Critical thinking

From banks to assets: How asset-backed finance is rewriting credit markets

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Amit Popat is joined by Andreas Vermeiren and Huw van Steenis to explore the rapid rise of asset-backed finance (ABF) and its role in modern portfolios.

The discussion examines the drivers behind ABF’s recent momentum, as banks retrench and institutional investors, particularly insurers, seek long-duration, stable cash flows. It also highlights the growing role of non-bank capital and the increasing importance of selectivity as the asset class scales. While ABF offers compelling growth potential, success hinges on disciplined credit underwriting and a clear understanding of its role within a broader portfolio.

This content is for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice backed on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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[Recorded in Dutch] A conversation with Jacob Schoenmaker, financial journalist

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0100

In this first episode of our Dutch Podcast Wegwijs na Invaren, Roel Mehlkopf, Pension Fund Advisor, Cardano Netherlands, and Marc Heemskerk, Actuarial Consultant at Mercer, speak with financial journalist Jacob Schoenmaker to explore how the media is covering the Netherlands’ transition to the new pension system. They unpack the narratives that tend to surface in reporting – including the often‑mentioned “casino pensioen” – and the impressions left by newspaper headlines, TV segments and radio coverage.

Together, they analyze what journalists choose to highlight, why complex pension matters can be difficult to explain, and how pension experts themselves can better navigate media dynamics and framing. Finally, they also look ahead: what can we expect from pensions media coverage in the coming years?

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1 Theme, 2 CIOs, 3 Questions: Values aligned investing in a rapidly evolving landscape with CBIS and Mercy Investment Services

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0100

Join host Cori Trautvetter as she sits down with Lisa Laird, CIO of Mercy Investment Services, and Tom Digenan, CIO of Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS), for a frank conversation about the promise - and the misconceptions - of values-aligned investing. Together they cut through the noise to explore whether mission-driven portfolios must sacrifice returns, how AI and rapid structural change are reshaping opportunity and risk, and the practical tools investors could use beyond simple exclusion screens.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers in this podcast are those of their respective organizations, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercer or its affiliates. This podcast is intended solely as a platform to share insights and learnings with the broader investment community regarding developments in values-aligned investing. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation.

References to Mercer shall be construed to include Mercer (US) LLC and/or its associated companies. Mercer provides investment solutions and services to a wide range of clients across geographies, regardless of political, social, or religious viewpoints. Mercer has a range of tools and solutions available to help clients meet their particular investment objectives, which may be informed by regulatory requirements and market practices that vary across geographies and investor types. To provide a broad education on topics, including environmental, social, governance (ESG), values aligned and sustainable investing, Mercer does not artificially limit or intentionally target educational content to readers based on the circumstances of a particular audience. The ESG, values aligned, or sustainable investing concepts mentioned herein may not be suitable or appropriate for all investors or in all geographical areas.

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Private credit: what matters now?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical Thinking, host Kenny Pitman, Senior Director, Alternative Investments, takes a closer look at the evolving private debt landscape with David Scopelliti, Global Head of Private Equity and Private Debt and Scott Wilkinson, Head of Private Debt, APAC.

Tackling recent headlines – from AI-driven repricing in the software sector and widening credit spreads to liquidity strain in certain BDCs – they map out the risk management playbook which matters now: rigorous manager selection, loan- and manager-level diversification, disciplined underwriting, and active liquidity management. As well as discussing potential near-term opportunity areas such as credit secondaries, fund finance, tailored capital solutions, credit risk transfer, and asset-based finance (notably in data center infrastructure).

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There are substantial risks associated with investments classified as alternative investments. Investors should have the ability, investing sophistication and experience to bear the risks associated with such investments.

Trade finance’s breakout moment

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

As traditional banks step back from short-term lending due to regulatory pressures, a significant gap has opened up in global commerce, and alternative lenders are stepping in.

In our latest episode of the Critical Thinking podcast, Deborah Wardle sits down with Gerard Sheehan and Gavin Dredge to unpack why trade finance is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in private credit.

They explore the origins, challenges, and opportunities of trade finance, and why it has become interesting for investors.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US), March 2026.

Insurance private markets and the Prudent Person Principle

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we join Roman Knipprath, Andreas Vermeiren and Arco van Oord to hear how insurers can strengthen their approach to the Prudent Person Principle (PPP) as regulatory scrutiny increases. From valuation and liquidity to governance, stress testing and data-driven decision-making, the discussion explores practical steps to evidence prudence and build more resilient private market portfolios.

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Return on resilience

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Anne Marie Schultz, US Investments Commercial Leader, Bernardo Serpa Pimentel, Senior Investment Consultant, and Michel Meert, European Consulting Leader for Endowments, Foundations and Family Offices, explore the idea of a “Return on Resilience.”

