FUTURE
CONFERENCES
Purpose
This conference aims to bring together pension executives, trustees and consultants from Ireland’s pension community. It will focus on both DB and DC pensions
Programme
09.00
Registration
09.30
Session 1 - How to take advantage of the shifting landscapes in 2025
11.00
Tea/Coffee
11.30
Session 2: Irish Pensions Market Update: Trends and Transformations 2025
Chief Investment Officer and Global Head of Fixed Income
Neuberger Berman
Default Is Not In Our Stars: Why Credit Spreads Should Remain Manageable—Even in a Recession
U.S. credit spreads spiked in the days following the April 2 tariff announcements, reflecting investors’ concerns that a supply-shock recession could lead to a wave of defaults. When we modelled the impact of tariffs, however, our default estimates for 2025 and 2026 rose, but were still low relative to history. This remained the case even when we modelled a recession: a U.S. high yield index spread of around 600bps appears to be a reasonable downside scenario. In this presentation, we explain why that fits with our market outlook, and argue that it makes current spreads attractive for long-term investors.
Partner, Investment Solutions
P/E Investments
Currency matters. Reducing portfolio risk, and improving portfolio returns, by managing “uncompensated” risk
Globally invested pension funds typically see between 20% and 40% of their annual risk “budget” being consumed by foreign exchange exposure risk. The global economy is currently experiencing unprecedented change and yet, as investors, we have been trained to believe that currency “does not matter”. Using case studies, and current market views, we will explore the significant impact of Foreign Exchange risk on overseas investments over the last 20 years, and identify methods to transform this risk into potential profit opportunities that can be used to improve cash flow, and pay pensions.
Fixed Income Investment Director
Capital Group
Returning to First Principles in Multi-Asset Credit
Join Capital Group as we explore some of the fundamental questions on the minds of clients making an allocation to MAC and the outcomes they are hoping to achieve.
Partner, Pensions
Eversheds Sutherland
Legal and Regulatory Update
This update will outline the key legal developments that have impacted employers and pension scheme trustees over the last 12 months. This will include an overview of the key legal issues for employers and trustees arising out of DORA and the new auto-enrolment regime which is now due to commence at the beginning of next year as well as looking at some significant developments in Irish pensions caselaw and what might be looming on the horizon from a legal and regulatory perspective.
Director of Workplace Markets
Irish Life Employer Solutions
Master Trusts, the New Norm: Navigating the Rapidly Changing DC Irish Pensions Market
The Irish DC pensions market has undergone a transformative shift, driven by intense regulatory demands with an emphasis on governance, scale and member outcomes. At the forefront of this evolution is the rapid adoption of master trusts, which have emerged as the preferred pension vehicle for many employers and trustees. We’ll explore the rise of master trusts as the new market norm as well as considering the future of standalone schemes still operating independently.
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Joining the panel:
13.00
Lunch
14.00
Session 3: The Retirement Journey: Evolving Thinking and Smarter Investment Approaches
Senior Portfolio Manager
AXA Investment Managers
Cash Flow Driven Investing – Different Flavours
Pension schemes around the world are distributing an increasing amount to their members as they age and retire. By matching cash outflows with natural investment inflows, schemes could avoid selling assets when markets are depressed, while still providing upside growth potential from investing in fixed income markets. This is one of the reasons why cashflow driven investment (CDI) strategies have garnered significant interest from institutional investors in recent years.
Join us as we discuss how different clients with different cashflow and sustainability requirements have achieved their objectives by adopting a CDI approach and answer your questions.
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Investment Consultant
Mercer
Investment Consulting: What’s topical with DC Trustees right now
1. Irish Retirement Living Standards.
2. In-Scheme Drawdown.
3. Impact of market volatility on member behaviour.
Programme Leader
Retirement Planning Council of Ireland
Retirement Planning v Planning for Retirement
While financial security is a key component of retirement planning, there is much more to consider than just the pension fund figures. A fulfilling retirement also involves preparing for lifestyle changes, developing a new daily routine, maintaining physical and mental health, nurturing personal relationships, and redefining one’s identity beyond the workplace. Taking a holistic approach can help ensure a more balanced and rewarding retirement experience.
15.30
Approx close of conference followed by refreshments
Cost
The conference is by invitation only for pension funds and other institutional investors and we welcome new attendees from these investors. Therefore if you are not already receiving an invitation please contact us. A limited number of Complimentary invitations are available to genuine pension fund representatives (executives and trustees) and other approved institutional investors. However, to ensure we have room for as many funds as possible, we have to limit free places to 3 attendees per approved organisation thereafter a reduced rate fee is payable per delegate. Furthermore, SPS always reserves the right of admission (free or paid) and our decision is final.
Venue
The Westbury Hotel, Dublin
Balfe Street,
Dublin 2
D02 CH66
Tel: +353 1 679 1122
Thanks to its central location in Dublin, The Westbury is easy to reach by car, bus or train. Approximately 40 minutes from the airport and close to major reference points in the city such as Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green, making your way to the hotel is hassle free.
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