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Thought Leadership

A collection of our longer-form, in-depth, perspectives from across the William Blair enterprise.

  • Equity Research

    Navigating the Boom: Understanding the Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence

    From increased productivity to software development to content creation, GenAI is ushering in a new era of rapid advancement. In our first installment of confronting GenAI's most pressing questions, we explore the economic impact of AI and where the most untapped opportunities are for investors.

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  • Investment Banking

    As GP-Led Secondaries Grow, So Has Related Use of Reps and Warranties Insurance

    With GP-led secondaries setting records in 2024—and trendlines looking promising for 2025—secondary investors have increasingly turned to M&A-style insurance policies to facilitate their transactions.

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  • Investment Banking

    2024 Record Totals for Secondaries Point to Positive 2025 Momentum

    Bullish predictions for the secondary market throughout 2024 proved accurate as volume hit record levels by yearend. Now, in 2025’s early weeks, market insiders remain optimistic—with expectations for continued LP- and GP-led growth.

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  • Investment Management

    Emerging Markets 2025: A Landscape of Opportunity

    Learn why our global equity and emerging markets debt teams believe emerging markets remain an efficient gateway to powerful secular themes in 2025.

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  • Investment Banking

    Aviation Services Industry Update

    As U.S. general aviation activity continued to trend upward in the third quarter, a bullish forecast for business jet deliveries in 2025 and sustained passenger recovery provides hope for further growth in the coming years.

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  • Investment Banking

    Leveraged Finance Newsletter—Unmasking M&A Activity

    Left for dead for nearly two years, the M&A leveraged loan market came back to life in the third quarter, with the Fed’s first interest rate cut in years opening the door for a wave of activity.

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  • Investment Banking

    Momentum Continues for Secondaries—With Record Year in Sight

    Improving LP-led pricing, continuing adoption by both GPs and LPs, and a growing supply of capital has the secondary market poised for a full rebound—and possibly record volumes—by year-end.

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  • Investment Banking

    The Quarterly Rx: Q3 2024 U.S. Biopharma Recap

    The biopharma sector got a much-needed shot in the arm with the Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated rate cut in September, the first since March 2020.

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  • Investment Management

    China’s Steel Slump Creates Global Ripples

    The Chinese domestic steel market is going through a major downturn, affecting the industry around the globe, exacerbating global trade tensions, and increasing protectionism. We believe emerging markets (EM) debt investors would be wise to be wary, given the potential for the situation to impact the economy, drive political instability, and create trade tensions in many countries.

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  • Investment Management

    Artificial Intelligence: The Fifth Paradigm Shift

    In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, paradigm shifts represent technological innovation that can reshape industries over time.

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