It’s not really news but it’s comforting to have your observations confirmed when the annual Global Pension Asset Study is published. The Towers Watson report for 2010 shows a hiatus in the swing away from equities, stronger growth in Asia-Pacific than elsewhere, and a greater focus on risk by the major funds in the world’s top 13 pension markets.
Yale warns on ‘nanny’ reforms
Subjecting money market funds to a bank-like regulatory structure would disrupt the short-term money market and increase systematic risk according to this Yale Law School paper. While risk-limiting reforms are important to ensure the continued safety and security of MMFs, this paper argues major revisions such as the floating NAV requirement or bank-like regulation would destabilise an industry that has been remarkably stable.
Bolivia to nationalise pensions
The Bolivian Government will nationalise the privately run pension system, with new pension reform law due to be implemented half way through this year. It follows reform from its southern neighbour, Argentina, which nationalised its $24 billion pension fund industry two years ago.
Swiss set to risk for security
A mindset change that sees assets allocated according to risk, not capital, as well as the physical splitting of the three separate funds it manages, is setting up the Swiss Federal Social Security Fund for a stimulating year. Amanda White spoke to managing director, Eric Breval.
Too much, too little, too late in alts: CREATE
Pension funds had diversified into alternatives at the wrong time, CREATE’s chief executive, Professor Amin Rajin said, claiming pension funds were taking too long in their decision-making to make the most of opportunities available.
Asian Funds Passport to foster growth
Across the Asia-Pacific region, interest is growing in the cross-border recognition of registered funds, which would give investors access to a broader range of locally manufactured and regionally distributed products. Establishing a mutually recognised regional funds vehicle would help streamline cross-border recognition, while also encouraging the development of the funds industry across the region. Click … Read more
