Fairfax County Employees’ Retirement System says its allocation to digital assets has become the best-performing investment in the fund’s history. The $6.3 billion pension plan first invested in blockchain infrastructure and digital assets through venture funds in 2019, and early distributions are now beginning to arrive.
Geeta Kapadia, CIO of Fordham University’s $1 billion endowment is rolling out a suite of changes that include paring back the fund's 50 or so manager relationships, introducing new passive allocations, testing the water on internal management in fixed income and preparing the ground for an inaugural sustainability strategy.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ambitious strategy to reinvigorate the country’s $5 trillion asset management industry encounters a cool response from domestic corporate pension funds. Stakeholders express reluctance, citing uncertainties and a perceived lack of instant benefits as government panels form to craft the reform plans.
In his first public comments since being named chief investment officer of Australia’s sovereign wealth fund in August, Ben Samild has said fostering a team culture of “purpose and joy” is among his top priorities.
With the right governance models pension funds can play a role in broader societal issues, such as mental health in the workplace, while still delivering financial security for members. A unique “democratic governance structure” at the Danish Velliv Association allows it to manage multiple objectives, chief executive Lars Wallberg said.
Renowned geopolitics professor Stephen Kotkin remains an “unbelievable optimist about where the world is,” despite the ever-present potential for catastrophe and unprecedented challenges from climate change, geopolitical power dynamics, artificial intelligence and other technological developments.
When CEO of New Zealand Super Matt Whineray joined the fund in 2008 there were 40 employees, NZ$14.7 billion in assets which was all outsourced and the investment committee consisted of “anyone who wanted to attend”. When Whineray leaves on December 8 he’s leaving a very different organisation.
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