Conference Coverage: 2023 Defined Contribution Investment Forum

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic three years ago, the global economy has faced a bumpy ride, led by the lingering public health crisis, rising geopolitical tensions and high inflation.

The 2023 Defined Contribution Investment Forum, which was held on Sept. 29 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto, shared thought leadership on the various levers DC plan sponsors can pull to future proof their investment strategies, including the latest in target-date funds, best practices for ESG investing and the evolving roles of alternative assets and fixed income.

Here’s what you missed!

PHOTO GALLERY

Rob Carrick

Rob Carrick
The Globe and Mail
Silver linings for retirement savings, investment trends and younger generations

Defined contribution pension plan members are currently in a different place, especially the younger generations, who are likely feeling as though their financial priorities don’t line up with workplace pensions the way they did for previous generations.

Read session coverage

Jon Knowles

Jon Knowles
Fidelity Investments

The importance of strategic asset allocation in target-date funds

Since DC plan members will experience a wide variety of market conditions over the course of their working lives and into retirement, it’s important for the strategic asset allocation of target-date funds to be diversified and able to stand the test of time.

Read session coverage

Andrew Knox

Andrew Knox
Franklin Templeton Investments
How real assets in DC plans can give members a ‘much smoother ride’

In volatile market environments, adding real assets to DC pension plan portfolios has the ability to provide diversification benefits and give members a “much smoother ride” to retirement.

Read session coverage

Aaron Young

Aaron Young
CIBC Asset Management
Why DC plan sponsors should consider a distinct credit exposure

While fixed income has long had the reputation of being the conservative and stable supporting partner in the traditional balanced portfolio, unbundling fixed income into its sub-components presents opportunities for enhanced risk-adjusted returns.

Read session coverage

Pat Leo & Fraser Stark

Pat Leo
Longevity Retirement Solutions

Fraser Stark
Longevity Retirement Platform
How longevity risk pooling can help DC plan members meet their retirement income needs

Larry, a hypothetical DC plan member, is facing a difficult calculus as he prepares to retire. Between his personal and DC plan savings, he’s accumulated $620,000 in savings for his retirement and is also expecting roughly $1,000 a month from the CPP and $650 in OAS benefits.

Read session coverage

Satwik Misra & Jason Zhang

Satwik Misra
Sun Life Global Investments

Jason Zhang
Sun Life Global Investments
Target-date fund glide paths evolving to meet DC plan member needs

Plotting out a glide path is the most important part of designing a target-date fund — not only does it takes members on a roughly 40-year investing journey, but it also has the most significant impact on their retirement outcomes.

Read session coverage

Sponsors
Keynote Sponsor
Desjardins Insurance
Supporting Sponsors
Baillie GiffordCanada LifeCapital GroupMFS Investment ManagementT.Rowe Price

To view highlights from the 2022 DC Investment Forum (Fall), click here.

To view highlights from previous DC Investment Forums, click here