Resilience is not just about endurance, it’s about adaptability, the capacity to respond to disruption with speed and confidence. Governance, when designed well, may be an effective enabler of that process. It may help create conditions for foresight, flexibility, and better alignment between long-term objectives and near-term action.

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Where values meet value: Faith-based investing in a changing world

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Faith-based investing is evolving quickly, driven by advances in data, greater transparency, and more sophisticated portfolio design. Today, some investors are demonstrating their conviction through a range of strategies that seek to align mission with return.

In this episode of Critical Thinking, host Michael Lernihan, Global Commercial Leader for Mercer’s Investments and Retirement Business, presents “Where Values Meet Value”, a compelling discussion on faith-based investing in today’s evolving landscape. Joined by Jeffrey McCroy, President & CEO of Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS), and Tom Digenan, Chief Investment Officer, the conversation delves into how CBIS’ mission to transform the world through “Catholic Responsible Investments” is adapting across markets, and how they approach faith-based investing.

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Exploring the potential: Private investments in US defined contribution plans

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Mercer’s U.S. Defined Contribution Leader Holly Verdeyen is joined by Matthew Calloway, Principal, Mercer’s Law and Policy Group, Kelly Henson, Defined Contribution Investment Strategy Leader, and Matt Vokes, Senior Director of Investment Alternatives.

They explore the evolving landscape of private investments within U.S. DC plans, including the impact of the August 7, 2025 executive order and anticipated Department of Labor guidance, recent capital market and product innovation supporting access to these investments within a DC plan framework, and what plan sponsors should consider moving forward.

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Building a GP-led data backbone for private markets

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000

As institutional and retail capital continue to flow into private markets, we believe the infrastructure supporting investment decisions hasn’t fully kept pace. The real challenge isn’t just access to opportunity; it’s access to reliable, data.

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Mercer’s Global Head of Analytics and Portfolio Solutions, Rob Ansari is joined by Chris Sparenberg, Head of Business for iLEVEL at S&P Global, and Jad Stella, Senior Director on the Digital Product Management team at Cambridge Associates, to unpack the current state of private markets data and what could be possible if the industry came together to help deliver more consistent, timely information.

*References to a "partnership" in the podcast are informal. The relationship described is a "collaboration".

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Private markets and leadership | In conversation with Martina Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The global economy is becoming more complex, raising the stakes for leaders navigating this change.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, part of Mercer’s Critical Thinking series that take you inside the C-Suite for peer-to-peer conversations with leaders influencing decision making across the investment industry, Mick Dempsey, Global President of Mercer Investments & Retirement, is joined by Martina Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global. Together, they explore how economic complexity is influencing investment decision-making, from resilience and diversification to transparency across the convergence of public and private markets and the growing role of data and analytics.

The discussion reflects how organizations can better connect the dots across portfolios, manage uncertainty, and prepare for the many challenges and opportunities shaping the year ahead.

*This episode was recorded on December 17th, 2025.

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Building tomorrow's private market portfolio | In conversation with Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The CEO Perspectives, Mick Dempsey, President of Mercer Investments & Retirement business, sits down with Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, for a candid conversation on the structural forces reshaping private markets. As one of the architects of the convergence between insurance capital and private credit, Marc offers his perspective on how this model is evolving and why it's becoming central to the future of long-term investing.
The discussion also explores the shift from 'return on capital' to 'return of capital,' the risks building beneath the surface of rising allocations, and what's keeping senior decision-makers up at night. For institutional investors navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain environment, Marc's insights provide a clear-eyed view into what it takes to lead and allocate with conviction.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.
This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.
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Navigating markets: LDI and beyond

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Over the past five years, we've seen vast changes in interest rate and inflation levels globally, making it important for investors to understand what is driving market dynamics and the impact on portfolio execution and risk management.

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Mercer’s UK Head of Investments Helen Hope is joined by US LDI Investments Leader, Brett Dutton and Dan Cunnington, Head of LDI Solutions UK and EMEA, to unpack what the change in bond yields could mean for investors and new participants in the market, the latest trends in fixed income portfolios, and share, in our view, the key areas to typically focus on when it comes to implementing liability hedges with precision and accuracy.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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1 Theme, 2 CIOs, 3 Questions: Navigating Markets in a Macro-Driven Investment Environment with Bon Secours Mercy Health and the Hershey Trust

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100

We're excited to launch the first episode of our new Critical Thinking series: 1 Theme, 2 CIOs, 3 Questions. Each episode focuses on one key investment theme, featuring two leading Chief Investment Officers who tackle three big questions shaping today's investment landscape.

