The University of Toronto Asset Management Corp. has received its highest scores in the United Nations’ principles for responsible investing’s annual assessment of its approach to responsible investing. It received A+ marks in all six categories evaluated by the PRI, scoring above the median in each. The UTAM became a signatory to the PRI in […]
Much debate remains as to whether private equity is an appropriate option for members of capital accumulation plans. Canada’s neighbours to the south have been examining the potential legal pitfalls of these allocations. A recent information letter from the U.S. department of labor set forth a framework plan sponsors can use to consider the prudence […]
While Canadian pension plans hold a quiet confidence, it turns out they actually do outperform their international peers when it comes to asset performance and liability hedging, according to a research paper from McGill University and CEM Benchmarking. The paper found Canadian plans achieve this outperformance using a three-pillar model: managing assets in-house to reduce costs, redeploying […]
The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System’s growth equity arm is leading a $66 million Series D funding round for American online learning company Skillshare Inc. With more than 12 million registered members and 8,000 teachers, the company offers online classes in different creative areas, such as graphic design and photography, through a community-based model. To […]
The Canadian chapter of the Alternative Investment Management Association is forming its new 2020-22 executive committee. Belle Kaura, vice-president of legal and chief compliance officer at Third Eye Capital, will remain chair for a second term, joined by Rob Lemon, executive director of the prime services group at CIBC Capital Markets, as deputy chair, who was […]
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec had a challenging first half of 2020, posting a negative 2.3 per cent return. However, the pension fund remains in a strong financial position, according to president and chief executive officer Charles Emond, holding assets of more than $333 billion and with an 8.7 per cent annualized return over […]
The Investment Management Corp. of Ontario is investing in an affordable housing fund to build apartments in Toronto and Vancouver. The IMCO is committing $60 million to the Kingsett Affordable Housing LP Fund, managed by Kingsett Capital Inc. The investment comes as vacancy rates in both cities continue to decline due to unaffordability and lack of […]
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is taking part in a US$1.78-billion financing round for Epic Games Inc., a U.S. video game and software developer. In addition to Ontario Teachers’ and other asset managers’ contributions, Sony Corp. is contributing US$250 million to the financing round. The fresh financing brings Epic Games to a valuation of US$17.3 […]
Cognitive bias exists in the very fabric of the business world and is a key element holding back its progress, according to Sudhir Roc-Sennett, head of thought leadership and environmental, social and governance for Vontobel Asset Management’s quality growth boutique. He says companies and the institutional investors analyzing their potential should be concerned with the myriad ways […]
North American institutional investors are catching up to other global regions in their interest in sustainable investing, according to a new survey by FTSE Russell. Nearly half (42 per cent) of North American asset owners surveyed before the coronavirus pandemic said they’re interested in sustainable investing, up from just 17 per cent in 2019. This remains a […]