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Mortgage funds have played a growing role in high-net-worth and family office portfolios.

‘Bet the Jockey, Not the Horse’: Mortgage Funds Evolving as Family-Office Staple | Canadian Family Offices

Secondaries play a growing role in private equity portfolios, offering liquidity, visibility into assets, and shorter investment duration.

The Role of Secondaries in Private Equity Portfolios

A look at how short-term, collateral-focused residential lending can support stable returns in one of Canada’s strongest housing markets.

The Role of Private Residential Mortgages in the Greater Vancouver Area 

As pension funds rebalance and liquidity tightens, opportunities are opening for well-positioned firms, and their clients, to access high-quality private equity managers on better terms.

Private Equity’s Evolution: A Steady Approach in a Changing Market

Discover how thoughtfully constructed private credit funds balance income, capital preservation, and liquidity.

The Liquidity Architecture of Private Credit

Exploring how the rapid rise of AI is shaping infrastructure investments in data centres, energy, and connectivity.

The Infrastructure Behind AI: Data Centres, Power, and Fibre

Private equity isn’t priced minute-by-minute like public markets—so how do investors know what their holdings are worth? Discover how valuations help investors understand performance, risk, and decisions in private equity.

Demystifying Private Equity Valuations: What Every Investor Should Know

In addition to the benefits of diversification, a cross-border investing strategy could offer investors notable advantages in today’s uncertain environment, with policy rates between the U.S. and Canada now at their widest gap in more than 20 years.

How Mortgage Investments Are Positioned to Provide Stability in Today’s Unpredictable Environment

In this episode, Nicola Wealth’s Rob Olsen sits down with Mike Mazan to explore the evolution of Canada’s private capital landscape over the past two decades.

Pattern Recognition and Persistence: Hard-Won Lessons from a PE Veteran

We explore the three core pillars of private equity – venture capital, growth equity, and buyout – and cover how a diversified approach across these strategies may help manage risk and support portfolio resilience over time.

From Startups to Buyouts: Navigating Risk and Return Across the Private Equity Spectrum

But due diligence and relative weighting matter.

Alternative Investments Can Support a Pension-Style Portfolio for High-Net-Worth Clients | Investment Executive

How do you plan for the long term when the landscape keeps shifting? This article recaps key insights from a recent discussion in Victoria on strategy, diversification, and navigating uncertainty.

Strategic Growth and Steady Planning in Victoria

The Nicola Private Debt Fund is pleased to announce its participation in the financing of senior credit facilities to RKD Group, an Incline Equity Partners portfolio Company. 

Nicola Private Debt Fund Participates in Senior Private Credit Financing to RKD Group, an Incline Equity Partners Portfolio Company

In this episode, Rob Olsen, Head of Private Capital at Nicola Wealth, and Jason Luo, Senior Director of Venture Capital, speak with Han Kim, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Altos Ventures, a global venture capital firm known for backing breakout companies like Roblox, Coupang, and Woowa Brothers.

How Altos Ventures Built Success by Thinking Long Term

Markets are facing a rare convergence of risks: rising tariffs, shifting trade alliances, unsustainable debt levels, and evolving tax rules. At Nicola Wealth’s Strategic Insights event in Vancouver, Chairman and CEO John Nicola shared his perspective on what these developments could mean for investors.

Beyond the Outlook: What We’re Watching Now

How disciplined underwriting and senior lending can offer downside protection amid global uncertainty.

Private Credit Resilience in Uncertain Times: The Impact of Tariffs

In this episode of In the Ring with Rob, host Rob Olsen is joined by Nicola Wealth’s Matt Choi and guest Rahman Vahabzadeh, Managing Director at Audax Private Debt, one of the most established firms in the space with over $24 billion in assets under management.

The Role of Private Debt in Today’s Market with Rob Olsen, Matt Choi and Rahman Vahabzadeh

The Trump administration’s review of infrastructure spending has introduced uncertainty—but the long-term needs of aging U.S. infrastructure remain. This piece explores what the policy pause may mean for investors and how Nicola Wealth is navigating it across public and private markets.

More Than Roads and Bridges: Investing in What Keeps the U.S. Running

Outlook 2025 features insights from Nicola Wealth’s professional asset management and planning teams to help you make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

Defense by Design: Nicola Wealth Outlook 2025 

In this episode, Rob Olsen is joined by Nicola Wealth’s Tori Buffery and Adrian Millan, Partner at PJT Park Hill in New York, to explore how the secondaries market is evolving and what it means for today’s investors.

