Author: Sophia Caira
This webinar featured Thomas Mucha, Managing Director and Geopolitical Strategist at Wellington Management.
As geopolitical developments continue to shape the global landscape, we know this is top of mind for many of you. This session was designed to provide a clear-eyed view of the key geopolitical dynamics at play today — not through the lens of portfolio positioning, but as a focused conversation on the forces reshaping our world.
The Brave New World of Geopolitics – PPT
00:00 – Welcome and Introductions
01:18 – Thomas Mucha’s Background and the Role of Geopolitics in Investing
04:42 – The Current Geopolitical Landscape and Investment Framework
05:31 – The End of the Post-War Global Order
08:30 – Climate Change as a National Security Risk
10:44 – The Trump Administration and a More Volatile Global Environment
12:02 – U.S.–China Competition and the New Great Power Rivalry
13:47 – Defense Spending, Innovation, and National Security Trends
14:46 – Artificial Intelligence Through the National Security Lens
17:16 – Nuclear Weapons and the Return of Strategic Deterrence
19:29 – Investment Implications: Active Management in a Disrupted World
21:03 – Long-Term Investment Themes: Defense, Climate, and AI
24:33 – Q&A: North Korea, Iran, and Emerging Geopolitical Alliances
28:24 – Q&A: Which Geopolitical Policies Are Here to Stay?
30:46 – Q&A: Investing in Chinese Equities
32:16 – Thank You and Closing
The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.
All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.
Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.
© 2026 Catholic Investment Services (CIS), a registered investment advisor, and all rights reserved.
Catholic Investment Services was honored to collaborate on Investing With Faith: Engagement, Enhancement, and Exclusions.
We were especially grateful for the opportunity to contribute perspective around Catholic-aligned alternative investments and the role that broader diversification should play in the long-term stewardship of endowment portfolios.
Read and download below.
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The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.
All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.
Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.
© 2026 Catholic Investment Services (CIS), a registered investment advisor, and all rights reserved.
This webinar features Jack Brennan, CIS Founding Chair & Chairman Emeritus, The Vanguard Group, and Mario Giannini, Executive Co-Chairman & Former Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Lane, as they share their perspectives on private markets — why they matter, how they fit within a long-term institutional portfolio, and what Catholic investors should be thinking about in today’s environment.
00:00 – Welcome, Introductions, and Opening Prayer
03:04 – Why Private Markets Matter: Hamilton Lane on Private Equity Investing
06:48 – Illiquidity Premium Explained: Why Long-Term Investors Use Private Markets
09:04 – Private Equity vs. Public Markets: Governance, Leverage, and Value Creation
12:09 – Index Funds vs. Private Equity: Information Advantage and Portfolio Diversification
15:22 – How to Build a Private Markets Portfolio: Allocation, Pacing, and Commitment Strategy
17:13 – Private Equity Manager Selection: Access, Relationships, and Performance Persistence
20:58 – Liquidity in Private Markets: Long-Term Investing and Strategic Asset Allocation
27:26 – Private Equity Distributions, Secondaries, and Cash Flow Management
30:49 – Portfolio Construction for Endowments, Foundations, and Institutional Investors
33:04 – Private Equity Performance Cycles and Risks in Concentrated Public Markets
38:06 – Private Credit Investing: Returns, Liquidity Risks, and Evergreen Fund Challenges
42:16 – How Private Equity Valuations Work: NAVs, Mark-to-Market, and Investor Concerns
45:14 – Catholic Values Investing in Private Equity and Impact Funds
47:05 – Venture Capital vs. Buyout vs. Growth Equity: Key Differences and Opportunities
50:57 – Private Equity in 401(k)s and Retail Investing: Risks, Education, and Accessibility
53:15 – Thank you and Closing
The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.
All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.
Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.
© 2026 Catholic Investment Services (CIS), a registered investment advisor, and all rights reserved.
This “Mission in Focus” podcast—moderated by Tim Connors—featuring Jeff Rauenhorst in a fireside-style discussion highlighted the impactful work of the Catholic Climate Covenant and other uplifting endeavors. Timed to honor the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si’, this event explored how Catholic fiduciaries can support creation care through mission-aligned investment and energy stewardship. Jeff shared how the Covenant’s Catholic Energies program is helping Catholic institutions reduce costs and emissions, and the discussion highlighted other hopeful innovations that reflect the Church’s call to protect both people and the planet.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.
All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.
Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology.
Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.
© 2025 Catholic Investment Services (CIS), a registered investment advisor, and all rights reserved.
This “Mission in Focus” webinar—moderated by Tim Connors—featuring Jeff Rauenhorst in a fireside-style discussion highlighted the impactful work of the Catholic Climate Covenant and other uplifting endeavors. Timed to honor the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si’, this event explored how Catholic fiduciaries can support creation care through mission-aligned investment and energy stewardship. Jeff shared how the Covenant’s Catholic Energies program is helping Catholic institutions reduce costs and emissions, and the discussion highlighted other hopeful innovations that reflect the Church’s call to protect both people and planet.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
This virtual coffee hour features Scott Malpass (CIS Co-Founder and Former CIO of the University of Notre Dame) Ed Grefenstette (President & CIO, The Dietrich Foundation), and Adam Berger (Senior Managing Director, Multi-Asset Strategist, and Portfolio Manager, Wellington Management) as they discuss the markets, outlook, and emerging opportunities.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.
All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.
Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.
© 2025 Catholic Investment Services (CIS), a registered investment advisor, and all rights reserved.