Setting the standard for finance and operations in private markets
Join the Private Funds CFO Network at the 22nd annual New York Forum on February 4-5, 2025.
Connect with the most influential finance and operations decision-makers in private markets at the Hilton Midtown.
You will leave with:
- A benchmark against your peers about how your firm stacks up
- Understanding of current and future regulations direct from SEC powerbrokers
- Ideas and actions on how to optimize your back office
Join before November 15 to save $415+
Introducing our first 2025 keynote speaker
Michael S. Chae
CFO & SMD, Blackstone
Blackstone
Michael S. Chae is the Chief Financial Officer of Blackstone. He is a member of the firm’s Management Committee and investment committees across most of the firm’s businesses. Since joining Blackstone in 1997, Mr. Chae has served in a broad range of leadership roles including Head of International Private Equity, Head of Private Equity for Asia Pacific, and as a senior partner in the U.S. Private Equity business, where he led numerous Blackstone investments and served on the boards of many private and publicly traded portfolio companies.
2025 Featured speakers
Past attendees include:
What attendees say about the Forum
Lisa Costello
HCI Equity Partners
I have attended the CFOs and COOs Forum in NYC for many years. It is a great way to stay abreast of the myriad of topics that affect the PE industry. You will f…
Bernadette Mentor
Prysm Capital
The learning sessions and networking opportunities are invaluable. All of the topics are relevant and relatable and PEI’s ability to facilitate these disc…
Blake Bennett
Revelstoke Capital Partners
I really enjoy this conference. I can always count on the who’s who of private equity professionals to be in attendance.
Why the Private Funds CFO New York Forum?
Benchmark against peers
Understand how your peers are overcoming common challenges. The Forum will provide senior finance and operations executives with actions that can make a tangible impact at their firm.
Explore new services
Discover ways to streamline and improve your processes with a vetted group of private market service providers onsite and eager to assist you ease pain points in day-to-day activities.
Year-round intelligence and networking
As a member of the Private Funds CFO Network, you will have exclusive access to the New York Forum and stay connected with like-minded peers through our member’s activities across the year. Learn more.
Key discussion topics
Transformation/evolution of the CFO role
Tackling today’s fundraising climate
Managing the current regulatory environment
Adopting the right technology solutions to advance the firm
AI and the use of innovative technologies in private markets
Conducting cash and risk management
2025 Agenda
Download the 2025 agenda to see the timely and relevant topics covered at the New York Forum.
If you are interested in a speaking role please contact Kellie Green at kellie.g@pei.group.
All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET)
Agenda
Day 1 - Tuesday 4th
Registration – breakfast
PEI welcome
Seth Kerker, Director of Memberships & Events, PEI Group
Chair’s welcome
Keynote interview
Michael S. Chae, Sr. Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, Blackstone
We are honored to welcome Michael S. Chae, Chief Financial Officer of Blackstone, as our keynote speaker for an insightful state-of-the-industry overview. In this pivotal session, Michael will delve into the current economic landscape, providing a comprehensive analysis tailored for today’s CFOs, COOs and senior finance executives.
Drawing from his extensive experience leading one of the world’s largest and most influential investment firms, Michael will share his perspectives on navigating financial complexities, adapting to regulatory changes, and leveraging strategic opportunities in a rapidly evolving environment. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the key challenges and emerging trends shaping the financial industry, equipping them with the knowledge to steer their organizations with confidence and foresight.
Data Debrief: Trends Driving Focused Forecasting, Benchmarking Breakthroughs - and What They Mean for the Future of Private Funds
Reviewing in-depth people, planning and process data from PEI Group’s 2025 Private Funds Annual CFO Insights Survey, our panel of industry leading executive panelists will breakdown how this essential research can and should shape the future of your firm, inform your strategies – and rewrite the landscape of private funds as we now know it.
