Breakfast (Edinburgh Room)

A regulator’s perspective: The evolving focus on prudential supervision for DB pension plans (St. Andrew’s Hall)

Since the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s inception in June 2019, it has been a risk- and principles-based regulator, but the transition to supervising effectively using risk and principles takes time. This session will share the FSRA’s experience utilizing this approach to prudentially supervise the risk management and governance of pension plans in Ontario. It will also share trends related to governance, funding, investment management and member communication, as well as risk management and governance aspects to consider moving forward.

Speakers:

James Hoffner, head, prudential supervision, large public sector pension plans, FSRA

Paul Martiniello, head, prudential supervision, single and multi-employer pension plans, FSRA

Ready. Set. Go. How to make portfolios nimbler in uncertain times

People often hear the investment mantra of sticking to your plan. But sometimes, staying on course requires getting back on course. How far off are you? How do pension plan sponsors make shifts when markets are changing so quickly? And what practical actions can pension plan sponsors they take to position their portfolios for success in the middle of uncertainty?

Speaker:

Olga Bezrokov, senior portfolio manager, Russell Investments

Adapting to evolving markets: Unlocking opportunities with global credit

Recent shifts in financial markets have created unique challenges and opportunities for investors. This session will explore how investors are turning to innovative, non-traditional fixed income strategies to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns and diversification. It will also discuss how institutional investors are turning to multi-asset credit strategies as a more liquid credit option that still helps diversify portfolios away from equity market risk while capitalizing on ever-changing market conditions.

Speaker:

Findlay Franklin, portfolio manager, BlueBay fixed income team, RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Ltd.

Networking break (St. Andrew’s Lounge)

Finding fixed income opportunities in volatile markets

This fireside chat will explore the challenges in managing fixed income portfolios, where unintended risks are emerging in today’s volatile market and how a global, diversified approach can help Canadian investors unlock new opportunities. This session will offer timely insights to support asset allocation and risk management decisions.

Speakers:

Alexander M. Mackey, co‐chief investment officer, fixed income, MFS Investment Management

Andrew Marshall, managing director, institutional sales, MFS Investment Management

Managing managers: A multi-pm perspective on risk

This session will review the active roles risk managers play as advisors on risk and portfolio construction. It will also explore unique ways in which these multi-manager platforms manage drawdowns, concentration and crowding risks, review how centre books are utilized and present the integration of risk in capital allocation decisions.

Speaker:

Mehmet Bayraktar, chief risk officer, AB Arya Partners

Panel: What are the biggest external factors impacting risk management in 2025?

In an increasingly complex world, defined benefit plan sponsors’ risk management teams are contending with the impact of geopolitics, the emergence of digital threats and climate deterioration. This panel session will explore the most important factors shaping effective risk management strategies at large pension organizations in Canada.

Panellists:

Leeanne Barnes, senior vice-president, enterprise and operational risks, Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System 

Jorge Cruz Lopez, managing director, head of research, Global Risk Institute

Dervish Halil, senior managing director, credit and capital markets risk, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan 

Closing networking lunch (Edinburgh Room)