CONFERENCE DETAILS
Northern Investment Conference for Pension Funds
November 21, 2019
The Met Hotel, Leeds
Purpose
This conference is targeted at UK occupational pension fund investors based outside London, however, other interested pension funds and institutional investors from further afield are also welcome. We will aim to examine the latest trends and the outlook for investments whilst taking into account practical investment issues of interest to all pension funds.
Programme
Northern Investment Conference for Pension Funds
08.30
Registration and coffee
09.00
Welcome and opening remarks
09.10
Session 1: Looking Ahead
Head of EMEA Pensions Solutions & Advisory
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
2020 Long Term Capital Market Assumptions
Sorca will present J.P. Morgan Asset Management's 2020 Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions and their implications for institutional investors. Now in its 24th year of publication, the Assumptions provide our annual assessment of the long-term outlook across all major asset classes and markets over the next 10 to 15 years.
Investment Director
Capital Group
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most transformative and disruptive advancement since the Industrial Revolution. We take a closer look at how AI is not an abstract future development but is happening now as we unpick its history, evolution and potential long term implications for investors. Is AI poised to fuel the next wave of innovation, providing opportunities for companies and investors in the process? Find out in this session.
10.25
Coffee/Tea
10.55
Session 2: Fixed Income
Investment Manager
Kames Capital
The Long View on Short-Dated Bonds
As DB pension schemes mature, there is a greater focus on de-risking and generating reliable cash to meet pension payments. Focusing on short-dated corporate bonds which are less than three-years from maturity can help schemes to capture attractive, consistent yield with minimal interest-rate sensitivity, low portfolio volatility and attractive levels of liquidity.Short-dated bonds are also attractive for the DC pensions market, which favours low-volatility investment strategies to support the decumulation phase. Illustrating with client case studies, this presentation will explain why short-dated bonds are particularly well-suited for buy-and-maintain portfolios, where bonds are held until maturity with low turnover.
Managing Director, Global Fixed Income
Allianz Global Investors
How to Benefit from Credit Markets as the Cycle turns Negative
Pension schemes can protect their credit portfolios and even benefit from the volatility and idiosyncratic risks as we enter the “ late cycle” in credit markets. Only a highly flexible and active approach will avoid following credit benchmarks/indices south when spreads widen. This presentation will explore the ways investors can take advantage of market dislocations, liquidity and innovative risk management (incorporating ESG) to avoid the pitfalls when credit markets finally re-price.
12.05
Drinks and lunch
13.15
Session 3: ESG
Global Head of Governance
Aviva Investors
ESG Futureproofing of Real Asset Investments
This talk will look at ESG developments in real assets . How can you implement effective policies and procedures as well as measure the outcomes of implemented policies. To what extent can you quantify the efficacy of ESG policies and show value created at portfolio company level?
Head of Responsible Investment
Border to Coast Pensions Partnership
ESG Case Study: Border to Coast Pensions Partnership
This session will look at how Border to Coast have developed and implemented their responsible investment framework across asset classes. Jane will discuss how they work with managers and client funds, the issues they have faced putting this into place in a short time frame and the challenges that lie ahead.
14.20
Coffee/Tea
14.35
Session 4: Regulation & Trustee Update
Lead Investment Consultant
The Pensions Regulator
Update from TPR
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DC Master Trusts
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Our new ways of working
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DB Funding Code
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The Future of trusteeship
Pension Panel: Trustee Responsibilities
A panel of pension funds will consider the responsibilities of trustees as well as the increasing pressure on trustees. Is the current model of trusteeship fit for purpose?
Speakers confimed to date:
Invensys Pension Scheme
15.45
Drinks reception and close of conference
Cost
The conference is by invitation only for pension funds and other institutional investors. If you are not already receiving an invitation please contact us. A limited number of Complimentary invitations are usually 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 2 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.
