BlackRock

BlackRock Inc.'s private-debt business is exploring ways to tap the deep pockets of insurance companies that are increasingly looking to boost their allocations to the asset class.

Apollo and other alternative asset managers are vying for executives with connections to the world's biggest fortunes.

Putting the pressure on employees to return to the office could cost financial companies their leadership.

Insurers are poised to pump hundreds of billions of dollars into private assets over the next two years.

The insurer has been sharpening its focus on its core operations and making necessary preparations to split off its life and retirement unit, which is planned for the first half of this year.