APG has successfully shifted its smaller pension fund clients to the new defined contribution pension system and now begins the huge task of moving the giant ABP as well. The defined contribution system has many implications including shedding more than 1000 staff at APG and moving investments more into riskier assets.
In the three years since formation Border to Coast has proven success on both sides of the ledger, providing significant cost savings for its underlying partner funds and giving them access to investments they would not have dreamed of as single entities. The passionate CIO of Border to Coast, Daniel Booth, talks to Amanda White about the fund’s success and what is next in its quest for constant improvement.
Swedish buffer fund, AP2, has incorporated Paris-aligned rules into its benchmark construction for global and emerging market equities. This year it turns its attention to Swedish and Chinese equities. The moves come on the back of the best-ever half year return for the SEK421.2 billion fund and its lowest ever costs.
Marisa Hall argues that incorporating purpose and culture into business strategy makes an organisation more sustainable and resilient, and also equips it to deal with the complex challenges of climate change.
Comprehensive, holistic value disclosures and compelling communication are key benchmarks for pension funds. This has been confirmed by the first year experience working with leading global pension funds for the Global Pension Transparency Benchmark, a collaboration between Top1000funds.com and CEM Benchmarking. In year two, in recognition of this belief and communication excellence, we have decided to award bonus points to funds preparing Framework integrated annual reports. Mike Heale looks at four examples of pension funds already using the Framework.
APG, the biggest pension provider in Europe, is positioning itself as a digital pioneer with investment in the large-scale use of data, workflow automation and digital analytical platforms. A leader in funds management, most notably sustainability, it is once again a frontrunner by embracing technology.
For many boards net zero is the greatest investment governance challenge of all time, says the Inevitable Policy Response's Julian Poulter. He says a starting point for asset owner boards is a house view on the future, as opting for a standard asset allocation with a reliance on passive indices is unlikely to yield optimal results.
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