Masterclass in Private Assets | CFA Society Netherlands

In today’s fast-changing investment landscape, private assets, ranging from private equity and private debt to infrastructure and real estate, are increasingly vital for institutional portfolios, whether from the perspective of realizing returns, achieving impact goals, or tackling societal challenges.

Yet investing in these assets brings unique complexities: illiquidity risks, valuation challenges, and governance demands. Important questions are also being raised: Is there overinvestment in private assets? Are returns really above average? And is skill truly a differentiating factor for long-term success?

The Masterclass in Private Assets is designed for experienced investment professionals who want to deepen their expertise and gain new perspectives on private markets. This intensive two-day programme blends the latest academic insights with hands-on case studies, enabling participants to immediately apply learnings in their institutional investment practice.

What Does the Masterclass Offer You?

A deep dive into private markets: Explore advanced topics such as portfolio construction, due diligence, ESG integration, and secondary markets.
New perspectives on illiquidity and governance: Learn the latest research on risk-return trade-offs and governance frameworks.
Peer learning: Join experienced professionals facing similar challenges and ambitions—an excellent networking opportunity.
Expert faculty: VU professors, guest lecturers from top asset managers, and independent industry experts.
Practical applicability: Real-world case studies and interactive sessions, developed in close cooperation with VBA Academy.

Format & Teaching Approach

Format: Five sessions, in-person at VU Amsterdam, delivered over two consecutive days. Includes lectures, interactive discussions, and case studies. Pre-readings and follow-up materials are provided. Sessions are conducted in English.
Teaching approach:
- Case-based learning with real-world examples.
- Interactive workshops to foster collaboration.
- Guest speakers sharing first-hand experience.
- Research-based content grounded in the latest academic work.

The Masterclass consists of five sessions delivered across two days. Each is designed to address critical areas of private investing with clear learning goals and fresh perspectives:

Understanding the Private Assets Landscape
- Topics: Evolution of private markets; trends in capital flows; segmentation (equity, debt, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources).
- Learning goals: Holistic understanding of private assets in portfolios, macro drivers, pension fund allocation case studies.
Debates in Illiquidity, Valuation, and Performance Measurement
- Topics: Illiquidity premia; valuation methodologies; benchmarking; IRR vs. PME.
- Learning goals: Frameworks for illiquidity risk, valuation challenges, comparing private vs. public investments.
The Future of Manager Selection and Due Diligence
- Topics: GP quality, fund terms, alignment of interests, co-investments, AI and new technologies.
- Learning goals: Robust manager evaluation, spotting misalignments, executing co-investments, understanding tech disruptions.
Whereto with ESG and Impact in Private Assets
- Topics: ESG integration, impact measurement, SFDR compliance, climate risk.
- Learning goals: Embedding ESG in decisions, regulatory awareness, methodologies for impact.
Innovations in Portfolio Construction and Secondaries
- Topics: Portfolio design, J-curve management, secondaries, GP-led transactions, NAV-based lending.
- Learning goals: Balancing illiquidity/diversification, leveraging secondaries strategically, understanding NAV-based solutions.

The masterclass is designed for investment professionals who:

Have relevant experience in investment management, asset allocation, or portfolio analysis.
Preferably work in investment companies such as pension funds, insurers, endowments, family offices, or asset managers.
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field.

Fees:

€ 2.350 per masterclass

Discounted fees:

€ 2.300 per masterclass for members of CFA Society Netherlands
€ 2.250 per masterclass when registering for more than one masterclass
€ 2.150 per masterclass when registering for the full cycle of six masterclasses

Terms and Conditions Masterclasses/RBA designation apply.

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