Join us for our next event!
Upcoming Event
Navigating Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI): Is It the Right Fit for Your Portfolio in 2025? | November 5, 2025
What if one of the most powerful tools for tax efficiency and wealth preservation was something most investors are unaware of?
Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) is often reserved for the ultra-wealthy and misunderstood by many. But what if this strategy could unlock significant advantages for your portfolio—transforming taxable assets into tax-efficient investments?
Join us, together with the CAIA Pacific Northwest Chapter and CFA Society Seattle, for an exclusive session where we’ll decode the mechanics of PPLI. Learn how it aligns with long-term financial goals, supports legacy planning, and leverages favorable tax codes. Discover how top investors are using PPLI to preserve wealth across generations.
Speaker Bio:
Ann Marie is a Principal of Cohn Financial Group, an M Financial Member Firm, a Division of Gallagher. Ann Marie specializes in complex life insurance planning and Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI). She works with high-net-worth families, individuals, RIA’s and family offices throughout the United States.
Prior to joining CFG, she worked at Lombard International for three years as their Head of Product Development and Wealth Structuring Services for the U.S. In her role at Lombard, she assisted internal and external partners with understanding private placement solutions and incorporating the solutions in existing and new wealth plans.
Prior to joining Lombard International, Ann Marie provided a full range of tax compliance and consulting services for individuals and families, where she headed up the Private Clients Services practice of Ernst & Young (EY) in Philadelphia.
She practiced as a Certified Public Accountant for 23 years before joining the insurance industry eight years ago. Ann Marie graduated with Highest Honors from Rutgers College School of Business.
How to attend?
Our events are open to all members of the AltsInvest Collective, as well as to their guests. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to apply and become one here. Events have limited capacity and require prior registration, so please check the event details and reserve your tickets in advance.
Cost to attend?
The cost to attend the event will be $10 to cover any expenses in holding the event. Any excess proceeds will be donated to our partner charity, DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network).
Previous Events
Alternative Investments: 8 Due Diligence Red Flags and Risk Areas | Insights from John Canorro
Our March event brought together investors for another insightful discussion. Our fellow member, John Canaro from Path Stone led the discussion focusing on eight potential red flags in investment due diligence, including improper investment allocations, flawed valuations, related-party transactions, and asset-liability mismatch. He used various case studies to illustrate these points. Significant attention was given to the importance of understanding operational risks and proper evaluation of private investments. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the emerging trends in crypto investments and the regulatory landscape. The session emphasized the need for thorough investigation and systematic evaluation in mitigating investment risks. The meeting ended with an interactive Q&A session.
Discover the Power of Pre-Seed and Seed Investing: Insights from Peter Mueller
We had a fantastic evening filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities at our very first event of 2025. Attendees learned how to unlock the potential of pre-seed and seed investing and discovered ways to get involved in the exciting world of startup funding. This event catered to both seasoned investors and those just starting out, making it an invaluable experience for anyone looking to enhance their investment portfolio. Participants had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge that can aid in their success in angel investing.
The evening featured a keynote presentation by Peter Mueller, founding partner of Breakwater Ventures, followed by an interactive Q&A session and ample networking opportunities. Overall, it was a fantastic occasion for individuals interested in alternative investments to engage and share insights. We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making the event a success.
Unlocking Hedge Fund Opportunities: Insights from Paul Kreiselmaier
In the inaugural AltsInvest Collective meeting for accredited investors looking for network and education across alternative investments we explored Hedge Funds. Unlike traditional investment vehicles such as mutual funds, hedge funds employ a range of strategies to capitalize on market opportunities, making them a potentially versatile addition to an investor's portfolio. Expert insights shared by Paul Kreiselmaier, Managing Director and head of hedge funds at Verus Investments.
Note: Members can access summaries of all past and future events.
The SEC Whistleblower Program: Protecting Investors and Promoting Transparency: Insights from Neil Chelo
Our second event of the year brought together investors for another insightful discussion. Neil Chelo, our fellow member and Managing Partner at Quadre Investments, detailed the SEC's whistleblower program, describing its origins, processes, and potential rewards. He also shared insider experiences, notably the uncovering of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and the risks q with investment fraud. Future meeting topics will include operational due diligence and private debt instruments.
A Deep Dive into Closed End Funds and BDCs | Insights from John Cole Scott
AltsInvest Collective joined the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Pacific Northwest and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Seattle in hosting a talk regarding Closed End Funds (CEF) and Business Development Companies (BDC). We were fortunate to be joined by the Chief Investment Officer of Closed End Fund Advisors, John Cole Scott. He provided an insightful overview of CEFs and BDCs, how you can access them, nuances in their valuations, among others. The discussion highlighted the supply and demand features causing these investments to trade at a discount to their NAV, leading to a growth in activism in the space. The session emphasized the complexity of these investment instruments and the importance of educating oneself, networking with experienced traders, and having a clear investment plan. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session.
Art Of The Family Office: Combination Of Strategic Cooperation And Individual Pursuit | Insights from Toddy Butson
Todd Butson, with a background at Morgan Stanley, transitioned to managing his family's multi-generational wealth and provided key insights into running the family office. His discussion covered the importance of alignment of interests, transparent communication, structured governance, and thoughtful succession planning. Todd explained the evolution of his family's timber business into a diversified investment portfolio, emphasized risk management, and shared strategies for maintaining and growing wealth across generations. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees asked questions about best practices, investment strategies, and the operational aspects of managing a family office.