The Growing Role of Secondaries in Diversified Portfolios with Robert Olsen, Adrian Millan & Tori Buffery

Canadian pension funds are widely regarded as leading institutional investors—now, individual investors can access a similar strategy through the Nicola Private Equity Limited Partnership’s (PELP) institutional-grade private equity approach. 

Bringing Institutional-Style Private Equity Exposure to Individual Investors

The Nicola Private Debt Fund is pleased to announce its participation in the financing of senior credit facilities to Amerit Fleet Solutions, a New Mountain Capital portfolio company.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Participates in Senior Private Credit Financing to Amerit Fleet Solutions, a New Mountain Capital Portfolio Company

See the individual investment pool performance and updates for the Nicola Wealth funds in February 2025.

Close up pen on paperwork and woman hand calculate finance.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: February 2025

John Nicola aims to objectively analyze what Trump is trying to accomplish with tariffs, the economic implications of his policies, and how they may impact markets. 

Navigating the Trump Era: Economic Realities and Investment Strategies

Alternative investments are becoming more accessible in Canada, here is an investor's guide to the associated terminology and fee structures.

Eight Things to Understand About Private Investment Structures and Fees | Globe & Mail

See the individual investment pool performance and updates for the Nicola Wealth funds in January 2025.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: January 2025

Nicola Wealth leaders explain how they vet products and balance portfolios to ensure their clients aren't swimming with the sharks.

How Can Advisors, Firms Protect Against Fraud in Their Alts Allocations? | Wealth Professional

See the individual investment pool performance and updates for the Nicola Wealth funds in December 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: December 2024

In this episode, Robert Olsen and Vanessa Flockton sit down with trailblazing business leader Ursula Burns.  As the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Burns shares her remarkable journey from growing up in New York City public housing to starting as an intern at Xerox and rising to become its CEO. She led the company’s transformation from a print and copy giant to a diversified business services enterprise.

In the Ring with Rob: Building Better Businesses with Xerox CEO turned PE Founder Ursula Burns

In this episode, host Robert Olsen talks with Mark Machin and Mark Shulgan from Intrepid Growth Partners about the growing role of AI in growth equity investing. The conversation explores the founders’ backgrounds in science and banking, and how these experiences shape their focus on AI-driven investments.

In the Ring with Rob: AI, Growth Equity, and the Future of Tech Investing with Intrepid Growth Partners

See the individual investment pool performance and updates for the Nicola Wealth funds in October 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: October 2024

Exploring infrastructure investments in a declining interest rate environment, emphasizing their stability, diversification benefits, and historical performance.

Infrastructure in a declining rate environment

Infrastructure in a Declining Rate Environment

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in September 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: September 2024

In this episode, Robert Olsen, Vice Chair, Private Capital at Nicola Wealth, explores venture capital investing with Matt Harris, Partner at Bain Capital Ventures, and Geoff Taylor, Principal, Private Equity and Venture Capital at Nicola Wealth.

In the Ring with Rob: The Evolution and Future of Venture Capital with Matt Harris & Geoff Taylor

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s participation in a first lien term loan financing to Calibre Scientific, a portfolio company of StoneCalibre.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Co-Investment in First Lien Financing to Calibre Scientific

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in August 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: August 2024

The pandemic was an event that reshaped the world in profound ways. While its effects on public health and the global economy were immediate and visible, the ripple effects on specific investment sectors, like venture capital, were similarly transformative. 

Getting Over the Hangover: The COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on Venture Capital

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in July 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: July 2024

Stacey Mouadeb, Director, Private Debt, and Tori Buffery, Senior Director, Secondaries, will be featured panelists at the upcoming Women’s Private Capital Summit Canada in Toronto.

Nicola Wealth Announces Featured Panelists for Women’s Private Capital Summit Canada

Investing in alternative and private residential mortgages in Canada can be a viable option for those seeking stable, asset-backed returns.

Investing in Residential Mortgages in Canada: Opportunities and Risks in 2024

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its participation in a new debt financing for CoreWeave Inc.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Co-investment in Financing to CoreWeave

In this episode, Robert Olsen, Vice Chair, Private Capital at Nicola Wealth focuses on real estate debt investments with Ken McKinnon from IMC and Simon Carlsen. They provide insights on the evolving landscape of real estate and key opportunities within the mortgage market.

