inflation, valuation dislocations, and extended private market timelines are reshaping how asset owners approach both liquidity and asset allocation. As the era of near-zero rates fades, investors are navigating higher-for-longer conditions while managing liquidity across public and private portfolios. This session explores how leading institutions are rebalancing duration, liability matching, and income strategies while addressing private market liquidity pressures. Hear how asset owners are adapting pacing models, reassessing commitments, leveraging real assets and structured credit, and building more resilient portfolios.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Moderator: Pat Reilly, Senior Director, Middle Office Solutions, FactSet

Panelist: Ryan Sullivan, Director of Investment Research, RVK, Inc.

Breakout Session

Benchmarking & Performance in a Private Markets World
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Measuring private markets performance means navigating valuation lags, evolving metrics, and imperfect benchmarks. This session explores how firms assess performance while integrating results into multi-asset portfolios. Learn how firms approach benchmarking, proxying, and how they explain outcomes to stakeholders.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator: Chris Dudek, Director, Asset Owner Sales, FactSet

Panelist: Bobby Blue, VP, Portfolio Construction, FEG Investment Advisors

Panelist: Chris Mattke, Senior Vice President, UNC Management Company

Breakout Session

From Dashboards to Data Science: The Allocator Tech & AI Stack
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Technology and AI are transforming how asset owners manage portfolios, assess risk, and communicate with stakeholders. This session examines the evolving allocator tech stack from build vs. buy decisions to practical applications of AI in research, signal detection, and scenario modeling. We’ll also tackle governance and fiduciary considerations to ensure responsible deployment of these powerful tools.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Moderator: Chris Dudek, Director, Asset Owner Sales, FactSet

Panelist: John Hoffman, Lead Product Manager, Carta

Panelist: Xavier Legros, Founder and CEO, Fundamatic

Breakout Session

Semantic Layers as the Foundation for Generative AI
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

A strong semantic layer is a prerequisite for trustworthy GenAI. The session examines how firms are building consistent entity definitions, harmonized schemas, and governed data models that allow LLMs and AI agents to reason accurately across structured and unstructured data.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Moderator: Peter Lynch, Senior Director, FactSet

Breakout Session

Navigating Data Complexities in Investment Operations
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

As investment strategies grow more sophisticated and global, firms face increasing challenges in managing data volume, complexity, and disparity. This panel will explore how organizations can enhance data governance, build effective quality control processes, and leverage AI and cloud-based solutions to streamline operations and reduce costs. Gain valuable insights into optimizing data management strategies to meet compliance needs, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in a data-driven industry.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Moderator: Arun Veluswamy, Director, Specialty Sales, FactSet

Speaker: Ross Brightman, Managing Director, Reference Data Tech & Operations, Wellington Management

Join us at FOCUS 2026!

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