Welcome to the Thinking Ahead Institute’s proposed 2027 research activities
We are committed to exploring the forces shaping our industry through collaborative research, shared learning and engagement. Our research activities are designed to inspire innovation, sharpen strategic thinking and drive meaningful progress across critical areas of focus.
Through targeted projects, one-to-one engagements, and global industry studies, we build on our strong tradition of research excellence—ensuring our insights are both forward-looking and directly relevant to your organisation’s needs.
We encourage our global network to actively participate in our research efforts, contribute perspectives, and connect with one another for shared learning. Together, we can shape the future of investment and deliver enduring value to everyone.
When will we confirm our research activities? We are currently looking for feedback from our members on our topics, if you have any feedback, please reach out – we’d love to hear from you.
Research themes
Wealth
How is wealth management evolving to meet changing investor needs? We’ll explore advice, personalization, technology and the future of delivering long-term value.
Total Portfolio Approach (TPA)
TPA is moving from concept to implementation. We’ll focus on governance models, diagnostics, transition pathways and what it takes to operate a high-performing TPA framework in practice.
DC and DB
From maturing DB schemes to the next generation of DC design, we’ll explore end-game strategies, lifecycle investing, retirement outcomes and the changing shape of pension provision.
Governance & Organisational Alpha
Strong organisations are built as much through culture, governance and decision-making as investment expertise. We’ll explore the capabilities and organisational models needed to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.
Systems-level investing
Some of the biggest risks and opportunities sit beyond individual portfolios. Building on our Risk 2.0 work, we’ll explore systems-level investing, emerging signals, forecasting and the portfolio implications of a rapidly changing world.
Talent & skill
The future investment organisation will require new capabilities, new operating models and new ways of learning. We’ll examine the Professional 2.0, hyperskilling and what it takes to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Workshops | Moving research to practice (members only)
Our 2027 workshops are routed in our “2.0” series and by taking part you’ll help shape the research firsthand. 2.0 isn’t about starting over. It’s about keeping what works, improving what doesn’t and adapting to a changing world.
These focused workshops typically run for three to four months, giving you the opportunity to contribute ideas, challenge thinking and develop practical outcomes alongside peers.
You can find out more about our 2.0 series on our dedicated webpage.
Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) implemented
How do asset owners make TPA work in practice?
Together, we’ll explore governance, operating models, diagnostics and transition pathways, turning ambition into implementation.
The investment professional of the future
What capabilities will define the next generation of investment organisations for an AI-enabled organisation?
We’ll explore decision-making, collective intelligence, superteams and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
Navigating uncertainty with a risk lens
What are the most important risks facing asset owners today?
We’ll explore emerging risk rankings, system-level risks, forecasting and how investors can turn signals into better decisions and more resilient portfolios.
Research content hubs
We encourage all of our Thinking Ahead members to actively participate in our research efforts, contribute perspectives and connect with peers across the network through our research working groups. Explore our research content hubs which includes a wealth information on these topics including: training, discussion decks, insights and tools.
Engaging with us beyond our research
Partner with us on an event
We regularly collaborate with members and partners to deliver events that spark new thinking and meaningful discussion across the investment industry. While most events are developed with our network, we’re always open to new ideas and opportunities to bring valuable conversations to life.
Invite us to speak
Our team regularly contributes to conferences, summits and industry events around the world. Whether it’s sharing research findings, exploring emerging trends or facilitating discussion, we bring fresh perspectives and practical insights to a wide range of audiences.
During the past few years, our podcasts series have been one avenue to explore the most relevant themes and pressing issues for the investment industry.
Investing for Tomorrow is our most recent series and, in each episode, we dive deeply into our own research work and that of our members.
From the big Wealth shift, inside the Middle East mega funds and the rise of physical climate risk – Find out more about our conversations and if you’d like to feature in one, reach out to us.
Thinking Ahead Studio is our learning platform for members, designed to help investment professionals learn from leading experts and practitioners across the industry. Through training modules, podcasts, interviews and expert discussions, Studio brings together practical insights, diverse perspectives and fresh thinking on the topics shaping investment organisations today.