In the Ring with Rob: Mastering Mortgage Markets with Ken McKinnon & Simon Carlsen

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its participation in a new debt financing for Axis Insurance Managers Inc.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces First Lien Financing to Axis Insurance

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in June 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: June 2024

Ashley Ng, Senior Director, Head of Infrastructure Investments, will be a featured panelist at the upcoming CAiP Alternative Investments Forum in September 2024.

Ashley Ng on Infrastructure Innovations at the CAiP Alternative Investments Forum 2024

In this episode, Robert Olsen, Vice Chair, Private Capital at Nicola Wealth focuses on infrastructure investments with Evan Corley from Pantheon and Ashley Ng. They explore the evolution of infrastructure as an asset class, investor interest, and Pantheon’s journey in this space.

In the Ring with Rob: The Evolution of Infrastructure as an Asset Class with Evan Corley & Ashley Ng

In this episode, John Nicola, Chairman, CEO, and CIO of Nicola Wealth, shares valuable insights at the Canadian Alternative Investment Forum 2024.

Investing Matters: John Nicola on Revolutionizing Independent Asset Management with a Pension-Inspired Approach

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in May 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: May 2024

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s realization of a first lien term loan led by Golub Capital to Parts Town.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Successful Realization of First Lien Financing to Parts Town

 Explore the growth of digital infrastructure, its role as the 'fourth utility,' and the key factors driving its demand and investment potential.

Signal and communication towers

Digital Infrastructure: The "Fourth Utility"

From the politicization of ESG to its relevance in infrastructure investments and the implementation of ESG metrics in decision-making, discover how ESG presents both risks and opportunities in the investment landscape.

ESG, Call It What You Want, It’s Still Investment Risk (And Opportunity)

While Private Equity has historically been one of the best performing asset classes for institutional investors, it remains under-allocated for most individual investors.

Unlocking Private Equity: The Evergreen Advantage for Individual Investors

In this episode of the Wealth Exchange, host Robert Olsen unpacks the private equity secondaries market with industry expert Joy Savchenko, Senior Managing Director at Evercore and Tori Buffery. The three use their expertise to demystify terminology and comment on trends in the secondaries market.

In the Ring with Rob: Understanding the Private Equity Secondary Market with Joy Savchenko & Tori Buffery

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in April 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: April 2024

In this episode, Robert Olsen, Vice Chair, Private Capital at Nicola Wealth explores private equity investments with industry expert Brett Fisher, Managing Director at Fisher Lynch Capital. Joined by Kazuki Nohdomi, Portfolio Manager, Private Equity and Venture Capital at Nicola Wealth, they uncover the world of private equity.

In the Ring with Rob: Investigating Private Equity with Brett Fisher & Kazuki Nohdomi

Private debt has surged in recent years, leading to what's coined as the "Golden Age" for the asset class.

The Golden Age of Private Debt

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in March 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: March 2024

Watch Nicola Wealth's Strategic Outlook 2024 Presentation.

EVENT REPLAY: Strategic Outlook 2024

Explore how leveraging can enhance returns, preserve cash, and diversify portfolios, while considering associated risks such as market volatility and interest rate fluctuations.

The Power of Leverage in Real Estate Investing

In this episode, Robert Olsen, Vice Chair, Private Capital at Nicola Wealth explores private debt investments with industry expert Howard Widra, Partner at Apollo and Head of Direct Originations at MidCap Financial.

In the Ring with Rob: Exploring the Golden Age of Private Credit with Howard Widra

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in February 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: February 2024

Explore key insights shared at Nicola Wealth's 2024 Strategic Outlook event, showcasing the challenges and opportunities in today's investment landscape.

Navigating Complexity: A Catalyst for Growth

VC limited partnership secondary investing has emerged as a compelling strategy, especially in the current economic environment. 

Niche No More: Navigating the Venture Capital LP Secondary Landscape

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in January 2024.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - January 2024

A majority of UHNW investors and family offices hold private investments, and advisors offer tips on key due diligence practices.

What to look for when investing in private equity | Canadian Family Office

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s participation in a first lien term loan financing led by DigitalBridge Credit to Surf Internet, an existing portfolio company of Bain Capital.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Co-Investment in First Lien Financing to Surf Internet

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in December 2023.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - December 2023

Infrastructure investments also face certain unique risks, and experts offer tips on how to mitigate these.