In this debut episode, Mercer's Andre Boucher sits down with Jim Mahoney, CIO of Bon Secours Mercy Health, and Leslie Lenzo, CEO/CIO of the Hershey Trust, to explore how to navigate markets in a macro-driven environment. They share insights on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Endowment & Foundation and Healthcare organizations.

Topics covered include:
• The evolving debate of active versus passive management
• Governance best practices that seek to enhance decision-making and align investments with organizational missions
• Managing private capital commitments and liquidity in today's fast-changing market environment

Frontier markets debt’s breakout moment

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100

With developed markets facing higher debt burdens, elevated rates, and ongoing uncertainty, investors are increasingly considering frontier market debt as a means of diversifying portfolios and achieving long-term growth potential.

In this episode of Critical Thinking, host Jean de Kock is joined by Anja Needham and Adam Shenton. Together, they discuss the fundamentals of frontier market debt, the characteristics that make the asset class so compelling, whilst also addressing the risks and practical considerations that make manager selection critical.

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Good governance: The hidden lever behind investment success

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0100

With increasing uncertainty and market complexity putting decision makers under mounting pressure, governance shines through as a tool for gaining a potential competitive edge.

In this episode, Helen Hope is joined by Jay Love and Boutros Thiery, to unpack what good governance is, explain why poor structures may hinder investors, and break down how to make governance work for your individual needs.

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Private markets in motion: Navigating complexity and innovation in today’s private markets

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Private credit has evolved rapidly over the past decade, becoming one of the most in-demand asset classes for investors seeking diversification, income, and resilience in portfolios. Yet with this growth has come added complexity, from structural shifts in lending markets to new product innovations and heightened regulatory changes.

In this episode, host Alecia DeCuollo introduces Private markets in motion, a new Mercer series tracking the key trends shaping capital flows. Joined by David Scopelliti, Global Head of Private Equity and Private Credit, and Tamsin Coleman, Head of Private Credit Europe, the discussion explores the findings of Mercer’s inaugural report on private debt, reflecting the insights of 57 global respondents managing over $2 trillion in assets.

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References

Mercer, Private markets in motion, 2025. All responses were obtained via an online survey between May 16 and 28, 2025. Responses were provided by 57 organizations from across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, representing AUM ranging from less than US$1 billion to more than US$50 billion. Respondents did not receive any form of compensation. Survey results are subject to inherent limitations and uncertainties and may not capture all relevant factors or market conditions. These results should not be construed as personalized investment advice.It is important to recognize that this information is subject to inherent limitations and uncertainties. Results may not capture all relevant factors or market conditions. These results should not be construed as personalized investment advice. This should not be construed as investment advise or solicitation of any financial instrument(s)/vehicle(s).

Mercer, Large Asset Owner Barometer, 2025. Our research was conducted via an online survey between October 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. Large asset owners are defined as each having approximately USD $2 billion or more in assets under ownership and include pension funds, insurers, not-for-profits (endowments, foundations, charities), wealth managers and sovereign wealth funds. The research includes the views of respondents from more than 16 countries.

It is important to recognize that this information is subject to inherent limitations and uncertainties. Results may not capture all relevant factors or market conditions. These results should not be construed as personalized investment advice. This should not be construed as investment advise or solicitation of any financial instrument(s)/vehicle(s).

The evolution of private markets

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0100

As private markets have evolved, investors have shifted their approach away from a one-size-fits-all portfolio structure focused on closed end funds towards more bespoke constructions.

Alongside this, liquidity concerns amongst both LPs and GPs have prompted a strategic reassessment of the role co-investments and secondary transactions play in modern portfolios, shifting them from the periphery of private markets to central tools for portfolio construction.

Meanwhile, the increasing democratisation of private markets encourages evermore semi-liquid fund structures to enter the market to cater to a new investor client base.

Join Matt Vokes, US Alternatives Investment Leader, and his guests Mike Forestner, Global Chief Investment Officer for Private Markets, Gurjeet Dosanjh, Real Assets Investment Director, and Heather Brooks, Real Estate Investment Director, as they discuss this structural evolution in private markets and explore the different pressures from LPs and GPs driving them forward.

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Into the mainstream: how semi-liquid funds may be improving access to private debt

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0100

In recent years, the role of private debt has transformed, with the potential for higher returns and greater portfolio diversification seeing the asset class become a more frequent feature in institutional portfolios. Now, the way that investors are accessing private debt has changed too. Semi-liquid fund structures have emerged, with asset managers seeking to address the traditional barriers to entry for wealth managers and other non-institutional investors, potentially offering greater flexibility in accessing the asset class.

