The Value Add Podcast: The Hidden Cost of Internal Valuations: Why Third-party Assessments are the Gold Standard

By Houlihan CapitalOn

In this episode of The Value Add Podcast, Houlihan Capital’s Director of Business Development, Monica Blocker, sits down with Joe Brennan, Director of Valuation, to discuss the Hidden Costs of Internal Valuations for investment funds.

Episode 2: the Hidden Costs of Internal Valuations

“Fund managers have a lot on their plates. Independent valuations take that operational burden off so they can focus on what really matters.” —Monica Blocker

Joe brings a unique perspective, having started his career as an auditor before joining Houlihan Capital’s valuation practice. Together, Monica and Joe explore:

  • Why accurate valuations are essential for investors, auditors, and regulators
  • The common risks and conflicts that arise with internal valuations
  • How independent, third-party valuations add credibility and free up valuable time for fund managers
  • Best practices for selecting the right valuation partner

They also share a real-world story that highlights the operational strain internal valuations can create—and how outsourcing this process can help fund managers focus on what really matters: growing their funds and serving investors.

If your fund is considering internal versus independent valuations, this conversation offers practical insights into what it truly costs to keep the process in-house—and how the right partner can help you avoid the hidden pitfalls.

Key Insight: “Conflict of interest is the #1 hidden risk of internal valuations.”  —Joe Brennan

Perfect for: Fund managers preparing for audit season, dealing with complex capital structures, or looking to strengthen their valuation processes.

Episode Length: 6 minutes

Questions about your fund’s valuation approach? Our team provides hands-on, collaborative support to help you navigate complex methodologies and audit requirements.

 

 

For questions or inquiries please contact:

Joe Brennan
Director
jbrennan@houlihancapital.com

Joe Brennan is a Director in Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory practice, where he helps perform valuation work that covers financial reporting, tax, strategic planning, and fairness opinions. Mr. Brennan’s primary focus is on assisting the firm’s cryptoasset clients, working closely with fund managers and investment advisers to identify, analyze, and solve unique valuation challenges.

Prior to joining Houlihan Capital, Mr. Brennan spent over three years at Cohen & Company, where he specialized in illiquid cryptoasset valuation and consulting work for several high-profile hedge fund, venture capital fund, and private equity fund clients that needed assistance while navigating this nascent asset class. Prior to Cohen, Mr. Brennan issued fairness opinions for both buy-side and sell-side transactions and annual valuation updates of ESOP-owned companies with annual EBITDA between $500,000 and $120.0 million.

Mr. Brennan earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance at Marquette University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Monica Blocker
Director, Business Development
mblocker@houlihancapital.com

Monica C. Blocker is a Director of Business Development for Houlihan Capital. Ms. Blocker has been with Houlihan Capital since 2016 and is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships within the alternative investment space. Ms. Blocker provides level III valuation services for hedge funds, private equity funds, VCs, BDCs, SBICs, ‘40 Act funds, etc. Ms. Blocker’s international client base ranges from traditional alternative investment strategies to cannabis and digital asset funds.

Prior to joining Houlihan Capital, Ms. Blocker was the Institutional Sales and Marketing Manager for Geneva Advisors (now CIBC Private Wealth Management), responsible for developing and managing client relationships with Institutional Consultants and RIAs while constructing and maintaining the website and marketing materials in order to better communicate with institutional investors. Prior to joining Geneva Advisors, Ms. Blocker was an Internal Advisor Consultant at Nuveen Investments where she was responsible for providing investment solutions and enhancing relationships with a select group of financial advisor clients.

Ms. Blocker received both her M.B.A. with Distinction in Behavioral Finance and her B.S. in Finance with a minor in Economics from DePaul University. Ms. Blocker is registered with FINRA as a General Securities Representative (Series 7).

CategoriesPodcasts Valuation

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