From growing up in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands without a television to leading Harbor’s Data Intelligence Center of Excellence, Pradeep’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability, innovation, and strategic vision.

He shares how Harbor Capital is:

• Re-engineering business processes to remove inefficiencies
• Using data lineage and cataloging to improve transparency and decision-making
• Balancing efficiency gains with competitive differentiation
• Building resilience and trust through robust risk and access controls
• Embedding a nimble, 18-month tech roadmap mindset instead of long, rigid strategies
• You’ll hear how Pradeep views data not just as information, but as the lifeblood of active management — essential for delivering insight, efficiency, and performance in a world of fee pressures and fast-moving technology.

Guest: Jason Windt, Director of Operational Due Diligence, Impact and Private Equity at M&G Investments

Host: Steve MacDonald

In this episode of The Allocation Agenda, Steve MacDonald sits down with Jason Windt, a leader in operational due diligence at M&G Investments, to explore how data is transforming the investment management industry.

Jason shares his journey from semi-pro cricket in South Africa to leading operational risk management across 500+ funds with just a team of three. He unpacks how digital tools, data integration, and automation are reshaping the way allocators monitor risk, manage compliance, and scale their operations—without increasing headcount.

You’ll hear:

• Why digitizing operational workflows is critical for scale and efficiency

• How real-time data access enabled M&G to navigate the US regional banking crisis

• The power of automated DDQs and benchmark dashboards for better fund manager engagement

• Use cases of AI, from legal reviews to ongoing risk monitoring

• The importance of cross-system integration for a unified view of risk and opportunity

Jason also discusses the evolving role of AI in operational due diligence and why governance is as crucial as innovation. His advice? Embrace digital adoption and data transparency to unlock smarter decision-making and build more resilient investment portfolios.

He challenges the short-termism often imposed on fund managers, and argues that real conversations should be enabled, not replaced, by technology. From reconciling mismatched timelines to reducing friction through clearer communication, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to strengthen relationships in a fast-moving, data-saturated industry.

"Our client’s job is to invest wisely, manage risk, and assess risk—not to structure data or figure out how to organize unstructured data. That’s where we come in." - Liron Mandelbaum

This conversation highlights the intricacies of data democratization within investment management. He describes how Dasseti is paving the way for more accessible and structured data flows, easing the archaic processes traditionally burdened with inefficiencies. As Liron vividly depicts, aligning tech solutions with market needs can spearhead the journey from cumbersome dirt roads to seamless six-lane data interchange highways, benefiting asset allocators and managers alike.

"The key to success in this industry is trust, transparency, and culture. Whether you're working with internal or external managers, the relationships you build and the flow of information you maintain are what drive long-term performance." – Matthew Stiling

The conversation also delves into the benefits of internal platforms, such as real-time data flow and operational scalability, and the unique opportunities external managers provide through niche strategies and diversification. Matt shares insights on how allocators can better manage relationships, ask for the right information, and leverage technology to improve efficiency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of investment management today.