In this episode, Nick Rosenblatt, Wealth Management Proposition Leader at Mercer, is joined by Alecia DeCuollo and Tamsin Coleman to examine the driving forces behind private debt’s growth as an asset class in recent years, the advent of semi-liquid structures and their ripple effect through the industry, as well as the risk and due diligence considerations when evaluating semi-liquid, private credit funds.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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Janet Yellen on Economic Resilience, Global Stability, and the Path Ahead

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0100

In this milestone 100th episode of Critical Thinking, U.S. Treasury Secretary Dr. Janet Yellen joins Mercer’s Niall O’Sullivan for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping the global economy. From inflation and interest rates to geopolitical fragmentation and the green transition, Dr. Yellen offers her perspective on the challenges facing policymakers and markets alike, as well as the opportunities for long-term investors to support a more resilient, inclusive global financial system.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.
This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.
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International CIO Perspectives

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Mercer’s U.S. CIO Olaolu Aganga sits down with fellow Mercer CIOs Christine Tessier, Garvan McCarthy, and Kylie Willment. Together, they tackle a big question swirling in markets today: Is the U.S. still the top spot for investors, and do better opportunities lie elsewhere?

They explore how market uncertainty is creating both risk and opportunities around the world and why investors should stay invested despite the current volatility.

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Cross-border governance

Tue, 27 May 2025 19:00:00 +0100

What does investment governance look like when success is defined by more than just returns? In this episode, Andy Farrington, Mercer's Multinational Investments Leader, is joined by Lee House of ABB’s Group Pension Management Team and Deborah Frost, Chair Elect of Mercer UK Master Trust, to discuss how large asset owners may navigate complex decisions across global pension plans. Together, they explore how to seek to balance risk, stakeholder alignment, long-term sustainability, and value for money across both defined benefit (“DB”) and defined contribution (“DC”) plans. From global DB derisking strategies to member engagement innovations in DC, the discussion surfaces the practical realities of governance across borders.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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Real assets and Asia-Pacific: Global diversification and regional opportunity

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Jo Holden is joined by Alan Synott and Robert Ronneberger to explore the evolving real assets landscape.

They discuss where we are in the real assets cycle, the case for global diversification, opportunities and challenges in Southeast Asia, and practical strategies for asset owners navigating today’s dynamic market environment.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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The Total Return Conundrum — Rethinking Portfolio Strategy for Endowments and Foundations

Wed, 21 May 2025 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Anubhuti Gupta and Adeline Tan tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing endowments and foundations: delivering sustainable returns amid rising market concentration, volatility, and lower future expectations.

They discuss how diversification beyond traditional equities, smarter liquidity management, and strong governance frameworks are essential to building resilient, future-ready portfolios. Whether you are a CIO, investment committee member, or advisor to E&Fs, this conversation offers actionable ideas for navigating today's volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous investment landscape.

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Investing in Insurance Portfolios Amid Market Turbulence

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Andreas Vermeiren, Principal in Mercer's Insurance Solutions team, is joined by William Gibbons, Principal in the Insurance Solutions team, and Eryn Bacewich, Head of US Insurance Solutions, to discuss their thoughts on risk management in insurance portfolios during a period of increased market volatility and the opportunities this presents to agile investors.

Drawing on their experience and conversations with clients, including some of the world's largest insurers, William and Eryn break down the current volatility in equity and bond markets, the importance of stress testing portfolios to ensure they remain resilient, and strategies available to insurers to reduce their exposure. They also discuss the opportunities in the market for insurers who can dynamically reallocate their assets to ensure their portfolios are optimally positioned.

Going global: How real estate is evolving in institutional portfolios

Sat, 17 May 2025 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Alan Synnott, Mercer’s Global Head of Real Assets, is joined by Anne Koeman-Sharapova and Simon James to explore how institutional investors are repositioning their real estate allocations in light of market resets and evolving sector dynamics.

They discuss why real estate remains a core private markets asset, where valuation corrections have opened potential opportunities, trends they are seeing across different geographies and sectors, and how global diversification of real estate investing may offer potential benefits for today’s investors.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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The value proposition of hedge funds

Mon, 05 May 2025 18:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Robert Ronneberger, Head of Business Development for Asia, is joined by Dave McMillan, Chief Investment Officer, Hedge Funds, to explore how investors can future-proof their portfolios — specifically within hedge funds. Robert and Dave examine the most common mistakes seen in hedge fund investing, the impact of recent market volatility and other significant changes, such as the normalization of interest rates, and the potential opportunities in today's markets.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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Navigating change: How liability-driven investing is shaping Europe's financial portfolios

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0100

As trade tensions, uncertainty over the direction of interest rates, and pension reforms reshape the investment landscape, liability-driven investing (LDI) may provide a source of stability. In this episode, Jeffrey Dissmann, who leads Mercer’s Investments business in Germany, is joined by Sheena Frost, Lead of the Europe ex-UK Portfolio Management Solutions Team at Mercer and Rik Klerkx, Chief Investment Officer LDI and Private Markets at Cardano Netherlands, to discuss how investors across Europe are adapting their LDI strategies.

