The Danish retirement fund for academics has long screened out companies and countries from its portfolio, but has further stepped up its focus on ESG issues in the past few years.
The Danish retirement fund for academics is taking a more activist approach to the environment by pressuring the likes of Korean group Samsung and Japan’s Mizuho.
Investors in search of some yield could seek out one of the most basic forms of dividend available. Exotic renewables offer another option – via the medium of dance (and beef)
For the Australian superannuation fund, venture capital investment is about more than just returns; it can also help in spotting risks and opportunities elsewhere in the portfolio.
Aberdeen Standard’s head of multi-manager solutions is tipping commodity-related real assets, with Blackstone and Schroders executives bullish on commodity prices.
Commodity prices are bouncing back, but will Asian asset owners now embrace an asset class they have long shunned? And is this the start of a new bull cycle, or a temporary rally?
CPPIB, Omers and OTPP are busy hiring in the region for investment talent in credit, real assets and particularly equities. Omers is also planning to add office space in Singapore.
China Pacific Insurance appoints new chairwoman, COO; AMP's CEO to leave by third quarter; Robeco announces duo in senior China roles; Axa IM hires head of institutional sales for Asia; GLP names co-president for logistics; BlackRock sells onshore Korea distribution business; Income Partners poaches head of distribution from Vanguard; and more.
Although sustainable funds have seen increasing inflows amid growing environmental awareness and the spotlight on social issues due to Covid-19, the industry still lacks a standard definition of sustainable investing. Nicholette MacDonald-Brown, head of European blend equities at Schroders, explains the firm’s three-pronged approach of people, process and purpose.
The Singapore state fund recently bought into impact investing specialist LeapFrog, and is eyeing more investments that combine strong financial returns with a positive social effect.
Special purpose acquisition companies (Spacs) have gained ground as financing vehicles for companies looking to go public. But Asian family offices have yet to make many investments.
Swiss Re hires head of China asset management business; BlackRock deregisters its China WFOE; DWS names head of Apac insurance coverage; Amundi appoints first Asia sustainability officer; Manulife IM appoints senior portfolio manager for asset allocation; Morgan Stanley IM hires portfolio manager for A-shares; and more.
Asset owners are interested in sustainable investments but they lack enough peer benchmarks and suitable products, according to a World Economic Forum white paper.