Potentially ground-breaking project seeks to explore the connection between cognitive diversity and investment success. The post Diversity Project launches new investment initiative appeared first on portfolio institutional ..read more

Government proposals to combine Local Government Pension Scheme funds into a single national fund could unlock almost £40bn of investment in infrastructure, the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), a specialist insurer of pension schemes, has said.  The idea of council pension reform is being discussed in many circles – with different views, welcoming and disagreement, being expressed on the idea. The government has launched a pension review, which will include looking at consolidating the 86 English local council schemes and potentially – although it is probably a marginal possibili ..read more

Taking the pensions and investment world by surprise, the new government has announced a pensions review, which presents the potential for faster implementation of ‘pro-growth’ reforms to pensions.  The review, promised in the Labour Party’s manifesto but not included in the King’s speech, meant many believed the Pension Scheme Bill, which was included in the King’s Speech, would be the main point of focus for pensions and investment.  The bill included a narrow range of measures.  But with the pensions review further measures could be introduced to drive investme ..read more

The King’s speech, which was delivered by King Charles III to introduce the new Labour government’s parliamentary agenda, has put some meat on the bones of the government’s plans on growth, pensions and potential investments. Central to the speech was a Pensions Schemes Bill, reaffirming the intent to have schemes play a more significant role in supporting the UK economy through productive investments. “It is clear that the government wants pensions, and the National Wealth Fund bill to play a role in providing meaningful stimulus to UK productivity, said Calum Cooper, head of pensions policy ..read more

The news that London CIV chief investment officer (CIO) Aoifinn Devitt is leaving her role comes as a big shock. Devitt was only appointed in January, with an impressive track record and reputation, having held a number of senior investment roles, including CIO for the Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago. London CIV is the local government pension scheme (LGPS) that manages assets for the London boroughs and the City of London and now has something of an unwanted record: in the past seven years it has been through eight senior roles, four chief investment officers and four chief ex ..read more

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) new rules for the listing of shares have come under fire from leading asset owners. The regulator has simplified the listings regime with a single category and streamlined eligibility for those companies seeking to list their shares in the UK.   The overhaul of listing rules, according to the FCA, “better aligns the UK’s regime with international market standards”. The rules, noted the FCA, “ensure investors will have the information they need to make decisions about their money, while maintaining appropriate investor protections to hold the ma ..read more

FIND OUT MORE The post Newton Investment Management – Sustainability and stewardship 2023 annual report appeared first on portfolio institutional ..read more

It was remarked upon at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association’s LGPS conference that there have been as many pension ministers as Chelsea football managers, which is a good comparison in terms of the constant churn in personnel. And the industry now has another minister. Although this time it can be argued this is justified and expected, as it is an entirely new government.  What is not expected is how the new pensions minister will work. Emma Reynolds, the MP for Wycombe, has been appointed to a ministerial role in the treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions. This could ..read more

The chancellor Rachel Reeves has had a busy few days in her new role. First, she spent time setting out her growth strategy to revitalise the economy. Now she and business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, have created a new National Wealth Fund to invest specifically in industries focused on net zero. Under the government’s plans, the National Wealth Fund will bring together key institutions and investors with the aim of mobilising billions of pounds in private investment. Reeves and Reynolds have done this by aligning the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), created by Rishi Sunak when he was cha ..read more

In her first speech as chancellor, Rachel Reeves, sounding a little like former Tory prime minister Theresa May, has pledged to build growth on strong and secure foundations, built on stability, investment and reform, forged through a partnership with the private sector. Setting out her first steps to deliver on the government’s commitments in its manifesto that its approach will be based on sound money and economy stability, the chancellor promised a new economic model to grow the economy. Reeves announced steps to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years and the immediate removal of ..read more