The discussion spans regulatory variations, the resurgence of bonds, inflation hedging challenges, and the operational plumbing that may facilitate resilient portfolios. Together, they examine the trade-offs between swaps and sovereign bonds, the growing role of private assets, and lessons learned from the UK’s LDI crisis.

This podcast contains statements on historical performance which may not be repeated in the future. Please note that returns on investments are not guaranteed.

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Enhancing resilience amid shifting trade policy

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Niall O’Sullivan, Global Solutions Chief Investment Officer, is joined by Olaolu Aganga, US Chief Investment Officer, Rupert Watson, Global Head of Economics & DAA, and Mike Forestner, Global Chief Investment Officer, Private Markets, to examine the causes of recent market volatility and the implications across public and private markets.

The conversation leverages Mercer’s investment relationships with both asset owners and asset managers to share insights on how industry leaders are responding, as well as our own thinking on how to approach the rest of 2025. In particular, we argue this is a crucial moment for long-term investors to trust the resilience of their portfolios, which have been designed to withstand short-term market fluctuations.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions. This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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The future of wealth management: Balancing innovation, regulation, and client expectations

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Amit Popat, Global Head of Financial Institutions at Mercer, is joined by Han Dieperink, Chief Investment Officer of Auréus, and Richard De Groot, Head of Global Investment Center at ABN AMRO Bank.

Recorded live at Mercer’s Global Investment Forum, together they explore how the wealth management industry is adapting to shifting client expectations, regulatory pressures, and advancements in technology.

Key takeaways include:

Evolving client expectations: While the fundamentals of wealth management remain unchanged, clients now demand greater personalisation, transparency, and access to alternative investments.
The role of AI and technology: AI-driven tools are helping to streamline operations, improve client communication, and enhance investment decision-making. However, firms must balance automation with the human relationships that remain central to private banking.
Navigating regulatory challenges: Increasing compliance requirements place significant demands on IT budgets and resources, forcing firms to prioritise innovation while meeting regulatory obligations.
The rise of private markets: Alternative investments, particularly private equity, are becoming more accessible to wealth management clients. However, challenges remain in fund selection, operational due diligence, and scaling access to a broader client base.

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Why Operational Due Diligence is important

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Manish Solanki, Head of Mercer Sentinel Group Europe, is joined by Tony Martinez, Head of Mercer Sentinel Americas, and Ashleigh McDowell, Principal at Mercer Sentinel Group, to explore why Operational Due Diligence is becoming an essential component of investment decision-making.

With increasing market volatility, regulatory pressures, and rapid technological advancements - including the rise of AI and cybersecurity threats - asset managers are facing new and complex operational risks. The conversation delves into how investors can mitigate these challenges, ensure robust governance, and protect their portfolios from operational failures.

Key takeaways include:

The growing impact of AI and cybersecurity on operational risk: Asset managers are increasingly relying on AI-driven tools to enhance efficiency, but this comes with significant risks, including data manipulation, AI-generated fraud, and cybersecurity threats. The rise of sophisticated phishing attacks and deepfake technology has heightened the risk of financial losses, making it critical for asset managers to implement AI risk management frameworks, conduct rigorous testing, and enhance cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information.
Why regulatory changes are reshaping operational due diligence: The financial industry is undergoing significant regulatory shifts, with new frameworks such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act in Europe imposing stricter compliance requirements. These regulations demand greater oversight, increased reporting, and enhanced operational risk management practices. Asset managers must adapt quickly to avoid penalties, maintain investor confidence, and ensure operational resilience in an increasingly regulated landscape.
How operational due diligence is evolving for private markets and emerging managers: As institutional investors allocate more capital to private markets, they face unique operational challenges, particularly with smaller, boutique asset managers. ODD plays a critical role in evaluating the governance, internal controls, and risk management processes of these firms. Investors are increasingly using ODD findings not only to vet managers but also to negotiate investment terms and ensure alignment with best practices in operational risk management.

