US public sector pension funds will have to take a radical private-enterprise approach to reforming employee benefits and revising investment expectations if funds are to fulfil their obligations to existing and new employees.
Towers Watson changes the guard
Roger Urwin has stepped down from his position as head of Towers Watson’s think tank, the “thinking ahead group”, to take up a two-day a week advisory position at MSCI Barra. He will continue in his role as head of global investment content at Towers Watson.
What Seatown could achieve for Temasek
Seatown Holdings, the fund manager being launched by the $121 billion Temasek, one of Singapore’s two sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), is not a hedge fund. It is a global investment company with a mandate to invest in stocks and bonds – but its size and private structure can enable it to tap sources of return beyond the reach of its large parent. Simon Mumme reports.
CalPERS explores environmental exposure
CalPERS’ investment office is working on a variety of environmental programs and initiatives. Amanda White looks at the environmental goals and achievements of the fund across real estate, global equities and alternative investments and examines the plans to develop total fund strategies to improve environmental impact and enhance risk adjusted returns.
AP2 appoints another new CIO
The SEK 204 billion ($28 billion) Second Swedish National Pension Fund/AP2 has appointed its fourth chief investment officer in four years, as the fund reports its best annual return since inception.
France’s SWF names manager selection committee
France’s €33 billion Sovereign Wealth Fund, the Fonds de Reserve Pour Les Retraites, has made four appointments to its independent manager selection committee tasked with reviewing all mandate bids by funds managers.
