This study by EDHEC surveys how pension funds and sponsors manage the risks they face and how institutional constraints – accounting and prudential regulations, the organisation of the relationship between the pension fund and its sponsor, and social laws – influence investment strategy. (more…)
Members in the HK$365 billion ($46.8 billion) Mandatory Provident Fund, which is expected to triple in size in the next 10 years, have a new comparison tool to help them decide their service provider and investment options. (more…)
A preference for passive management underpins the investment beliefs of the new UK defined contribution fund, NEST, which has finally outlined its investment approach. (more…)
Australia has one of the largest retirement fund pools per capita in the world. Given the significance of this relative to Australia’s total gross domestic product, the superannuation sector has come under unprecedented scrutiny with a series of major government reviews heightening the call for increased efficiency, greater engagement and ultimately improved returns. Understanding their implications will be critical for the industry as it looks to address the challenges and benefit from the opportunities this dynamic market presents.
The frontier markets sub-asset class, which completes the international opportunity set, exhibits low correlations to developed countries, high long-term economic growth potential and an attractive risk/return profile. These characteristics may appeal to sophisticated investors who want broad exposure to this asset class and understand the higher geo-political, regulatory and operational risks in these markets.
After the dramatic market events of the last decade, defined benefit plan sponsors are facing stricter accounting and regulatory oversight, and seek to control funded status volatility. Focusing on a plan’s liabilities, when contemplating asset decisions, is a good way to accomplish this task.