Private Funds
CFO
Network
CFO
Network
New York Forum
February 3-4, 2026
Convene Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty St, New York
Reimagined for a new era of CFO leadership
The role of the CFO has been redefined from back-office steward to front-line strategist.
To help your firm stay ahead, the 2026 Forum has been redesigned from the ground up to deliver what matters most: real clarity, deeper connections, and practical tools
Be part of a community that’s setting the new standard for senior finance executives.
Meet the 2026 keynotes:
John Stecher
Chief Technology Officer
Blackstone
– Unlock enterprise-wide value through strategic tech deployment
– Reduce friction with technology and AI
– Leverage real-time data to detect anomalies and mitigate risk
Bruce Karpati
Global Chief Compliance Officer and Counsel
KKR
– What CFOs and COOs should expect in the next phase of regulatory policy
– Whether the SEC’s pullback signals lasting relief or a temporary pause
– Practical strategies to stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements
2026 featured networking opportunities
Build a community that transcends the Forum
Divide & dive
Split into focused breakouts on the issues that matter most—risk, due diligence, valuations, and more. Each session delivers practical guidance and actionable tools to strengthen your operations in 2026.
Interactive breakout panels
Peer-led panels designed for candid insights and real-world takeaways. Walk away with tested tactics on fund strategy, portco support, cost control, and capital planning—straight from CFOs driving results.
2024 attendees include:
Featured speakers:
“A collegial and collaborative environment where senior leadership can share the challenges they face.” – Aaron Chan, CFO, Enlightened Hospitality Investments
“A very efficient way to get a lot of information and updates in a compressed timeframe with your peers.” – Chris Iorillo, CFO, Freeman Spogli & Co.
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
Covering the topics most important to you
Download the 2026 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)
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Tuesday 3rd
07:30 - 08:30
Registration & breakfast
Plenary
08:30 - 08:40
PEI welcome
08:40 - 08:45
Chair’s welcome
08:45 - 09:50
Keynote Series: State of the industry fireside chats
Three part series of 20-minute interview-style sessions highlighting representatives from top firms and will provide attendees with advice for weathering thorough an evolving industry.
Part 1: With the SEC withdrawing over a dozen proposed rules, is the private fund industry seeing a true regulatory shift—or just a temporary pause? Join Bruce Karpati, Global Chief Compliance Officer and Counsel, KKR to hear about what private fund CFOs and CCOs should expect from the next phase of regulatory policy.
Speaker: Bruce Karpati, Global Chief Compliance Officer and Counsel, KKR
Part 2: Current dynamics and pressures with talent recruitment & development in today’s environment
Part 3: Current dynamics and pressures driving stakeholder engagement
09:50 - 10:40
Data debrief: Forecasting & benchmarking for the CFO and COO
In this session, we will review extensive data from the 2026 Private Funds CFO Insights Survey conducted by PEI Group, which contains findings on people, processes, and planning for the future. These insights will provide the foundation for a robust discussion with an esteemed panel of CFOs and COOs representing a broad spectrum of private funds
10:40 - 11:00
Networking break
Divide & Dive Sessions
11:00 - 11:40
Financial Technology That Delivers: Measuring ROI from Tech Adoption
- Real examples where tech-enabled workflows and centralized data have delivered measurable time and cost savings
- how better scenario modeling has translated into real ROI—like avoided overspend, optimized cash reserves, and enhanced investor confidence
- Learn how firms are achieving growth while holding team size flat—thanks to automation, consolidated reporting environments, and more efficient workflows.