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Insurance and investment risk - where are we in the cycle?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, William Gibbons, Senior Insurance Investment Consultant at Mercer, is joined by Tom Davies, Head of UK Placement, Marsh, and Olaolu Aganga, US Chief Investment Officer, Mercer, to explore how non-life insurers can potentially capture opportunities while maintaining resilience in an economic and market environment that's in a state of flux. The conversation covers how diversification could help insurers achieve long-term portfolio resilience, adapting to a new insurance market cycle, and how insurers can potentially enhance client offerings.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.
This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Portfolio resilience in 2025 - Top considerations for endowments and foundations

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Marieke de Roo, Mercer's Leader in Europe for Single Family Offices and Endowments & Foundations, is joined by Texas Hemmaplardh and Cori Trautvetter, both Partners and Co-Leads of Mercer's US Endowment and Foundation Investment Practice, to explore how endowments and foundations can potentially achieve portfolio resilience in an economic and market environment that's in a state of flux. The conversation covers the challenge of diversification amidst a strong U.S. market, managing liquidity in the face of inflation and market shifts, governance may be a silent enabler of success, and the importance of aligning investments with organizational values.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions. This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

There are substantial risks associated with investments classified as alternative investments. Investors should have the ability, investing sophistication and experience to bear the risks associated with such investments.

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Navigating the global economy ─ outlook and insights

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode (date of recording: February 28, 2025), Lisa Kots, Head of US Wealth Management Portfolio Management at Mercer, is joined by Rupert Watson, Global Head of Economics and Dynamic Asset Allocation, and Julius Bendikas, European Head of Economics and Dynamic Asset Allocation. Together, they explore the global economic outlook for Q1 2025, analyzing key market trends, potential risks, and investment opportunities in the months ahead.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions. This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Mobilising institutional investment towards emerging economies - in conversation with British International Investment

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research and Advisory at Mercer, is joined by Leslie Maasdorp, CEO at British International Investment (BII) and Matt Robinson, Head of Private Capital Mobilisation at BII, to explore the world of development finance institutions (DFIs), capital mobilisation, and how DFIs can open up new investment opportunities for institutional investors in emerging markets and developing markets (EMDEs).

Investment flows into EMDEs remain far below the levels needed to support development and combat climate change. The Independent High-Level Expert Group (IHLEG) on Climate Finance estimates that these countries, excluding China, will require $1 trillion annually by 2030, rising to $1.3 trillion by 2035. While these regions offer diversification benefits and strong impact potential, global investors often perceive them as too high risk, with current flows only just surpassing $100 billion annually. Bridging this gap will require a strategic blend of public and private investment.

Key takeaways include:

What is meant by mobilisation and why it matters: Mobilisation refers to attracting and effectively deploying private capital alongside DFIs to increase investment in markets that typically do not meet institutional investors' risk/return profiles. Mobilisation is essential in scaling climate action within EMDEs, where climate change effects are most severe. This need for partnership was underscored by the UK Prime Minister's announcement of a £100 million Mobilisation Facility, managed by BII, to facilitate private investment in EMDEs. With EDME's expected to play a crucial role in global economic growth, investing in these markets creates investment opportunities for growth, diversification and impact.
How this facility addresses some of the challenges investors face when considering investment in these markets: As BII's first concessional mandate that offers derisking opportunity for third-party investors, the facility plays a critical role in bridging the 'relative value gap' between institutional investors' risk appetite and the risk profile of BII's portfolio. By offering significant risk mitigation, it encourages greater investor participation-essential for achieving climate impact at scale. A key feature of the facility is its high-risk tolerance- with BII's capital able to absorb potential capital erosion, reducing downside risks for institutional investors.
The type of risks that this facility will help mitigate and the investments this will open up to institutional investors: BII will accept below-market returns to boost private investor returns or provide credit enhancements through guarantees or insurance, helping to de-risk investments without distorting the underlying market. This will enable institutional investors to test, seed, and scale climate-focused technologies, businesses, and investment strategies with transformational impact across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Lining up with the long term - Family office top considerations 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical thinking, Michel Meert, European Consulting Leader for Endowments, Foundations and Family Offices, is joined by Marieke de Roo, European Sales Leader for Endowments, Foundations & Single-Family Offices, and Teena Jilka, Senior Investment Adviser to explore what's top of mind for single-family offices over the next year and beyond. As inflation moves back toward target rates, the prospect of a soft landing seems increasingly likely. This shift in outlook is prompting investors - particularly single-family offices, which focus on long-term positioning - to consider what comes next.

Key takeaways include:

Next-generation infrastructure: The role of infrastructure has evolved beyond the traditional use in a portfolio as the range of assets that it captures is much broader. Areas such as EV charging networks and data centres have the potential to create a compelling opportunity for family offices with a relatively longer-term investment horizon.
Hedge funds as a potential driver of absolute return and diversification: As investors grapple with overconcentration in global equity markets, particularly the US, as well as heightened volatility, diversification is top of mind for family offices. Hedge funds may offer flexibility to capitalize on market volatility and market dislocation, which could make them potential alternatives to fixed income, given the higher for longer expected rate environment.
How family offices can structure their governance and investment processes: In this period of high volatility, having an investment committee with clear policies, guidelines, and risk tolerance levels is essential to help ensure disciplined decision making, focused on long-term objectives.

