DC Plan Summit
October 6, 2021 | Virtual event
Agenda
Please note that this event will begin at 11:30 AM ET and will conclude at 5 PM ET.
2021 PASSWORD-PROTECTED PRESENTATIONS
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Opening Keynote
Delaying Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits for as long as possible is the safest, most inexpensive approach for DC plan members to get more secure (and worry-free) retirement income. This presentation, based on newly published research, will explain why and how we can help retiring DC members make more informed decisions that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Speaker:
Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, director of financial security research, the National Institute on Ageing, Ryerson University
12:30 – 1:00 PM
The benefits of liquid alternative investments as a portfolio diversifier
In an effort to optimize expected risk-adjusted returns, institutional investors have been increasingly allocating alternatives to their portfolios. While allocations to illiquid alternative assets have dominated in the institutional space, defined contribution plan sponsors are now able to include liquid (daily-valued) alternative investment options. This session will discuss the importance of different facets of investment breadth, including exposure to independent/diversifying sources of return and an appropriate portfolio liquidity profile. It will also demonstrate how an eclectic mix of robust liquid absolute return strategies can help improve these facets of breadth and offer significant additivity to portfolios by complementing allocations to traditional assets. And it will discuss the positive impact of integrating liquid absolute return strategies into target-date funds through a dedicated allocation to this asset class.
Speaker:
Michael Sager, vice-president, multi-asset and currency management, CIBC Asset Management Inc.
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Considerations for inflation and inflation protection in target-date strategies
What is the impact of inflation on long-term savings and what are the key influences? This session will explore the evolution of inflation, the impact of inflation and inflation surprises on asset classes and portfolio performance and views on inflation protection throughout a member’s lifetime.
Speakers:
Bruno Weinberg Crocco, portfolio manager, Fidelity Investments
Ilan Kolet, institutional portfolio manager, Fidelity Investments
1:30 - 1:40 PM
Break
1:40– 2:10 PM
Discussion panel: Decumulation and beyond
During this discussion panel, three DC plan sponsors will share how they’re implementing — or considering implementing — in-plan decumulation products for their plan members. In addition to sharing their insights on the process, we’ll hear the reasons behind introducing these options, the challenges in rolling them out and lessons they’ve learned that can help other DC plan sponsors navigate their decumulation journeys.
Speakers:
Michael Dodd, associate vice-president of pensions, treasury and shareholder services, the Co-operators Group Ltd.
Martin McInnis, executive director, the Co-operative Superannuation Society pension plan
Lisa Weir, director of retirement and savings strategy, Royal Bank of Canada
2:10 – 2:40 PM
Discussion: Decumulation in capital accumulation plans
Purpose Investments surveyed the global landscape and concluded there’s a need for a greater breadth of decumulation solutions for capital accumulation plans. This is especially clear when looking at the demographics - there are currently more Canadians who are over age 65 than children age 15 and under, and, every day, 1,000 more Canadians turn 65. This session will highlight the decumulation problem, the traditional solutions and new decumulation options. Finally, the discussion will highlight how integrating a decumulation solution within a CAP member’s retirement strategy can lead to better income outcomes, including how a member can interact with existing target-date funds.
Speakers:
Pat Leo, vice-president, Longevity Retirement Solutions, Purpose Investments Inc.
Michelle Loder, partner, defined contribution solutions, Lifeworks Inc.
Fraser Stark, president, longevity retirement platform, Purpose Investments Inc.
2:40 – 3:10 PM
The road to better DC plan outcomes
MFS Investment Management surveyed defined contribution pension plan members in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, focusing on retirement expectations; perceived impacts of COVID-19 on retirement; target-date funds; environmental, social and governance investing; retirement advice and retirement income. In this presentation, Jessica Sclafani will share actionable insights to help DC plan sponsors make informed decisions and provide solutions that lead to better outcomes for members.
Speaker:
Jessica Sclafani, director and defined contribution strategist, investment solutions group, MFS Investment Management
3:10 – 3:40 PM
A look at legislative updates affecting DC pension plans
In this session, two pension lawyers will review recent legislative developments applicable to defined contribution pension plans, including tax changes to accommodate the correction of common contribution errors and the ability of plan administrators to use electronic communications and beneficiary designations.
Speakers:
Natalie Bussière, pension lawyer, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP
Susan Nickerson, partner, pensions and employment practice, Torys LLP
3:40 – 4:00 PM
Wrap-up panel
In this session, panellists will share some of their highlights from the day as well as their key takeaway that DC plan sponsors should take back to their organizations.
Speakers:
Pat Leo, vice-president, Longevity Retirement Solutions, Purpose Investments Inc.
Taylor Pidgeon, associate director, relationship management, MFS Investment Management Ltd.
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Airbnb virtual networking experience
