Interest rate levels are critically important to the financial health of defined benefit pension plans. Many DB plans are in their best financial positions in decades, largely due to the dramatic rise in interest rates over the past few years, but decreases in interest rates could pose a major risk for many plans. Changes in […]
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is appointing Pierre Cherki as executive managing director if its new in-house real estate asset group, effective Jan. 22, 2024. In the new role, he’ll oversee global real estate investing and portfolio management activities. Since 2022, Cherki has been a member of the board of directors for Cadillac Fairview, the Ontario Teachers’ real estate arm. […]
The Alberta Investment Management Corp. is increasing its Australian agriculture portfolio with the acquisition of a cattle management company. The transaction will see the AIMCo and its local investment partner New Agriculture take over the Kimberley Cattle Portfolio, which includes Yougawalla Pastoral Co. and Argyle Cattle Co. Details of the transaction haven’t been disclosed. “We […]
More than half (53 per cent) of the world’s largest pension funds say the prospect of a global recession is their No. 1 short-term concern and the same percentage expect a recession to take place in the next 12 months, according to a new survey by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. The survey, which […]
An article on how Desjardins Insurance is supporting employee financial wellness was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Desjardins using budget workshops, interactive game to support employee financial wellness 2. Canadian employers implementing four-day workweek note increased worker happiness, productivity: report 3. OPB appointing Darwin […]
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is investing in an audiovisual and entertainment technology company. The investment organization acquired a minority stake in the Montreal-based Solotech to support its acquisition and organic growth strategy designed for expansion in new markets, according to a press release. “With this investment — the largest in the […]
The value of the total assets under management for the world’s 100 largest asset owners declined nine per cent to US$23.4 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2022, according to a new report by WTW’s Thinking Ahead Institute. Among these asset owners, pension funds retained 53 per cent of AUM, down from 60 per cent five […]
The Ontario Pension Board is appointing Darwin Bozek as president and chief pension officer, effective Feb. 1, 2024. He joins the OPB from the Alberta Pensions Services Corp., where he was president and chief executive officer. He’ll transition into the role of president and CEO under the mentorship of current CEO Mark Fuller, who’ll step down […]
An article on the federal government’s 2023 fall economic statement was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Feds consider end of ‘30% rule’ for pensions, propose EI adoption benefit: fall economic statement 2. Former federal finance minister defends ‘sustainably successful’ CPP amid Alberta pension […]
If the federal government scraps its rule restricting Canadian pension funds from holding more than 30 per cent of the voting shares of investee corporations, pension plan sponsors and other investment organizations could increase their holdings in high-performing assets, have greater oversight and accountability of their assets and see a decrease in fees for private equity, according […]