Milken Institute Global Conference 2025

In a complex and ever-evolving world, the Milken Institute Global Conference served as a premier forum for dynamic discussion, innovation, and connection. Leaders from various businesses, sectors, and industries gathered to explore key topics including geopolitics, health, economics, finance, and artificial intelligence (AI).

As a sponsor of the 28th Annual Global Conference themed “Toward A Flourishing Future,” we were excited to bring the power of our perspective — driven by deep industry insight, specialized expertise, and a spirit of true collaboration.

Key themes we explored included driving customer innovation, transforming organizations for the future, navigating financial uncertainty, leading in the 21st century, and unlocking the power of AI.

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We partner with the world’s leading financial institutions to tackle their most significant challenges, drawing from our deep-knowledge of our clients’ businesses, cutting-edge analytics, and an interdisciplinary team of strategists, innovators, operators, and former regulators.

Our Anti-Financial Crime Practice helps senior executives of major corporations and financial institutions navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape and manage risk.

Our Private Equity Practice has completed more than $100 billion in acquisition advisories over the past year, generating more than $50 billion in enterprise value over the last two years. We support clients throughout the deal cycle, from due diligences and deal execution to post-transaction support and integration.

Quotient — AI by Oliver Wyman, helps private companies and governments around the world harness the power of artificial intelligence. Our team of more than 1,200 digital specialists provides strategic advisory support, custom solution development, and enterprise transformation services to turn AI’s potential into measurable value.

The Oliver Wyman Forum is more than a think tank. It’s a community of senior leaders debating the issues shaping the future,  research that finds the signal in the noise, and solutions to global challenges.

May 5, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. PDT

Geo-Economics Leadership Network Meeting

The third iteration of the Milken Institute’s Geo-Economics Leadership Network will convene business, government, and civil society leaders as they discuss US and abroad strategies to address economic policy, climate mitigation, and technological advances in an ever-changing geopolitical context. In this conversation, cross-sectorial leaders will identify ways to create opportunities out of disruption by implementing new solutions to mobilize private, public, and philanthropic capital to address pressing regional and global problems in innovative ways.

Speakers: Daniel Tannebaum, partner and head of anti-financial crime, Oliver Wyman

May 5, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. PDT

The Intersection Between Alternatives And Private Wealth

As alternatives continue to gain traction, the private wealth sector's appetite for these investments remains on an upward trajectory. This growth is driven by factors such as the generational transfer of wealth, increased portfolio sophistication, technology-driven democratization of access, and a desire for diversification amid market volatility. At the same time, challenges persist, including access barriers, liquidity constraints, and the complexities of managing these investments.

This panel will address how managers of alternatives are adapting to evolving expectations for liquidity and transparency and what strategies are proving most effective for private wealth managers seeking success in alternatives.

Moderator: Rich Nuzum, executive director, investments and global chief investment strategist, Mercer

Speakers: Matt Brown, founder, CEO, and chairman, CAIS; Doug Huber, deputy chief investment officer, Wealth Enhancement Group; Kathryn Leaf, CEO, Pantheon; Lisa Shalett, chief investment officer for wealth management, head of global investment office, Morgan Stanley

May 6, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. PDT

Managing Water — The Next Big Business Risk

As water scarcity becomes a pressing global issue, businesses across industries grapple with the risks posed by dwindling freshwater resources. From supply chain disruptions to operational vulnerabilities, relying on water as a critical resource creates pressing considerations for companies striving for growth and sustainability.

This session will explore water scarcity's multifaceted risks to businesses, including its financial, reputational, and regulatory impacts. Panelists will discuss how innovative water management strategies, advanced recycling technologies, and corporate stewardship initiatives can be effectively designed to mitigate risks and what practical tools for integrating water conservation considerations into risk assessments, investment decisions, and ESG frameworks can be used to ensure long-term resilience in an increasingly water-stressed world.

Moderator: Cara Williams, global head of climate and sustainability, Mercer

Speakers: Mark Berryman, partner, Capricorn Investment, LLC.; Hershel Harper, chief investment officer, UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust; Jennifer Morris, CEO, The Nature Conservancy; Charles E. Owubah, CEO, Action Against Hunger; Bea Perezm, executive view president and global chief communications, sustainability, and strategic partnerships officer, The Coca-Cola Company

May 6, 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. PDT

Algorithms To Outcomes — AI’s Impact In Finance 

As AI reshapes industries worldwide, its influence on finance is profound and rapidly advancing. From asset management to private credit and wealth management, AI is transforming decision-making processes, enhancing efficiency, and uncovering opportunities previously inaccessible through traditional methods.

This panel will examine how the journey from algorithms to actionable outcomes is reshaping the future of finance. Panelists will discuss AI-driven predictive analytics and machine learning models transforming risk assessment and portfolio management in asset management and private credit, and ethical considerations and regulatory challenges arising from the increasing use of AI in financial decision-making.

Moderator: Gregory Zuckerman, special writer, The Wall Street Journal

Speakers: Andreas (Andy) Kreuz, deputy chief investment Officer, WorldQuant, chief executive officer, WorldQuant Millennium Advisors; Daniel Morillo, co-founder, head of quantitative strategies, Freestone Grove Partners; Katrina Paglia, chief legal counsel, Pantera Capital; Umesh Subramanian, chief technology officer, Citadel; Michael Zeltkevic, managing partner, global head of capabilities, Oliver Wyman

May 6, 2:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m. PDT

21st Century Lessons In Leadership

With AI integration, remote-working trends, and the growing importance of geostrategy in investment conversations, leaders face significant shifts in their organizations.

Now, a quarter of the way through the 21st century, this session will explore what leaders have learned from their experience of a dynamic and constantly changing culture and the skills required for driving future changes. Contributors to this off-record discussion will share insights on how leadership must adapt to keep up with the markets and how management can make difficult decisions amid seismic shifts.

Moderator: Mark Tebbe, professor of entrepreneurship, University of Chicago Booth

Speakers: Ana Kreacic, partner and chief knowledge officer, Oliver Wyman, chief operating officer, Oliver Wyman Forum; Aaron Schumm, founder and CEO, Vestwell; Henry Ward, CEO and co-founder, Carta ; Marcie Frost, CEO, California Public Employees' Retirement System