Navigate Private Markets in 2026 – Franklin Templeton – 1.13.26

Summary:

The private markets landscape is evolving rapidly. Join us as we explore the macro forces reshaping commercial real estate, private equity secondaries, and private credit—three sectors poised for significant transformation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Commercial Real Estate: With valuations at more realistic levels, which sectors represent the most compelling opportunities in today’s market environment.
• Private Equity Secondaries: Why the demand for liquidity is accelerating and what it means for investors.
• Private Credit: Why diversification across private credit makes sense in allocating capital.
• Infrastructure: An emerging opportunity specifically in digital infrastructure, decarbonization, deglobalization and demographics.

Hear directly from our seasoned investment managers as they share on-the-ground insights and practical strategies for identifying opportunities in today’s dynamic private markets environment.

Accepted for 1 CFP / IWI / CFA CE Credit

Speakers:

Tony Davidow is responsible for developing and delivering the Franklin Templeton Institute’s insights on the role and use of alternative investments. He also serves as the host of the Alternative Allocations podcast series. Prior to his current role, Davidow was retained by Franklin Templeton to develop a comprehensive Alternative Investment educational program for financial advisors.

He previously held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim and Schwab among other firms. Davidow began his career working for a New York-based family office and has worked directly with many institutions and ultra-high-net-worth families over the years. He is a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments.

Davidow received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award in 2020 for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler writing award in 2017 and honorable distinction in 2015. He is the author of “Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit, and Private Real Estate” (Wiley 2025). In 2023, Franklin Templeton’s Alternative Investment education program was recognized by WealthManagement.com with a “Wealthie” award for its contribution to financial advisor success.

Davidow holds a B.B.A. degree in Finance and Investments from Bernard M. Baruch College and has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA^®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Anant Kumar is a managing director and head of research with Benefit Street Partners, based in our West Palm Beach office. Prior to joining BSP in 2015, Mr. Kumar worked in the capital markets advisory group at Lazard Frères and the leveraged finance group at Deutsche Bank. Mr. Kumar received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, a Master of Science from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

Taylor Robinson is a Partner of Lexington Partners, primarily focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing secondary transactions. Taylor joined Lexington Partners in 2008 from JPMorgan, where he was in investment banking and leveraged finance. Aside from his investment focus and other Firm responsibilities, he is a member of Lexington’s ESG steering committee and Franklin Templeton’s global Stewardship & Sustainability Council. Taylor joined Lexington as an associate in 2008 from J.P. Morgan, where he was an analyst in investment banking. He graduated from Trinity College with a BA in Economic Public Policy and Law.

Richard Schaupp, equity owner and Managing Director, leads the Portfolio Management teams for a number of client accounts, including the Clarion Partners Real Estate Income Fund (CPREX) and Clarion’s value-add/opportunistic platform. As lead Portfolio Manager, Rick has overall responsibility for the management and portfolio strategy of these relationships. He also leads product development for private wealth clients. From 2005-2012, Rick was the assistant portfolio manager for the Clarion Ventures series and a separate account relationship. Rick has participated in the acquisition, asset management, and development management of over $4 billion of real estate. He originally joined Clarion Partners in 2000 and began working in the real estate industry in 1995. He graduated from Yale University with an M.B.A. – Finance, Public Economics and University of Notre Dame with a B.Arch.