2026 Private Markets Outlook: Access, Scale and the New Operating Reality

The ETF Signals heard across three continents

As ETFs continue to evolve from a product wrapper into core market infrastructure, global perspectives are becoming increasingly important. In this episode of Future State, we explore how the ETF landscape is changing across regions—and what those shifts mean for issuers, asset managers, and investors. Anna Bernasek is joined by Jeff Sardinha, Global Head of ETF Solutions at State Street, following an extended global roadshow across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Drawing on conversations with clients, exchanges, and regulators, the discussion examines the forces shaping the next phase of ETF growth—from the rise of active strategies and expanding use cases to regulatory developments, market structure, and the growing complexity of products. The conversation offers a grounded, global view on where momentum is building, how firms are adapting, and what industry leaders should be watching as ETFs continue to scale and mature. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Shifting Global Landscape for Retirement

In this episode hosts Tadhg Young and Anna Bernasek explore the shifting global landscape for retirement and what it means for financial services. They’re joined by Brendan Curran, Head of US Retirement at State Street Investment Management, and Jasper Martens, CMO of PensionBee, to discuss the macro forces reshaping retirement systems: longevity, changing career patterns, technology-driven engagement, and evolving capital markets. The conversation highlights emerging opportunities as firms adapt to a fast-changing market. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Digital Assets: A Regulatory Reality Check

As digital assets move toward institutional scale, regulation has become the defining factor. In this episode of Future State, we take a clear, fact‑based look at the evolving regulatory landscape and what it means for institutional markets. Cutting through hype and speculation, the conversation explores how regulation is shaping operating models, risk decisions, and the path from experimentation to scale. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Beyond the Buzzwords: Digital Assets, Defined for Institutions

In this episode, we explore the future of digital assets through a clear, fact-based lens—cutting through complexity to focus on the trends and regulatory developments that matter most. From evolving market dynamics to policy considerations shaping institutional adoption, the conversation provides essential context for navigating what’s ahead. Listeners will come away with a grounded understanding of how digital assets are maturing, where momentum is building, and how regulatory frameworks are influencing the path —cutting through complexity to focus on the trends and regulatory developments that matter most. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

2026 Private Markets Outlook: Access, Scale and the New Operating Reality

As private markets evolve, access is expanding, but so is complexity. In this episode of Future State, Tadhg Young and Katherine Lucas are joined by State Street’s Global Head of Alternatives, Scott Carpenter and Alpha FMC’s Jonathan Balkin to explore the structural forces shaping private markets in 2026. The conversation encompasses key themes influencing the space, from semi‑liquid vehicles and operational scale to retirement access and asset class opportunities. A pragmatic, execution‑focused conversation for leaders navigating what comes next.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.