Alternative investments among the DC topics at 2016 Benefits and Pension Summit

From the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan to the implications of environmental, social and governance factors, the pension stream at Benefits Canada‘s 2016 Benefits and Pension Summit will cover a range of topics that should be front of mind for plans sponsors with defined contribution pension plans.

Read: Remembering why DC makes sense

The annual event takes place March 31 and April 1 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto hotel and will include simultaneous streams on both defined contribution pensions and group benefits. The sessions include a look at alternative investments in defined contribution pension plans that will explore the benefits, risks and practical considerations plan sponsors should keep in mind.

“Most people don’t realize that there is a significant difference between direct alternatives, like real estate, and listed alternatives, like [real estate investment trusts],” says Zaheed Jiwani, senior vice-president for client strategy at Greystone Managed Investments, who will speak during the session.

Read: Alternative assets taking on new prominence: survey

“Listed alternatives trade like equities, and so they demonstrate equity-like volatility. Direct alternatives, on the other hand, demonstrate significantly lower volatility and provide a much better benefit to your overall portfolio.”

Other sessions include a look at legal risks in defined contribution pension plans as well as governance issues. The event will conclude with a keynote address by author and mental-health advocate Margaret Trudeau. Register to attend the annual event.