The Zurich Q1 gathering of 100 Women in Finance on “The New Diversification Playbook: Public & Private Markets” brought together professionals from across the investment industry at the Swiss National Museum for an evening of discussion, reflection, and connection. Co-hosted with Vanguard, Blackstone, and Wellington Management, the event explored how portfolio diversification is evolving across public and private markets in response to shifting client expectations and a rapidly changing market environment.
Opening the evening, event moderator Penny Wilkie from the 100 Women in Finance Zurich Committee welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where professionals can exchange ideas openly and learn from one another. The event featured a distinguished panel of senior leaders from across the asset management industry, moderated by Rachel Harbers of Blackstone.
Setting the stage, Manon Duez of Vanguard framed the discussion around the “new diversification playbook.” As markets evolve and long-standing assumptions are challenged, investors are increasingly rethinking how they construct portfolios. Innovation, broader access to private markets, and new investment structures are reshaping how institutions and wealth managers approach diversification, while the underlying objective remains unchanged: helping clients achieve their long-term goals.
The panel explored how client priorities have shifted over the past decade, with greater emphasis on resilience, transparency, and access to a wider range of asset classes. Speakers also discussed the role of innovation – from advances in technology and AI to emerging trends such as tokenisation – in transforming how investors access and manage both public and private markets.
Alongside the market discussion, the panelists shared reflections on their own career journeys. A recurring theme was the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks. In an industry defined by constant change, embracing new challenges and continuing to learn were highlighted as essential ingredients for long-term success.
In her closing remarks, Abigail Ayodele of Wellington Management summarized the evening’s key message: while markets, technologies, and roles will continue to evolve, the commitment to serving clients – and to continuously developing ourselves – remains constant.
