For the first time in three years, Canadian defined contribution pension plan sponsors, investment professionals and industry thought leaders gathered in person for Benefits Canada’s 2022 DC Investment Forum. On Sept. 23 at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto, the full educational day covered topics such as behavioural finance, target-date funds, sustainable investing, real estate and fixed income, […]
Responsible investing can drive stronger risk-adjusted returns and is increasingly being seen as a tool for prudent risk management, but defined contribution plan sponsors must understand target-date fund managers’ varying approaches to implementing environmental, social and governance factors into these funds. DC plan sponsors have myriad challenges to address when considering ESG investing options, including […]
As greater numbers of defined contribution pension plan members ask for environmental, social and governance-friendly investment options, plan sponsors will need to grapple with how to implement these solutions into their target-date funds. “From some studies that we’ve done, there’s definitely investor demand,” said Michael Greenberg, senior vice-president and portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, […]
The majority (89 per cent) of global institutional investors are implementing sustainable investing, compared to 76 per cent in 2021, according to a new survey by FTSE Russell. The survey, which polled nearly 200 asset owners with between US$1.1 trillion and US$3 trillion, found 44 per cent said they’re currently considering how to incorporate climate […]
While many organizations have launched a sustainability strategy, Sun Life Financial Inc.’s strategy is anchored in three fundamental principles: financial security, sustainable investing and living healthier lives, according to Eric Monteiro, the insurer’s senior vice-president in group retirement, during a panel discussion at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. Three-quarters (78 per cent) of pension […]
The world’s electrical grids require massive investments if countries are to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 goals, according to a new report from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. “In many countries, including the world’s most advanced economies, aging grids are not yet ready for the expected surge in demand,” noted the report. “Nor were […]
The Canadian Investment Review is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Pension Leadership Awards. The third annual Pension Leadership Awards will celebrate the organizations and individuals that have made extraordinary efforts on behalf of their pension plan members. Visit the Pension Leadership Awards website to submit a nomination for your organization. Consultants and advisors are also encouraged […]
References to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals in corporate reports may be used to deceive the general public and would-be impact investors, according a scholarly review published in Nature. “This impact [of the SDGs] has been largely discursive, affecting the way actors understand and communicate about sustainable development,” wrote the authors, a group of […]
Asset managers have responded to a growing demand from investors for socially responsible investing, with pledges to integrate environmental, social and governance factors into the way they invest. But investors are skeptical that companies are making as much progress as they say. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Canadian institutional investors believe companies are overstating […]
While target-date funds have traditionally been a one-sized-fits-almost-all solution, innovation to integrate environmental, social and governance-oriented strategies into these funds is coming just as plan members are seeking more sustainable investing options. “The vast majority of Canadians say ESG integration is important in their investing,” said Wylie Tollette, executive vice-president and head of client investment […]