Responsible investment (RI) is increasingly gaining traction in the U.S. and Canada due, in part, to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). At the joint F&C Investments and Jantzi-Sustainalytics seminar on Nov. 16 in Toronto, presenters shared their experiences of implementing the six principles—which were developed by an international group of institutional investors […]
The current fee structures featured by many infrastructure funds are flawed and are impeding take up by institutional investors, according to Watson Wyatt. However, with a few changes, such funds may see a sharp rise in investor interest. Watson Wyatt’s Fees in Infrastructure report concludes that the firm favours either low-cost PPP (public-private partnership) strategies […]
Since the outset of the global financial crisis, institutional investment policy and diversification have come under increased scrutiny in an attempt to protect assets in the event of another downturn. Moving away from equities, liability driven investing and increased alternative investments have all been put forth to that end. So how has investment strategy changed […]
As the global financial crisis carved its swath of destruction through the world’s economies, there were casualties in virtually every asset class. Only a small handful of investment categories emerged unscathed. One such outlier was microfinance, a niche market that, although a relatively new kid on the block, has great potential. In fact, Swiss-based BlueOrchard, […]
As with any other pool of assets, the key to success in managing the investment portfolios of endowments and foundations lies in establishing a strong governance system. Endowments and foundations depend on investment returns to fund their programs and charitable activities. A successful investment and spending policy must provide sufficient resources to enable them to […]
As with any other pool of assets, the key to success in managing the investment portfolios of endowments and foundations lies in establishing a strong governance system. Endowments and foundations depend on investment returns to fund their programs and charitable activities. A successful investment and spending policy must provide sufficient resources to enable them to […]
There is no doubt that following 2008, which was a difficult year for all market participants, there will be changes to the way managers, consultants and plan sponsors operate and interact. While markets are starting to stabilize, the bad news is not completely over for investment managers. Watson Wyatt has been studying the impact of […]
Two years ago, Canada’s socially responsible investing (SRI) community was in a cheerful, even celebratory mood. Many felt that a trickle-down effect from the pension world would provide a much-needed boost to the SRI retail sector. Fast forward to today. Investors have seen their portfolios ravaged by the credit crisis and subsequent stock market meltdown. […]
The report and recommendations of the Ontario Expert Commission on Pensions were released November 20, 2008. The Commission’s mandate, while not explicitly stated as such, was to save defined benefit (DB) plans in Ontario. If we are honest with ourselves, that battle has already been lost for many corporate plans, or single employer pension plans […]
The past few weeks has been eventful, to say the least. We have watched the disappearance of Lehman Brothers and the changing status of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to bank holding companies from investment banks; seen Merrill Lynch, Wachovia, Halifax Bank, and Fortis get bought; and witnessed the nationalization of Bradford & Bingley, Fannie […]