Speaker:
Deirdre O’Connor, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Managing Director, Cerberus Capital Management
Deirdre O’Connor
Chief Financial Officer & Senior Managing Director, Cerberus Capital Management
Read bioNetworking break
Part 1 | Understanding where the regulatory environment is heading
Three part series of 20 minute informal interview-style sessions highlighting representatives from top firms and will provide attendees with advice for weathering thorough an evolving industry.
Join us for an insightful discussion with Norm Champ the former Director of the Division of Investment Management at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this exclusive interview, we will delve into how investment firms can stay ahead of regulatory changes and build robust compliance programs.
Key Topics Include:
- Anticipating SEC Developments: Gain expert insights on emerging trends and potential regulatory shifts from the SEC. Discover strategies for firms to proactively adapt to new rules and expectations, ensuring they remain compliant and competitive in a dynamic regulatory environment.
- Building a Successful Compliance Program: Learn about the essential components of a strong compliance program. Explore best practices for designing and implementing effective compliance frameworks that not only meet regulatory requirements but also foster a culture of integrity and accountability.
Speaker:
Norm Champ, Former Director of the Division of
Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Norm Champ
Former Director of the Division of Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Read bioPart 2
Part 3
Networking luncheon
How It Works
Ever wish you could delve into a panel’s discussion topics with your peers – or the panelists themselves – while they’re still at the top of your mind and the tip of your tongue? In these uber-interactive breakout sessions, you get to do both!
Choose from 5 different deep dive topic options for a dynamic panel discussion on stage, followed by panelist-led small group brainstorms and breakdowns of panel subtopics.
Brainstorm Breakdown Panels end with the panelists reporting back to the larger audience so everyone may benefit from the knowledge shared amongst the smaller groups during their peer-to-peer workshops
Track A | Power Prep: Exploring New Tactics for Present Day SEC Exam | Peer-to-Peer Compliance Workshop
- SEC priorities are constantly changing year to year – are you keeping up? We’ll unpack the 2025 exam’s most pressing priorities
- An audit can happen anytime and constant, diligent prep is key – learn how to decipher which best practices ensure your firm’s exam readiness – at all times
- The keys to navigating reoccurring exam themes of recent years
Speakers:
Jon Franke, Partner, Rubicon Technology Partners
Alan Chen, Chief Compliance Officer and Associate Counsel, IPI
Mona Laungani, Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, J.C. Flowers
Track B | Beyond the Buzz: Tailoring your Tech Stack for Agility, Velocity, and True Value | Peer-to-Peer Tech Stack Workshop
- Trial and error: when is it the right time to investigate new vendors and solutions?
- What tech solutions are firms turning to as workloads increase with limited resources?
- Determining key considerations for costs, risks and characteristics of providers to quickly (but safely) find your firm’s footing in a rapidly evolving market
Speakers:
Matthew Norris, Senior Partner, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, The Edgewater Funds
Matt Norris
Senior Partner, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, The Edgewater Funds
Read bioTrack C | Data Driven, Future Facing: Keeping up with the Accelerated Evolution of Firmwide Data Management | Peer-to-Peer Data Management Workshop
- New approaches to developing data repositories, collecting diverse, accurate, timely data across your firm, and ensuring the value of collected data
- Exploring new, non-traditional uses for precise, informed data-driven decisions across your firm
- How to better take advantage of AI’s increasingly significant role in data management
Speaker:
Joann Barsky, Head of Finance and Operations, Townhall Ventures
Dina Colombo, Partner, COO & CFO, GreyLion Partners
Track D | Bigger, Bolder, Better: Scaling your firm as private markets evolve | Peer-to-Peer Data Scaling Workshop
- How does scaling differ between asset classes – and what operational strategies can be learned and applied from those outside your class?
- How does a firm balance resourcing and staffing to solve immediate needs while having a strategic mindset for future growth?
- Investor inquires: what do new and existing investors want to see from firms as they scale?