Citations
Blackrock. "Adding structure to your portfolio with infrastructure," 2023.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.
This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.
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How Private Equity can potentially unlock value and opportunities from UK Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Schemes

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Sinead Leahy, Co-Head of Cardano Advisory is joined by Nick Gibson, Managing Director, Cardano Advisory, and Dan Jackson, M&A Senior Principal at Mercer, to explore the key findings from our recent report, ‘Unlocking value and opportunities from UK pension funds – a private equity perspective’.

There has been a significant shift in the Defined Benefit (DB) landscape in recent years, with many schemes moving from a deficit position to surplus. Surveying over 100 private equity (PE) firms, we uncovered the opportunity for private equity to unlock value from UK pension funds.

Key takeaways include:

• The M&A opportunity from better funded DB schemes: pension schemes moving from a deficit to surplus means that schemes are no longer a blocker to M&A activity but rather a potential value driver, making a target business more attractive. Moreover, better funded schemes may mean less regulatory involvement in a deal, and less risk of deal value leakage.

• Investors are seeking to access surpluses: Companies can often access pension surpluses when a scheme is wound up via a transfer to an insurance company, however, the government recently announced upcoming reforms that are designed to facilitate the release of surpluses on an ongoing basis. Many companies are delaying insurer ‘buyouts’ to capture the potential upside, while some are already using surpluses to help fund their Defined Contribution (DC) schemes.

• What can be done to channel more pension money into PE: While mature, closed DB schemes have reduced investments into illiquid assets such as Private Equity, there are potential opportunities for greater allocations into private capital across open DB schemes, Local Government Pension Schemes, and DC schemes. The upcoming UK Pension Schemes Bill may facilitate consolidation of these pension schemes, which is designed to incentivise them to invest in a broader set of assets, such as private capital. At the same time, greater trustee education and engagement between pension funds and the PE sector will be crucial to unlocking further investment.

Citations:
1. M&A extends its reach in 2025 | Barclays IB (04:14-04:19)
2. DAS Design Center (04:14-04:19)
3. M&A outlook shows firming US 2025 deal market activity | EY – US (04:14-04:19)
4. 2025 M&A Outlook: 4 Trends Driving an Anticipated Rebound | Morgan Stanley (04:14-04:19)
5. UK and European M&A: Predictions for 2025 | Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (04:14-04:19)
6. Chancellor’s Mansion House Reforms to boost typical pension by over £1,000 a year - GOV.UK (17:16-17:30)
7. PE Survey

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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The promise and perils of carbon markets

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical thinking, Cara Williams, Senior Partner and Global ESG and Sustainability Leader at Mercer, is joined by Lovey Sidhu, Sustainable Investment Specialist in Mercer's Global Strategic Research Team, and Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole, to explore the dynamic challenges and potential opportunities in the evolving carbon market.

The discussion addresses the elements needed for carbon markets to function effectively, the importance of identifying high-quality projects, and the outlook on carbon markets as they mobilize private capital for climate action over the coming years.

Citations:
European Commission. What is the EU ETS? 2024.
Reuters. Voluntary carbon markets set to become at least five times bigger by 2030, January 2023.
Mc Kinsey. A blueprint for scaling voluntary carbon markets to meet the climate challenge, January 2021.
Bloomberg. New energy finance on future demand scenarios, February 2024.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.
This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.
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Taking the noise out: Managing change and comms in pension plan design

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Navigating the challenges of modern pension provision requires employers to effectively communicate and implement changes in pension plans while keeping employees' best interests at heart.

In this episode hosted by Mercer's Tej Patel, Fiona Brown shares her own views on the evolving landscape of employer retirement offerings, based on her decades-long experience in the sector, most recently at Rolls Royce. Key insights include redesigning plans to make them future-fit, ensuring employees feel financially secure as they plan for retirement, and the role of employers in fostering trust.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Insurance Considerations 2025

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical thinking, Amit Popat, Global Head of Financial Institutions at Mercer, is joined by David Morrow, European Insurance Proposition Leader, and Stephanie Thomes, a Senior Investment Strategist in Mercer’s Insurance team, to explore Mercer’s outlook for insurers in 2025. This year’s paper reflects a transitional phase for the economy, defined by shifts in structural factors such as monetary policy, geopolitical uncertainty, and technological and regulatory innovation that requires a broader and longer perspective. These challenges will require thoughtful navigation, particularly for investors with a longer-term investment horizon, such as insurers.

