Danish institutions PensionDanmark and Industriens Pension have won the Direct Strategy and ESG/Sustainability categories, respectively, at the maiden 91传媒在线 & Infrastructure Global Investor Awards.
PensionDanmark鈥檚 direct infrastructure strategy is a 鈥渕arket-leading offering and one of the pioneers of direct real assets investing by pension schemes in Europe鈥�, according to one of the judges. 鈥滻t clearly shows the value of infrastructure assets in pension portfolios.鈥�
Industriens Pension鈥檚 entry was described as 鈥渙utstanding鈥�. One judge said: 鈥淕reat to see commitments to emerging markets, alongside major investments in the green transition in more established markets 鈥� a recognition of the fact that climate goals and the SDGs won鈥檛 be achieved without major new investments in emerging markets.鈥�
Dutch pension fund investor APG Asset Management and UK pension fund NEST were recognised as Highly Commended for the Direct Strategy and ESG/Sustainability categories, respectively, at the online award ceremony.
NEST, which has become the largest workplace pension scheme in the UK, was also handed a special commendation for Newcomer, recognising innovation in an area where strong leadership was desperately required, it was said.
One judge explained: 鈥淭he ethos of the organisation and the investment structure and methodology that they have created is impressive and worthy of recognition [and it was the only] entry to mention commitment to net-zero and Paris alignment.
鈥淚t has a strong relationship with chosen external managers and solution on how to invest DC funds in illiquid assets. Their approach is outstanding and they would have been my top pick if they had a track record of investing in infrastructure which will come in time.鈥�
The SEK449.4bn (鈧�44.3bn) Swedish national pension fund, AP4, was awarded the Indirect Strategy category award during the ceremony leaving Denmark鈥檚 Industriens Pension to pick up the Highly Commended award in the same category.
One judge said AP4 demonstrated 鈥渋mpressive long-term rolling return profiles, collaborating with other like-minded institutions to improve scale and minimise fees, and a very thoughtful approach to ESG.鈥�
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