Speaker:
Kristen Laguerre, Partner, Finance and Operations, MPM BioImpact
Eric Lazear, Deputy COO / Head of Operational Risk Due Diligence, Titan Advisors
Sandi Kim-Suk, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, Engine No. 1
Track E | Carried Interest 2025: Building credible & creative carried interest programs for the Now & Next Generations | Peer-to-Peer Carried Interest Workshop
- How to find the right vesting structure and allocation methods for your firm
- Deciphering the best time to make changes to an existing carry program
- What are millennials & gen-z expecting from carry & how does it differ from other generations at your firm?
Speakers
Tara O’Grady, Chief Financial Officer, Paceline Equity Partners
Berat Rifati, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, Heartwood Partners
LeAnn Kilarski, Chief Operating Officer, Entrepreneurial Equity Partners
Choose from 4 top of mind topic options, as diverse groupings of the brightest minds in the business openly discuss their journeys, pitfalls, and victories while designing the essential blueprint for their firm’s future – and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Forget the crystal ball – this is an IRL look at what’s to come.
Interactive audience Q&A throughout- so don’t forget to submit questions ahead of time via the event app – or be bold and raise your hand to get the discussion going live as we pass the mic around!
Track A | Collaborations that Click: Aligning with Portfolio Companies though Values & Future-Facing Vision
- How to define and strengthen your role as a CFO and COO in portfolio collaborations
- Establishing proper KPIs and performance metrics for a diverse set of portfolio companies
- Determining the best solutions and tech tools for the crucial exchange of data with portfolio companies
Speakers:
Tracy Pizzi, Partner, Yellow Wood Partners
Katherine Gomer, COO & Managing Director, Maverick Ventures
Alexandria Fisk, Chief Operating Officer, Casdin Capital
Track B | War Games: Battling & Beating the Cybersecurity Risks of the Now & Future
- Exploring new ways of ensuring all firm employees are fully prepared for the latest risks & forecasted future of cyber-invasions
- Learn how varied sizes of firms are firms handling off-channel communications
- Portfolio company cyber protection & fully unpacking the GP’s fiduciary duty in 2025 and beyond
Speakers:
Gary Marshall, Director of Technology, Paine Schwartz Partners
Joshua Gilbert, CFO, Freestyle
Track C | Bots, Buzz & the Brave New world: How AI is Transforming the Now & Future of Private Funds (*and what a CFO can actually do with it)
- Getting started with current AI tools for risk assessment, processing financial data/valuation models, as well as investment discovery & deal sourcing
- Will AI be used to optimize investment portfolios based on current market conditions?
- How AI will be increasingly used to automate compliance processes – and what your firm can do to quickly adapt
Speaker:
Drew Carl, Chief Accounting Officer, Hamilton Lane
Ayanna Clunis, Head of Operations, Partner, TPG Global
Steve Sims, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Braemont
Track D | Getting Global: Navigating New & Next geographical Markets, Domiciles & the Foreign Waters of the Future
- The ins & outs of working with multinational providers & banks, cross-border fundraising tactics & regulatory impact when working in different domiciles
- How firms are communicating their product offerings for LPS & Assessing client needs as client bases are diversifying
- Weighing the risks, rewards and team preparation needed for potential pain points when venturing into the international market
Speaker:
Steve Mlynar, Senior Managing Director, CFO, Stonepeak
Networking break
EEC A | Total Tax Deep-Dive: Navigating the Tax Trials, Tribulations & Effects of the 2024 Presidential Election
These deep dive discussions designed solely for GPs will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- The impact of the 2024 election on taxing on the fund and portfolio company level
- Understanding tax efficiencies about fund structuring changes i.e., funding a GP commitment and waivers
EEB | CFOverload: Successfully Managing Today’s Compliance Workload
These deep dive discussions designed solely for GPs will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- How are you keeping your financial records in place – Are there different needs to meet compliance protocols?
