As interest rates rise and the global economy shifts, big investors are rethinking how and where they put their money. Leading this strategic shift is Dario Schiraldi, Principal at VIDA Holding and advisor at Greenstone Equity Partners. With deep experience—including years as a Managing Director at Deutsche Bank—Schiraldi helps wealthy families, institutions, and top-tier investors make smarter moves in an evolving financial landscape. His focus? Private credit, alternative investments, and structured products.
Why Private Markets Are Gaining Momentum
Traditional markets like bonds and public equities just aren’t delivering the returns they once did. That’s why many large investors are now turning to private equity, private credit, and real assets to get better results.
Private equity offers the potential for stronger long-term growth and isn’t tied to the daily swings of the stock market. Private credit—such as direct lending and structured financing—has become especially attractive in the current environment, offering solid returns with more control.
“Institutional investors are moving beyond conventional asset classes to generate alpha,” says Dario Schiraldi Deutsche Bank Managing Former MD. “Private equity and private credit offer insulation from short-term market swings while providing exposure to high-growth sectors and innovative companies.”
Real assets like real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources are also making a comeback. These tangible investments help protect against inflation and can provide steady income and long-term value.
The Rise of Structured Products in Uncertain Times
With interest rates continuing to climb, structured products are becoming key tools in managing investment risk. These financial instruments allow investors to tailor how much risk they take on—while still aiming for strong returns.
“Structured products allow investors to tailor their risk-return profiles precisely,” says Schiraldi. “Features like capital protection or market-linked returns help minimize volatility and keep performance on track.”
A specific area of interest: structured credit products like CLOs (collateralized loan obligations). These offer exposure to various forms of credit while helping to manage risk and enhance returns.
Rethinking Bonds: Keeping Up with Inflation
Inflation has changed the game for fixed-income investors. With traditional bonds losing their appeal, many are turning to more dynamic options like:
Floating-rate loans
Inflation-protected securities (TIPS)
High-yield corporate bonds
“In a high-inflation environment, maintaining real returns is paramount,” Schiraldi explains. “That’s why floating-rate and inflation-linked instruments are seeing more demand.”
Institutional investors are now blending these with other strategies—like private credit and structured products—to balance risk while aiming for consistent returns.
ESG Is Now a Core Investment Strategy
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a key part of long-term investment planning.
“Institutional investors aren’t just integrating ESG because of regulations,” says Dario Schiraldi. “They see sustainability as directly linked to risk management, capital efficiency, and future growth.”
Investors are backing projects in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and social impact—both to make a difference and to tap into emerging, high-potential markets.
How Big Investors Are Adapting — And What You Can Learn from Them
To stay ahead in today’s economy, institutional investors are shifting their approach. Key trends include:
Moving into Private Markets: Looking beyond stocks and bonds to private equity, credit, and tangible assets like real estate.
Using Structured Products: Customizing portfolios to protect capital and reduce volatility.
Diversifying Income Strategies: Rethinking traditional bonds in favor of more flexible, inflation-adjusted options.
Focusing on ESG and Impact Investing: Backing sustainable, socially responsible ventures with long-term upside.
“Strategic adaptation is crucial in today’s financial landscape,” Dario Schiraldi Deutsche Bank Ex-MD concludes. “The investors who stay flexible and embrace these shifts will be the ones who thrive in the years ahead.”