Must read
The asset manager of tomorrow
This paper follows on from 2017's The asset owner of tomorrow. The key messages are that successful asset managers will: 1. not dodge industry realities; 2. evolve their cultural edge; 3. embrace the power of people-plus-technology; 4. segment their client base more smartly; 5. embed sustainability and 6. build alignment through values and beliefs.
Events
Thinking Ahead Institute events
The Thinking Ahead Institute holds events throughout the year on various topics. See here for information on 2018 events, including agendas, pre-reading, slides, summaries and all other supporting documents.
Latest research
Institute multimedia
Stronger investment theory and practice
Bob Collie, head of research at the Thinking Ahead group, briefly exploring what this world view means for investors at the Institute’s Thinking Ahead Breakfast seminar on 2 October. This video is a shortened version of his presentation
About the Thinking Ahead Institute
The Thinking Ahead Institute is a global not-for-profit group whose aim is to influence change in the investment world for the better by improving the provision of savings. The Institute’s members comprise asset owners, investment managers and other groups that are motivated to influence the industry for the good of savers worldwide. It has over 40 members with combined responsibility for over US$12 trillion and is an outgrowth of Willis Towers Watson Investments’ Thinking Ahead Group.Latest insights
Institute surveys
The Global Pension Assets Survey 2018
The Global Pension Assets Study covers 22 major pension markets (the P22), which now totals USD 40,173 billion in pension assets and account for 60% of the GDP of these economies. The study includes an analysis of the seven largest markets (the P7) which includes Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK and US and comprises 91% of total pension assets.
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Featured research
Proposing a stronger DC purpose
Across the world, defined contribution has emerged as the dominant form of institutional retirement funding. And yet, with a few exceptions, DC plans offer a sub-optimal value proposition to their members. This is mainly because DC plans are trying to solve the wrong problem – maximising accumulated savings at the point of retirement. In this paper, we argue strongly that the purpose of DC is to support post-work consumption.
Research
Thinking Ahead Institute research
Based on your input, we have developed our 2018 research agenda, focusing on defined contribution, value creation, benchmarking and monitoring, decision making and VUCA. Each topic also has a dedicated working group or project.
Institute multimedia
The renaissance investment professional
Roger Urwin, global head of investment content at Willis Towers Watson discussed the above at the Institute’s Thinking Ahead Breakfast seminar on 2 October. This video is a shortened version of his presentation and looks at the renaissance investment professional.