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The importance of governance in a crisis

From December to mid-March of this year New Zealand Super lost 20 per cent of its assets. It’s the second time in less than 18 months the fund has experienced a significant drop in assets but in an example of how good governance and process can allow for counter cyclical behaviour the fund is now buying equities.

Investors focus on human capital

Investors are putting pressure on companies to accelerate the shift to purpose-driven leadership and focus on human capital policies during the crisis. But while there are some examples of corporations making policy changes that positively impact their workers, supply chain issues pose a significant problem.

London’s CIV talks pooling progress

The coronavirus is an unprecedented test for the UK’s eight Local Government Pension Scheme asset pools. The London Collective Investment Vehicle, the pooling manager for the pension assets of London’s 32 boroughs has lost 15 per cent of the value of its portfolio for the month, and CEO Mike O’Donnell says ensuring liquidity and diversification are priorities in the months ahead.

Long-term disclosure post COVID-19

In times of uncertainty and disruption the “long-term” is a place that’s often easy to talk about but harder to operationalise but forward-looking information is highly valued, particularly during this crisis. To understand a company’s value proposition requires a real sense of its ability to innovate and be a source of disruption (not its victim). That requires a rounded view of the forward story and an assessment of key ESG issues and mega-trends.

Wisconsin leans into opportunities

In the space of three months the State of Wisconsin Investment Board has moved its portfolio from “defensive” to “offensive” as it “leans into the opportunities” presented by the coronavirus crisis. CIO and executive director David Villa, and deputy, Rochelle Klaskin spoke to Amanda White about the portfolio and how the large internal team is managing remotely.

Korean fund faces unique challenge

The KRW14.3 trillion ($12 billion) Korea Public Officials Benefit Association is sitting on more than 10 per cent cash, but in a unique challenge due to the coronavirus crisis, it is having trouble deploying capital. Amanda White spoke to CIO, Dong Hun Jang, about the options including listed alternatives and distressed opportunities.