This session drew on themes of the conference and discuss with asset owners what the portfolios of the future will look like, particularly examining how investors plan to build robust portfolios to meet changing investment regimes.[vc_quotes layout=”accordion” 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The world has two decades to find the solutions to keep warming to below two degrees, otherwise we are likely to cross two degrees and need to plan for risk associated with two point five or three degrees.
He said the number of corporate commitments to tackle climate change will increase in line with customer demand for more action.
On one hand innovation will comprise “sustained innovation” of existing technology. In contrast, “disruptive innovation” comprises new technology that is initially expensive but then becomes cheaper.
Innovation also depends on companies being able to tap the infrastructure and supply chains they need to thrive.
In early-stage investment, the focus is on feasibility and the extent to which a new product is cost effective or competitive. In the next stage access to a supply chain and infrastructure becomes a priority.
Investment in pioneering sectors involved working with teams that understand the technology, regulatory barriers and supply chain risk as well as an understanding of the policy needed to create these markets.
The challenging market environment is putting pressure on pension funds. In response, many are lowering return targets, rather than taking on more risk or requesting larger contributions.
USS's COO Howard Brindle is one of the most experienced investment operations executives in the pension industry, he talks about business transformation and the importance of talent.
The more political appointees and worker representatives sit on US pension fund boards, the more those funds will respond to incentives that encourage riskier investing, research has found.
Calls for a long-term investment focus have lacked a sophisticated metric to back them up – until now. The McKinsey Global Institute has found tangible benefits from shunning short-termism.
The 300 largest funds, and the seven biggest country markets, continue to control the lion’s share of global pension assets, a Willis Towers Watson study has found.
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