As global financial markets pivot away from the interest rate-driven volatility of the past year, a new structural reality is emerging—one defined by the seamless integration of public and private capital. Amidst this backdrop, Harrison Kellsford (Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Velthorne Asset Management) has released a strategic blueprint addressing the “New Capital Cycle.” The analysis challenges traditional portfolio construction, arguing that the rigid separation of liquid and illiquid assets is becoming a liability rather than a safety mechanism.
The Macro Nexus: The Demand for a New Blueprint
The divergence between asset prices and fundamental economic output has created a critical need for strategic adaptation.
According to recent data from Reuters and market analysis from Yahoo Finance, the transition into 2026 has been marked by a “re-pricing of liquidity.” While headline indices remain robust, the underlying currents show a significant rotation. Capital is moving aggressively out of crowded, passive beta trades and into bespoke strategies that demand active management. This shift is driven by a $147 trillion global asset base that is increasingly seeking yield in non-traditional sectors such as infrastructure, private credit, and energy transition projects.
However, this “Great Convergence” brings new risks. The correlation between previously distinct asset classes is rising, catching many institutional investors off guard. It is within this complex environment that Harrison Kellsford identifies a crucial gap: the lack of a cohesive strategy to manage liquidity across these blurring lines. The market is no longer rewarding static allocation; it is rewarding the agility to move between public market speed and private market depth.
Expert Insight: The ‘Hybrid Liquidity’ Strategy
Harrison Kellsford posits that the solution lies in a fundamental restructuring of how liquidity is viewed within a portfolio.
In his assessment of the current landscape, Harrison Kellsford introduces the concept of “Hybrid Liquidity.” This approach rejects the binary choice between holding cash (for safety) or locking up capital in long-term private equity (for yield). Instead, the blueprint advocates for a layered approach where liquidity is treated as a dynamic tool, capable of being deployed or conserved based on real-time volatility metrics rather than predetermined calendars.
What are the core pillars of Harrison Kellsford’s Blueprint?
For investors seeking to implement these strategies, the immediate question is how to translate theory into action. According to Harrison Kellsford, the “Hybrid Liquidity” blueprint rests on three actionable pillars:
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Dynamic Duration Management: The strategy advises against fixed-duration mandates. Instead, Kellsford suggests utilizing liquid alternatives—such as specific sector ETFs—as a “bridge” to maintain market exposure while waiting for capital calls from higher-yielding private investments. This ensures capital is never idle (drag) nor trapped (illiquid).
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The “RWA” Anchor: The blueprint emphasizes the inclusion of Real-World Assets (RWAs)—specifically in logistics and data infrastructure—as a volatility dampener. Unlike financial derivatives, these assets provide a “physical floor” to valuations, offering stability when paper assets experience turbulence.
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Algorithmic Risk Hedging: Rather than relying solely on diversification, the approach calls for the integration of algorithmic triggers that automatically adjust exposure when volatility spikes. This “active defense” mechanism is designed to preserve capital during the inevitable drawdowns of a new cycle.
Addressing the Execution Risk
While the strategy offers a clear path forward, Harrison Kellsford acknowledges that execution is the primary hurdle. The complexity of managing a “Hybrid” portfolio requires a level of operational sophistication that many traditional models lack. The CIO warns that without rigorous stress-testing of liquidity terms, investors risk a “mismatch event”—where the need for cash coincides with a lock-up period. Therefore, the advice heavily underscores the importance of due diligence, not just on the asset itself, but on the legal structures governing liquidity access.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the consensus among leading strategists aligns with the view that the “easy beta” trade is finished. The next six months are expected to favor those who can navigate the nuances of this new cycle.
Harrison Kellsford concludes that the winners of this cycle will not be those who take the most risk, but those who best manage the cost of liquidity. By adopting a flexible, hybrid framework, investors can turn the structural shifts of the global economy into a competitive advantage. The focus remains steadfast: leveraging deep market insight to construct portfolios that are as resilient as they are profitable.
Last modified: January 20, 2026