11:00 - 11:40
Risk Management: Dealing with Market Volatility and Economic Uncertainty
- Political instability, regime change, sanctions, or trade restrictions
- Exposure to foreign currency volatility
- Monitoring cross-portfolio risk concentration (e.g., sector, customer, supplier)
11:50 - 00:30
Operational Due Diligence Prep: What LPs Really Want to See Bullets:
- Identify and address the most common ODD red flags before LPs do
- Build a proactive data room that aligns with institutional expectations
- Craft an operational narrative that reinforces your firm’s readiness, reliability, and scalability
11:50 - 00:30
What’s Next: CFO Priorities in a New Tax Environment
- Impact of Recent and Proposed U.S. Tax Changes
- Global Tax Developments & Cross-Border Structures
- Tax Reporting, Technology, and LP Expectations
- Fund Structuring, Blockers, and Tax-Efficient Exits
00:30 - 13:30
Networking luncheon
Interactive Breakout Panels
13:30 - 14:20
Track A - Reduce Burn, Extend Runway: Practical Strategies for Cost Efficiency in a High-Rate Environment
- Strategies financial discipline & strategic budgeting
- Identifying the most effective cost-saving opportunities across headcount, tech stack, and vendor management—without derailing growth
- Evaluating debt vs. equity trade-offs, non-dilutive funding options, and how to extend runway without a down round
13:30 - 14:20
Track B - Cybersecurity as a Financial Risk: War Stories and Lessons Learned
- Real examples of pinpointing vulnerabilities in critical financial systems and data—and the lessons that followed
- How CFOs quantified cyber risk in financial terms to inform budgeting decisions, insurance coverage, and risk disclosures
- Establishing actionable cybersecurity KPIs that provide the C-suite with meaningful, ongoing visibility
13:30 - 14:20
Track C - Acting as a thought partner to portcos
- Helping Portfolio Companies: Budgeting, Forecasting & Scenario Planning
- Establishing or supporting finance function maturity
- Strategic finance & value creation
- Advising portco CFOs and CEOs on strategic decisions (M&A, pricing, capex, financing)
13:30 - 14:20
Track D - The Future of Fund Economics: Reimagined Carry Structures & Incentives
- Adapting incentive models for continuation vehicles, evergreen structures, and longer hold periods
- Evolving expectations around how much GPs should contribute and how they’re incentivized beyond carry
- Designing carry and bonus structures that reward value creation earlier in the fund life, not just at exit
13:30 - 14:20
Track E - Valuation Under the Microscope: Navigating Fair Value Compliance in a New Regulatory Era
- Practical approaches to defend value and maintain alignment, particularly as LPs compare strategies and vintages
14:30 - 15:20
Track A - Financing Strategy in a High-Rate Environment: Preserving Optionality and Fueling Efficient Growth
- Preserving optionality through capital structuring
- Stress testing cash flow and capital plans under macro pressure
- Redefining success metrics in a higher-cost capital environment
- Communicating capital strategy to LPs, lenders, and internal stakeholders
14:30 - 15:20
Track B - The CFO/COO as Strategic Business Partner: Driving Value Beyond Operations Bullets:
- How to shift from transactional support to proactive, strategic collaboration with investment teams
- Building the skills and mindset needed to influence key business decisions and growth initiatives
- Real-world examples of CFOs/COOs leading cross-functional impact and shaping firm strategy
14:30 - 15:20
Track C - Exit-Ready Financials: Preparing Portfolio Companies for Clean Exits
- Aligning portco timelines and performance with fund liquidity and return targets
- Preparing financials and forecasts for potential exits
- Ensuring clean books, data rooms, and diligence readiness
- Use of fractional CFOs
14:30 - 15:20
Track D - The Operational Maturity Journey: Benchmarking Your Evolution
- Learn a practical maturity model to benchmark your firm’s operational capabilities against peers
- Identify the key inflection points that signal it’s time to evolve systems, processes, or structure
- Learn how to sequence improvements efficiently—prioritizing what moves the needle most
14:30 - 15:20
Track E - Fundraising & LP Reporting
- Optimize fund structuring, fee flexibility, and pacing in a slower, more selective market
- Creating robust data rooms and board-ready reporting processes
- Aligning internal financial narratives with investor expectations
15:20 - 15:40
Networking break
15:40 - 16:30
Vendor Voices: Agility in Action: Evolving with the Private Funds Landscape
This dynamic panel brings together leading minds from the industry’s most forward-thinking solution providers as they unpack how the industry shifted in 2025—and what’s coming next in this era of transformation. From shifting regulations to emerging tech and operational innovation, our panelists will share sharp perspectives, practical insights, and future-focused strategies. Expect a candid, energetic conversation from those shaping change on the front lines. Audience Q&A to follow.
16:30 - 17:00
Closing session
17:00 - 17:05
Closing remarks
End of day 1
17:05 - 18:00
Cocktail reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Wednesday 4th
08:00 - 09:30
Breakfast
Private Funds CFO Network Membership Circle Breakfasts (Network members only)
08:30 - 08:55
Breakfast Networking Breakout - Women
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
08:30 - 08:55
Breakfast Networking Breakout - Venture Capital
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
08:30 - 08:55
Breakfast Networking Breakout - Emerging Managers
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
08:30 - 08:55
Breakfast Networking Breakout - Secondaries
Delegates will enjoy breakfast at breakout sessions based on membership circle involvement.
Invite Only Think Tanks
09:00 - 09:50
CFO & COO Think Tank (GP only) Megafunds/Multi-Strategy Firms
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.