- At varied firms’ stages and AUM parameters, what are you most concerned with?
- Managing & Preparing for the Future of the dual hatted CFO/CCO
Facilitator:
Fang Fang Fu, CFO, Turnspire Capital Partners
EEC C | The Ins & Outs of Mastering Modern-Day Investor Reporting
These deep dive discussions designed solely for GPs will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- Understanding LP reporting expectations & aligning current reporting timelines with regulatory pressures
- What do varied types of investors expect? (i.e., institutional investor, individual investor, etc.)
- Facing requests for additional information outside of reports
Facilitators:
Jeffrey Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Carnelian Energy Capital
EEC D | Staying Ahead: Exploring New Methods of Management for the CFO
These deep dive discussions designed solely for GPs will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- How to better organize your firm’s management fees and expenses
- Where firms are currently allocating cash & and how to budget efficiently to keep the firm afloat
- Get the download on the benefits of various fund types as a manager
Facilitator:
Mark Feirman, CFO and Partner, Cross Rapids Capital LP
Vendor voices: how to work together a create successful partnerships with firms
- Collaboration and cooperation – working with firms as their workloads are everchanging
- Ensuring that you are getting your client’s full attention
- Adhering to compliance and due diligence from the vendor’s perspective
- How are providers working with firms as they go through different life cycles and their needs evolve
- Considerations providers have when they take on new clients
- How are solution providers ensuring they are keeping up with industry needs and demands?
- Considerations when building and launching new programs or services for private markets
Closing remarks
Cocktail reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Wednesday 5th
Breakfast
Women
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
Karishma Chaudhary, CFO, X10 Capital Management
Sheenam Chadha, Chief Financial Officer, Sandbrook Capital
Venture Capital
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
Emerging Managers
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
Jesse Knapel, CFO & CCO, Prelude Growth Partners
Secondaries
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
CFO & COO Think Tank for Emerging Funds (GP only)
Delegates will have the opportunity to break into think tank sessions by job function to discuss what is keeping them up and night and to share best practices for addressing those problems. Designed to facilitate candid discussion, the closeddoor session for senior finance and operations professionals will top of mind issues and challenges impacting their firms today.
CFO & COO Think Tank for Established Funds (GP only)
Delegates will have the opportunity to break into think tank sessions by job function to discuss what is keeping them up and night and to share best practices for addressing those problems. Designed to facilitate candid discussion, the closed door session for senior finance and operations professionals will top of mind issues and challenges impacting their firms today.
Senior Finance & Operations Executive Think Tank (GP only)
Delegates will have the opportunity to break into think tank sessions by job function to discuss what is keeping them up and night and to share best practices for addressing those problems. Designed to facilitate candid discussion, the closeddoor session for senior finance and operations professionals will top of mind issues and challenges impacting their firms today.
Chair’s opening remarks
Keynote interview
Networking break
Track A | Leveling Up: Leveraging the Power of Leadership
These sessions are designed to provide insights and tips for individual success in their roles and how to best support their firms.
- Defining leadership and what it means to be a leader in today’s working world
- Understanding where and when to voice your opinions
- Team building & striking a balance between creating independent and collaborative team members
Facilitator:
Alice Mann, Founder and Managing Partner, Mann Partners
Track B | Powering through Project Management
These sessions are designed to provide insights and tips for individual success in their roles and how to best support their firms.
- How are CFOs staying on top of their workloads & prioritizing tasks?
- Delegating work amongst team and firm members & ensuring work assigned to other teams is accomplished
- How to be adaptable throughout a project life cycle & identifying the right time to take on a new project
Track C | Supporting and aligning with next generation talent
These sessions are designed to provide insights and tips for individual success in their roles and how to best support their firms.
- Adjusting to culture changes when employing younger people (i.e., communication styles, working environments, etc.)
- How to re-establish a culture?
- Getting an understanding of employee expectations before it’s too late
- What can CFOs do to coach and mentor junior colleagues?
