CalPERS

The CalPERS governance risk management initiative (GRMI) project team, led by Allen Goldstein of The Results Group, has reported to the board on phase II of the project, concluding with 17 preliminary observations of areas of improvement.

In the latest chapter regarding the role of third-party placement agents, the California Senate has passed a bill supported by the state’s largest pension fund, CalPERS, aimed at increasing transparency around the fees paid to these agents doing business with public pension plans.

CalPERS is contemplating an incentive schedule for senior investment executives that builds in downside risk, by expanding the range of the factor multipliers for the quantitative elements of investment performance plans, a move which could potentially eliminate a small compensation incentive award.

CalPERS will continue its securities lending program following an annual review, despite significant pressure on its collateral pool, with income of $220 million generated for the year to March but unrealised losses on the internal collateral reinvestment of $854 million.

CalPERS is seeking consulting firms for a dedicated real estate Spring-fed pool, the first competitive selection process since 2003, with five-year contracts to begin in July next year.