09:00 - 09:50
CFO & COO Think Tank (GP only) Growth/Middle-Market Firms
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.
09:00 - 09:50
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 closed-door session for senior finance and operations professionals will top of mind issues and challenges impacting their firms today.
Plenary
10:00 - 10:05
Chair’s opening remarks
10:05 - 10:50
Keynote Interview
Join John Stecher, Chief Technology Officer at Blackstone, for a forward-looking conversation on how data innovation and responsible AI are redefining the private fund back office. We’ll explore how to leverage technology to create enterprise-wide value, enhance operational agility, manage risk, and build long-term competitive advantage.
Speaker: John Stecher, Chief Technology Officer at Blackstone
10:50 - 11:20
Networking break
Peer Subgroups: Panel Insight + Peer Dialogue
11:20 - 12:10
Track A - Emerging Managers: Building the Foundation
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
Contemplating launching a new fund or are you raising your first fund? Join fellow emerging managers for a candid exchange on what’s working, what’s tough, and what it really takes to build long-term traction and trust.
11:20 - 12:10
Track B - From Launch to Lift-Off: Making the Leap from Emerging to Enduring
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
This session explores what it takes to successfully transition from Fund I to Fund II—from building institutional credibility to scaling operations, team, and investor relationships. Hear firsthand lessons from emerging managers who’ve navigated the leap from startup fund to sustainable platform.
11:20 - 12:10
Track C - Mid-Market Momentum: Scaling with Discipline
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
Mid-sized firms face a unique balancing act—scaling operations, managing growing portfolios, and evolving investor expectations, all while maintaining focus and flexibility. In this pod, participants will explore strategies for disciplined growth, team development, tech enablement, and maintaining edge in a competitive middle market landscape
11:20 - 12:10
Track D - Global Players: Managing Across Borders
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
Operating across geographies brings scale—and complexity. This pod brings together global fund leaders to share how they’re navigating cross-border fundraising, compliance, talent management, and regional market dynamics. Expect a conversation rich in nuance, where global scale meets local realities.
12:20 - 13:10
Track A - Venture Capital: Adapting Strategy in a Reset Market
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
Venture capital is navigating a period of recalibration—slower deal cycles, more selective LPs, and heightened pressure on capital efficiency. In this peer exchange pod, participants will dig into how VC firms are adjusting across fundraising, deployment, portfolio support, and exit strategy. What signals are shaping 2026? Where’s the smart capital going next?
12:20 - 13:10
Track B - Private Credit in Focus: Navigating Risk, Rates, and a Rising Role in the Capital Stack
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
As private credit cements its role as a core component of the capital stack, managers face a complex landscape shaped by rising interest rates, tighter liquidity, and growing investor demand. This session will explore how private credit funds are adapting to these market shifts—through disciplined underwriting, tighter loan covenants, and strategic deployment in an increasingly competitive environment. Panelists will also discuss how private lenders are positioning themselves alongside (or in place of) traditional lenders, and what the evolving rate environment means for fund strategy, borrower relationships, and risk management
12:20 - 13:10
Track C - Secondaries Strategy: Unlocking Liquidity, Creating Value
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
The secondaries market continues to evolve—from traditional LP stake sales to GP-led deals, continuation vehicles, and increasingly creative structures. This pod explores how managers and investors are navigating pricing, transparency, and execution in today’s environment. Share insights on where liquidity is being found, how structures are shifting, and what’s next for this maturing corner of the private fund world.
Ideal for: Secondaries-focused GPs, LPs active in the space, and managers exploring liquidity options
12:20 - 13:10
Track D - Real Assets: Investing at the Intersection of Opportunity and Stability
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
From infrastructure and real estate to renewables and natural resources, real assets are drawing renewed interest as investors seek yield, inflation protection, and long-term value. This pod brings together peers to discuss capital flows, valuation pressures, sustainability trends, and region-specific challenges. Explore how real asset strategies are evolving and where opportunities lie in 2026 and beyond.
Ideal for: Real asset managers, allocators, and anyone navigating hard asset strategies across sectors
12:20 - 13:10
Track E - Private Equity: Building Institutional-Grade Operations in a Resource-Constrained Environment
These breakout break delegates into curated subgroups. Each session begins with a sharp, focused panel featuring expert voices who’ll set the stage with key insights and perspectives. After the panel, the session shifts into an interactive, room-wide conversation, inviting participants to reflect, react, and share their own experiences and challenges. It’s part thought leadership, part think- tank style discussion designed to surface collective intelligence.
