MetLife

Office address: One MetLife Way, Whippany, NJ 07981
Website: investments.metlife.com
Year established: 1868
Company type: financial services
Employees: 950+
Expertise: fixed income, private credit, real estate, small and small-mid cap equities, asset-based finance, pension solutions, sustainable investing, portfolio management, risk management, institutional asset management
Parent company: MetLife, Inc.
Key people: Michel Khalaf (CEO); John McCallion (head of MIM); Brian Funk (president); Timothy Rabe, Geert Henckens, and Kerry O’Brien (global heads); Kathryn Vorisek (senior managing director)
Financing status: corporation

MetLife is a leading US-based provider of insurance, annuities, and employee benefits, with a strong presence in over 40 countries. Its investment arm, MetLife Investment Management, serves institutional investors and draws on more than 150 years of experience. MIM manages $624 billion in assets as of June 2025, focusing on fixed income, private credit, and real estate.

History of MetLife

MetLife began its story in 1863, during a time of great uncertainty in America. The company first operated as the National Union Life and Limb Insurance Company, offering coverage to Civil War soldiers and sailors.

After a few challenging years, the business shifted its focus to life insurance, which led to the creation of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1868. By 1880, it was signing up hundreds of new policies each day, showing its growing influence in the industry.

Expanding across the globe

As the years passed, the company did not stay confined to the US. It expanded its reach to Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm became known for more than just insurance.

It supported public health campaigns, provided basic care through visiting nurse services, and invested in agriculture and infrastructure. These activities expanded its involvement in public health and community development.

Building investment strength

MetLife Investment Management emerged as a key part of the company’s growth. MIM brought deep experience in fixed income, private credit, real estate, and equities to institutional investors.

Drawing on MetLife’s long history of stability and careful risk management, MIM built tailored investment solutions for clients. By 2024, MIM had become a top global manager, originating $21 billion in private credit transactions and leading in infrastructure debt investments.

MetLife Investment Management’s acquisitions

In 2025, the firm made a move to strengthen its investment arm. The company acquired portfolio management teams from Mesirow, bringing in about 20 experienced specialists.

This deal added high-yield, bank loan, and small-cap equity expertise to MIM’s offerings. The acquisition showed its commitment to growing its in-house talent and expanding its investment capabilities for institutional clients.

MetLife products and services 

MetLife Investment Management has broad expertise in institutional investment products. Its offerings include:

Investment strategies

• fixed income: corporate bond, long duration, LDI, core, multi-sector, high yield, bank loans, emerging markets debt, short duration, stable value
• real estate: commercial mortgage loans, real estate equity
• private capital: investment grade private credit, middle market private capital, residential whole loans, private equity, private asset-based finance
• index strategies: customized index-based investment solutions
• equities: small and small-mid cap, other equity strategies

Financing solutions

• agricultural finance: lending and financing for agriculture sector
• private capital: direct lending and private credit solutions
• real estate: commercial and residential property financing

MetLife Investment Management is also known for its experience in building tailored portfolio solutions and for its accessible, accountable, and collaborative approach. The firm’s long history and broad resources help clients pursue strong, risk-adjusted returns across changing markets.

Culture and corporate values

MetLife states that its culture centers on valuing all perspectives and supporting employee growth. The firm’s core values include:

1. winning together
2. doing the right thing
3. delivering impact over activity
4. thinking ahead

According to the company, the work environment is built on teamwork and access to resources for success. To support this, the firm provides its staff with:

• health and wellness: medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• disability and life insurance: company-paid short- and long-term disability, life insurance, legal services
• retirement and savings: pension plan, 401(k) with matching, financial wellness programs
• voluntary insurance: group discounts for auto, home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance
• family support: parental leave, support for families, employee assistance program
• mental health: digital mental health resources, counseling, EAP
• time off and flexibility: volunteer time off, paid leave, flexible work options
• education benefits: tuition assistance, career development programs

MetLife provides career growth tools, manager check-ins, and access to a learning experience platform. Workforce and leadership workshops support ongoing development. The company states it is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all employment laws.

About CEO Michel Khalaf and key people

Michel A. Khalaf is CEO and president of MetLife, leading the company’s global operations and strategy. Before this, Khalaf served as CEO for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia after MetLife acquired Alico from AIG. He later managed the EMEA region and US businesses, launching new strategies to drive growth and value.

MetLife Investment Management’s senior leadership team works closely with the CEO to guide MIM's operations:

• John D. McCallion leads as CFO and head of MIM, overseeing finance and investment management strategy
• Brian Funk, CFA serves as president of MIM, focusing on client relationships and business growth
• Timothy Rabe, CFA manages global fixed income, directing investment strategies for bonds and credit
• Geert Henckens leads private fixed income, handling private credit and lending solutions
• Kerry O’Brien manages insurance asset management and liability solutions, supporting insurance clients’ portfolios
• Kathryn A. Vorisek oversees equity management, guiding small and mid-cap equity investments

This leadership team brings global experience and a strong focus on institutional investing. Their combined expertise supports MetLife Investment Management’s mission to deliver tailored solutions for clients worldwide.

The future at MetLife

MetLife Investment Management is helping pension plan sponsors manage market swings by sharing strategies for derisking and asset allocation. The firm’s experts guide clients on shifting from equities to bonds and private credit, aiming to balance risk and improve returns. This approach supports clients as they prepare for future changes and helps MIM stay relevant in a changing market.

In 2025, MetLife Investment Management released an impact report highlighting how its Global Bond Fund financed projects across 169 countries. The report showed that the firm supported environmental and social initiatives, including clean energy, water treatment, and affordable housing, while delivering competitive returns. This work positions MIM as a leader in responsible investing and supports its long-term commitment to global sustainability.