Facilitator:
Caroline Young, Founder, Craftsbury Consulting
Track D | Channeling New Methods of Change Management
These sessions are designed to provide insights and tips for individual success in their roles and how to best support their firms.
- How to communicate persuasively and efficiently
- Steering conversations in a productive, strategic manner
- Proactive negotiation tactics
Track A | Market Overview: Secondaries in 2025 & Beyond
Hear from industry experts as they discuss their approaches to implementing new fund types and accessing cash in today’s market.
- Understanding the demand for this fund type in the market & what steps to take when launching a first-time secondaries fund
- What is the regulatory perspective on traditional and GP led secondaries?
- Assessing valuation strategies and methods in light implementing new fund vehicles
Speaker:
Mike Witkowski, CFO and Partner, Primary Venture Partners
Blake Bennett, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, Revelstoke Capital Partners
Track B | The Lowdown on NAV loans
Hear from industry experts as they discuss their approaches to implementing new fund types and accessing cash in today’s market.
- How are LP proceeds used and reinvested back into the portfolio or used to create a synthetic distribution?
- How mitigate some of the concerns around the use of NAV loans
- Getting greater transparency from potential and existing managers
Speakers:
Aaron Simkovich, Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, Maranon Capital, L.P.
Track C | Exploring Emerging Trends in Subscription Line Lending
Hear from industry experts as they discuss their approaches to implementing new fund types and accessing cash in today’s market.
- What is the demand and availability in the market for subscription lines?
- What liquidity challenges does the investors face as a result of the less frequent, but significantly larger, capital calls?
- What effects subscription line lending can have on reported fund performance figures
Speaker:
Kyle Wool, Chief Financial Officer, Energy Impact Partners
Track D | Launching a First-Time Private Credit Investment Strategy
Hear from industry experts as they discuss their approaches to implementing new fund types and accessing cash in today’s market.
- What steps to take when launching a first-time private credit fund
- Establishing fee amounts and structures & lifecycle considerations
- Assessing valuation strategies and methods in light implementing new fund vehicles
Networking luncheon
Carousel 1 | Optimizing your finance team for emerging funds
Following our popular roundtable and think tank formats, peers will sit down at tables to determine best practices on specific topics and their sharing ideas. At the end of the session, each table will report back to the whole room on their finalized approaches to addressing their challenges.
- Trial and error: how are you establishing the best processes and procedures to drive success?
- What tasks should and can be outsourced?
- Determining when it’s time to expand the team internally
Carousel 2 | Optimizing your finance team for established funds
Following our popular roundtable and think tank formats, peers will sit down at tables to determine best practices on specific topics and their sharing ideas. At the end of the session, each table will report back to the whole room on their finalized approaches to addressing their challenges.
- Trial and error: how are you establishing the best processes and procedures to drive success?
- What tasks should and can be outsourced?
- Determining when it’s time to expand the team internally
Carousel 3 | Addressing fundraising in today’s economy for emerging funds
Following our popular roundtable and think tank formats, peers will sit down at tables to determine best practices on specific topics and their sharing ideas. At the end of the session, each table will report back to the whole room on their finalized approaches to addressing their challenges
- Is the fundraising market slowing down and what can the finance team do to elevate the fundraising journey and process across the firm?
- Using existing and predictive data to make sharper decisions
- Building prosperous relationships with banks and lenders & the impact global affairs have on the private market fundraising environment (i.e., U.S. presidential election, global conflict, inflation, regulatory scrutiny, etc.)
Carousel 4 | Addressing fundraising in today’s economy for established funds
Following our popular roundtable and think tank formats, peers will sit down at tables to determine best practices on specific topics and their sharing ideas. At the end of the session, each table will report back to the whole room on their finalized approaches to addressing their challenges.
- Is the fundraising market slowing down and what can the finance team do to elevate the fundraising journey and process across the firm?