Emerging and mid-market managers are under increasing pressure to meet institutional standards—without the operational scale or budgets of larger firms. In this interactive breakout, we’ll explore how to build LP-ready operations with limited resources.
Topics will include creative approaches to streamlining workflows, how to prioritize operational investments, and frameworks for deciding when to build in-house vs. outsource key functions. You’ll hear practical insights from peers facing similar challenges and walk away with actionable strategies for scaling smart, staying compliant, and strengthening investor confidence.
13:15 - 14:15
Networking luncheon
Tech sessions
14:15 - 15:05
1) Portfolio Monitoring
Portfolio monitoring technologies focus on tracking and analyzing individual investments within the fund’s portfolio. These tools are designed to provide a holistic view of each asset in the portfolio, monitoring the health of each investment, key performance indicators (KPIs), and risk management.
14:15 - 15:05
2) Fund Performance
Fund performance technologies are primarily focused on measuring and analyzing the financial performance of a private fund. These tools are designed to track investment returns, profitability, and benchmark comparisons. The goal is to assess how well a fund is performing relative to its objectives, market benchmarks, or peers.
14:15 - 15:05
3) Process Management Tools
Tools that enhance operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.
Compliance & Risk Management Tools
Workflow Automation Tools
Investor Relations (IR) and Reporting Software
Document Management Systems
Fund Accounting Software
15:10 - 15:35
Tech Demo
15:25 - 15:35
Tech Demo
15:10 - 15:45
Networking break
15:45 - 16:35
New faces of finance 2026
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 2026 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
End of conference
16:35 - 16:40
Closing remarks
2025 Speakers
Contact Kellie Green at kellie.g@pei.group for 2026 speaking opportunities.
Connect with a community of CFOs, CCOs and COOs
Position your firm as a trusted resource and engage with compliance leaders shaping the future of private markets.
As a partner of the Private Funds CFO Network, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Showcase your thought-leadership
- Host curated networking experiences designed around your business goals
- Strengthen your presence with brand visibility across the Network hub
For more information on available sponsorship and partnership opportunities please contact Josh Stoller at joshua.s@pei.group.
2025 Sponsors
Convene Brookfield Place
225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10019
Here is a list of hotel accommodations for easy access to the event.
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.
“There’s a real premium in gathering together, and I commend PEI for thoughtfully creating opportunities for CFOs and COOs to engage with one another.”- Joshua Cherry-Seto, Managing Director, CFO & CCO, Velocity Capital Advisors
What you gain with the Private Funds CFO Network
Curated connections for CFOs
Get personalized peer recommendations and direct access to industry leaders through our exclusive member-only directory. Build relationships that last beyond the event.
Events that drive impact
Join the industry’s top CFO-focused events—featuring unmissable speakers, high-value roundtables, and networking experiences that drive business outcomes. CPE credits available.
Knowledge that keeps you ahead
Stay in front of industry change with peer-led think tanks, fireside chats, and expert briefings on today’s most pressing finance and operations topics.
Interactive peer subgroups: Panel insight + dialogue
Each session begins with a focused expert panel, then shifts into open conversation—inviting participants to share experiences and challenges. You’ll explore the following topics:
Track A: Emerging managers: building the foundation
Track B: From launch to lift-off: Making the leap from emerging to enduring
Track C: Mid-market momentum: Scaling with discipline
Track D: Global players: managing across borders
Discover the top CFO Network
Connect with a carefully curated network of top CFOs, COOs, CCOs and other private equity decision-makers from leading firms.
Unlock powerful connections with the Private Funds CFO Network
Purchase a 12 month membership when you register for the Forum, and enjoy exclusive access to:
- Our network directory of top CFOs, COOs and other private equity leaders
- Preferential rates to attend additional Network events in London, New York, San Jose and Chicago
- Invite-only peer groups, monthly virtual meetings and knowledge hubs for deeper insights year-round
- And so much more…
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…
Chris Iorillo
CFO, Freeman Spogli & Co.
A very efficient way to get a lot of information and updates in a compressed timeframe with your peers
Pre-Event Resources
2025 Advisory Board
Contact Kellie Green at kellie.g@pei.group for 2026 speaking opportunities.
Thanks for your interest
Thank you for your interest in the Private Funds CFO Network New York Forum.
Your requested resource will be sent to the email address you provided.
Explore our event website to learn more about the 23rd annual forum, and be sure to secure your place when you’re ready.
We hope to see you in New York City in February.