Latest news and analysis of pensions, asset management, regulation and trends in the European Union from our award-winning journalists.
Focus on Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), and member states’ opposition obstruct path towards fully-fledged EU sovereignty wealth fund
Abrdn and JPMorgan are only two non-Nordic asset managers out of six successful bidders for SEK11bn of European equity provision
Industry body also said it fears EIOPA’s proposed stance could lead to greenhushing
Fierce opposition from trade unions and a large part of the political spectrum did not manage to stop Emmanuel Macron’s plan to reform the French pension system. The new framework kicks in this month, and the long-term sustainability of public pensions is secure. However, French workers will have to work longer into their lives, and their standard of living will decline.
Unions have a new role in determining the shape of occupational pensions but are mindful of their duty to protect workers
Ireland’s bid to reduce the number of single-member DC pension funds is succeeding but is not without teething troubles
Italian second-pillar occupational pension funds continue on their path to diversification. Owing to the higher yields on offer in traditional fixed income markets, allocations to private markets may slow down temporarily, but funds have made long-term strategic commitments. A variety of industry initiatives is facilitating investment in private equity, private debt and infrastructure. Meanwhile, some pension funds are consolidating their private markets portfolios.
Dutch pension funds must tread a fine line between protecting funding levels and ensuring sufficient returns as they move to defined contribution
Diversification remains a key tool in pension fund portfolios
Industry body also said it fears EIOPA’s proposed stance could lead to greenhushing
Agreement would lessen pressure on finance sector and change scope of law
Pontus von Essen leaves Swedish national pensions giant after more than six years
Insurance & Pension Denmark says pension funds are cautious when it comes to investing in defence and security sector
Private credit is showing signs of recovery, but investors are focusing on defensive sectors
For a market with a difficult past, some could even say an image-problem, securitised credit has been performing remarkably well in recent years.
The convertible bond market ended 2023 on a strong note with its main index – the Refinitiv Global Focus – returning 6% in the fourth quarter. The optimism has continued into 2024 on the back of reasonable valuations, historically low equity volatility and better opportunites.
In June 2023, the European Commission put forward the Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulation, which is currently being discussed in the relevant Council working group and in the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON).
Listed equities shine for pension funds, including Varma, Ilmarinen and others despite last year’s ‘feeble’ Finnish equities
Data providers out, double materiality provisions in, disclosures also for financial market participants