- Using existing and predictive data to make sharper decisions
- Building prosperous relationships with banks and lenders & the impact global affairs have on the private market fundraising environment (i.e., U.S. presidential election, global conflict, inflation, regulatory scrutiny, etc.)
Networking break
New Faces of Finance 2025
The private markets industry is embracing a younger, more diverse talent pool. This session will feature CFOs and COOs who have been recognized in our Private Funds CFO 2025 New Faces of Finance list. We’ll dive into topics such as:
- Major accomplishments they’ve been crucial in bringing about at their firms
- How to approach leadership and innovation as younger professionals
- What it takes to become a future leader in private funds finance
Closing remarks and End of conference
2025 Speakers
Contact Kellie Green at kellie.g@pei.group for 2025 speaking opportunities.
Norm Champ
Former Director of the Division of Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Connect with CFOs, COOs and their teams
The Private Funds CFO conferences enable providers to highlight their unique expertise to private equity’s most influential network of c-suite decision-makers. Sponsorship gives you:
- VIP access
- Thought-leadership opportunities
- High-profile branding
- And much more …
For more information on available sponsorship opportunities please contact Josh Stoller at joshua.s@pei.group.
2025 sponsors
Hilton Midtown, New York
1335 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
All conference sessions will take place at the Hilton Midtown, New York.
Where CFOs, COOs and CCOs connect, learn and grow
Value that extends beyond the event
Expand your network, build lasting relationships and discuss opportunities that will help take your firm to the next level with the Private Funds CFO Network.
The Network’s dedicated membership team will ensure your experience at the New York Forum is first class with personalized introductions, timely roundtable discussions and much more.
Unlock your firm’s potential at the Forum and beyond when you join the Private Funds CFO Network.
Expand your private funds Network
Connect with a carefully curated network of private equity CFOs, COOs, and other top leaders during events year-round.
CFOs-focused professional development
Network events are specifically crafted for executive leadership, with many CPE credits available.
Stay up-to-date on industry strategies
The industry’s top CFOs gather to share their solutions to the most pressing issues at Network events. Don’t miss out on optimizing your firm.
Discover the top CFO Network
The Network’s dedicated membership team will ensure your experience at the New York Forum is first class with personalized introductions and timely roundtable discussions.
Connect with top CFOs, COOs, CCOs, build lasting relationships and discuss opportunities that will help take your firm to the next level.
Stay up-to-date on the latest private market trends, compliance changes and industry-leading operational and finance strategies.
Unlock your firm’s potential for scalable growth and stay prepared for the future at the Forum and beyond with the Private Funds CFO Network.
Better connections with the Private Funds CFO Network
Purchase a 12 month membership to attend this Forum, and enjoy exclusive access to:
- Our network directory of top CFOs, COOs and other private equity leaders
- Preferential rates to attend other Network events in London, New York, San Jose and Chicago
- Invite-only peer groups, monthly virtual meetings and knowledge hubs for deeper insights
- and so much more…
Our Network makes decisions that shape markets
The Private Funds CFO Network is a trusted community of private equity CFOs, CCOs and COOs, with a wide range of resources, thought leadership and more. The Network provides members with essential information on market trends, compliance topics, regulatory insights, useful tools, online and in-person events and a comprehensive resource library. Members have access to behind-the-scenes, closed-door conversations among a community of peers who share their knowledge and expertise within our trusted Network.
Stay connected with the top CFO community
Kevin Gasque
Partner, COO, CFO and CCO, Greycroft
It is great to not only have quality networking opportunities but also valuable content. I believe The Network is the best available resource for those in roles…
Michaele Gobel
Chief Financial Officer, Equilibrium
The Network provides rich, deep content and events alongside a unique personal touch from the PEI team. I feel more engaged than ever and the Network creates no…
Pre-Event Resources
2025 Advisory Board
Contact Kellie Green at kellie.g@pei.group for 2025 speaking opportunities.