A Niche Investment Sector That Is Growing | Canadian Family Offices

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in November 2023.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - November 2023

Market Commentary: October 2023

See the individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in October 2023.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - October 2023

Nicola Wealth is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Olsen as Vice Chair, Private Capital.

Nicola Wealth Welcomes Robert Olsen as Vice Chair, Private Capital

Click below to see individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in September 2023.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - September 2023

Olsen will join the Vancouver-based firm in January with a mandate to expand its offering of private capital funds and hire more people.

Ex-Goldman Executive Olsen Joins Nicola in Private Capital Group | Bloomberg

Ashley Ng, Director & Head, Infrastructure Investments, highlights key strategies and trends in the Infrastructure investment landscape.

Dialed In: Where the Hunt for Digital Assets Is Headed

Associate, Infrastructure Investments, Sebastian Nicholson explores the rising global water consumption, escalating wastewater pollution, and the widespread presence of PFAS contaminants, underscoring the imperative for investing in water solutions.

Investment Opportunities in Water Solutions Part 2: Improving Wastewater Treatment to Protect Our Health and the World’s Ecosystems

Click below to see individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in August 2023.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - August 2023

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s participation in a first lien term loan financing led by Sound Point Capital to Arterex.

Nicola Private Debt Fund announces Co-Investment in First Lien Acquisition Financing to Arterex

Despite economic uncertainty, inflation, tight credit markets, and a challenging political climate, private equity has demonstrated remarkable resilience as an asset class.

The Resilience of Private Equity and the Rise of Sector Specialist Funds

Host Jasmine Marichic engages in an insightful conversation with Stacey Mouadeb, Director of Private Debt to break down the world of private debt.

Investigating opportunities and investments in private debt

Investing Matters: Evaluating Opportunities and Investments in Private Debt

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s participation in a first lien term loan financing led by Golub Capital to AEG Vision, an existing portfolio company of Riata Capital.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Co-Investment in First Lien Financing to AEG Vision

Click below to see individual Investment Pool Performance for the Nicola Wealth funds in July 2023.

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - July 2023

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s realization of a first lien term loan financing to PharmaSmart International.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Successful Realization of First Lien Financing to PharmaSmart

Mortgage Rates: Fixed or Variable?

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team is pleased to announce its fund’s participation in a first lien term loan financing led by Sound Point Capital, Morgan Stanley Private Credit, and Churchill Asset Management to Ardurra.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Announces Co-Investment in First Lien Financing to Ardurra

Navigating a “Sea Change” with Private Debt

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - June 2023

Nicola Wealth Management (asset management) May 2023 Market and Firm Performance

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - May 2023

Geoff Taylor, Associate Director of Private Equity and Venture Capital, explains this fundamental principle and its impact on the outcomes of venture capital investing.

Top canadian venture capital firm Nicola wealth management

The Power Law in Venture Capital

Nicola Wealth Management (asset management) April 2023 Market and Firm Performance

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns - April 2023

Energy transition is a crucial aspect of the global effort to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental investment opporunities with wealth management firm Nicola Wealth Management

Investing in Energy Transition Assets: A Key to Decarbonisation and Energy Security

4 Things to Know: Q1 2023

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns – March 2023

The Nicola Wealth Private Debt team, alongside BDC Capital’s Growth & Transition division, is pleased to announce it has co-led a new debt financing for Article.

Nicola Private Debt Fund Co-Leads Debt Financing for Article

The Importance of Digital Infrastructure Assets in the Modern Age

Investing Matters: SVB and Credit Suisse's Collapse and a Look at the Bank-Run Compared to 2008

Nicola Private Debt Fund Provides Incremental First Lien Financing to Parts Town

Nicola Wealth Investment Returns: February 2023

Host Ethan Astaneh engages in an insightful conversation with Jurgen van Vuuren, Senior Director, Private Debt, and Simon Carlsen, Senior Director, Mortgage Investments at Nicola Wealth.

Investing Matters: Navigating the Nuances of Private Debt & Mortgages

Watch Nicola Wealth's Strategic Outlook 2023 Presentation.

EVENT REPLAY: Toronto Strategic Outlook 2023

Insight and updates on the private markets, including activity, trends, and opportunities from our experienced team of professionals.