Why disclosure and communication are key to pension excellence

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.

Co-investment, diversification drive CalPERS’ PE push

Since taking on the job of head of private equity at CalPERS two years ago Greg Ruiz has spent considerable time getting the portfolio back on track, understanding the positions and allocating capital. Now as the fund almost certainly will allocate more assets to private equity as part of a new asset allocation, Ruiz is looking to add to the sectors where the fund is underweight including venture.

CalPERS’ new asset allocation to take on more risk

The largest pension fund in the United States, the $469 billion CalPERS, is in the middle of an asset liability modelling exercise to set a new asset allocation by June 2022. Chief executive Marcie Frost says it’s the most significant decision the board makes with regard to the investment portfolio and that achieving a return target of 6.8 per will require “pushing everyone’s risk appetite”.

APG positions for a digital future

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.