Real estate is evolving fast as increased global investment opportunities emerge. Property prices in key markets have begun a tentative upswing that may offer scope for capital gain. There is also evidence of rental growth in some locations, which has had a positive effect on capital values. However, as the effects of the global financial crisis continue to be felt, investors are demanding greater control over their investments. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges facing institutional investors, as well as favoured strategies in the current market.
Asset Classes
Real Estate: New Opportunities for Institutional Investors
Infrastructure
Temasek chases core-plus infra, creates private credit offshoot
The $338 billion Singapore state investor Temasek is contemplating allocating more capital to core-plus infrastructure projects, especially those related to data centres, energy transition and ageing facilities. The fund also spun out a standalone private credit platform called Aranda from its in-house credit team last fiscal year.
Darcy SongJuly 11, 2025
FIS Harvard 2025
AI the ‘most consequential’ trend for infra investors despite scepticism
AI is “the most consequential megatrend” for infrastructure investors with opportunities not only around data centres, but also energy and fibre networks by extension. But despite the bullishness, some asset owners are wondering when – or if – AI will deliver a miraculous productivity gain and benefit the underlying infrastructure.
Darcy SongMay 22, 2025
FIS Harvard 2025
SWIB: It’s ‘harder for companies to live in public markets’
Public markets aren’t functioning as well as they used to, and more and more asset owners are loading up on private assets in a bid to maintain their returns. But private market managers need to realise that their investors want a true partnership, or risk “a washing out”.
Lachlan MaddockMay 20, 2025
Private Equity
Arizona navigates spike in capital calls in uncertain private equity market
The recent market volatility has put the brakes on any pickup in private equity distributions LPs had hoped for in 2025. A board meeting of Arizona State Retirement System heard that IPO activity remains muted and the majority of exits are concentrated in sponsor-to-sponsor deals and strategic sales.
Sarah RundellMay 12, 2025
Equities
Sweden’s FTN scouts for domestic, European small cap managers
Nordic pension giant the Swedish Fund Selection Agency (FTN) is on the hunt for active Swedish and European small cap equity managers in a SEK 46 billion ($4.6 billion) tender. It comes as asset owners revisit small cap strategies as a useful diversification from US mega cap equities.
Darcy SongMay 2, 2025
Equities
NBIM seeks long/short, market-neutral strategies amid volatility
Norway's NBIM is looking to allocate several mandates to single-country and regional long/short equity strategies in Australia, Japan, Europe, and the US. Top1000funds.com examines the growing investor interest in these strategies as market volatility and stock dispersion create fresh opportunities for active managers.
Sarah RundellApril 28, 2025
Private Equity
Border to Coast: The problems with UK private equity
A new report published by the Border to Coast argues private equity fees and a lack of high-quality, UK-focused fund managers targeting the scale-up sector is impeding UK pension funds’ ability to invest in private equity.
Sarah RundellApril 24, 2025