Key takeaways include:

How investment risk can serve as a stabilising force for insurers: When underwriting results are under pressure from increased claims and reduced premium income, investment risk can be strategically advantageous because there’s limited correlation between economic cycles and underwriting cycles. While underwriting performance is influenced by market conditions and competitive dynamics, investment returns can provide a stabilizing effect.
What strategies insurers can adopt to navigate a challenging environment, where recent fluctuations in interest rates have affected bond-oriented portfolios: There is considerable uncertainty about the direction of travel for markets in general, so insurers should consider modelling how their portfolios would perform under various scenarios, and to increase diversification, within the confines of acceptable risk and regulatory capital constraints.
How the growing number of semi-liquid and evergreen fund structures in private markets is changing the landscape for insurers: As private markets continue to evolve to meet the news of their investor base, semi-liquid and evergreen funds make it easier for small investment teams to participate in private markets, making it easier to maintain a target percentage allocation, relieve some of the administrative and operational burden of re-ups, and can relieve blind pool risk.

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Swing state: investment themes and opportunities in 2025 and beyond

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Critical Thinking, Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research at Mercer, is joined by Nick White, Global Strategic Research Director, and Matthew Scott, Strategic Research Principal, to explore Mercer's "Themes and Opportunities 2025" paper, specifically focusing on this year's theme, "Swing State." This concept reflects an economy in transition, driven by shifts in monetary policy, supply chain dynamics, and technological innovation. These forces require investors to adjust their strategies, embracing diversification and preparing for a broader range of scenarios. Key takeaways include:

Private Markets De-Siloing: The report highlights changes in private market dynamics, with slower distributions and longer holding periods. There is a growing case for emerging markets (EM) over US investments, signaling the need for broader diversification.
The security of everything: The interconnection between security and sustainability, rising dissatisfaction in institutions, with increasing political instability requiring careful risk management.
Circular Economy: The importance of the circular economy, noting its potential to create new investment opportunities as businesses increasingly adopt sustainable practices to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.

Citations: Investment consultant of the year & Thought leadership paper on sustainable investing, Global: Mercer :: Environmental Finance

Completing the Picture - How the circular economy tackles climate change.pdf

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions. This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract. Read our full important notices - click here

A focus on members is key to potentially helping DC members secure better retirement outcomes

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

For the past 16 years, Mercer has been benchmarking retirement systems across the globe. The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2024 uses more than 50 indicators to assess adequacy, sustainability and integrity across the world's pensions systems, highlighting their relative advantages and suggested areas for reform.

In our latest episode, David Know, Senior Partner at Mercer, is joined by Holly Verdeyen, US Defined Contribution Leader, Mercer, and Paul Andrews, Global Benefits Consulting Director at Benefex, to discuss how pension providers, policymakers and employers can improve DC retirement outcomes for members.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract. Read our full important notices - click here

Navigating Private Market Strategies: Insights on Co-Investments and Secondaries (IN FRENCH)

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:00:00 +0000

Are you a French speaker looking to deep dive on co-investments and secondary market opportunities? In this first episode in French of the podcast "Critical Thinking," host Matthieu Mougeot is joined by investment specialists Maud-Kelly Crapeau and Pierre Luc Gariépy to discuss the growing interest in private market co-investments and secondary investments. They highlight their shorter investment horizons and potential for quicker capital deployment compared to traditional primary funds. Zooming in on the unique roles these strategies play in enhancing portfolio diversification and aligning interests between investors and fund managers, they also address the specific risks associated with co-investments and secondaries, including the need for in-depth knowledge and robust due diligence processes.

The discussion touches on the increasing sophistication of investors in private markets and the regulatory impacts influencing investment decisions in some jurisdictions, particularly in France. The episode provides with insights on how investors can effectively allocate resources to these asset classes, stressing the importance of working with experienced asset managers to navigate the complexities of private market investments.

This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer's opinions.

https://www.mercer.com/solutions/investments/important-notices/

How retirement planning could change in the face of the Longevity Economy

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0100

As birth rates decline and our population ages, the ripple effects of this demographic transition are felt across all areas of our lives, from financial well-being, long-term health, caregiving, career trajectory and retirement planning.

In our latest episode, Haleh Nazeri, Longevity Lead at the World Economic Forum, joins Mercer’s Global DB Segment Leader, Graham Pearce, to unpack the Longevity Economy. Discover how employers could reshape their employee benefits and pension plans to support their workforce and have the potential to enhance financial resilience in response to this transformative trend.

Additional links mentioned in the podcast:

Global Talent Trends 2024: https://www.mercer.com/insights/people-strategy/future-of-work/global-talent-trends/

Longevity Economy Principles report: https://www.mercer.com/insights/investments/market-outlook-and-trends/unlocking-the-potential-of-the-longevity-economy/

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Constructing agile portfolios in Asia, Live from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Hong Kong

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Join us to explore some of the key challenges Asian allocators are facing in today's dynamic market.

In this episode of Critical Thinking, live from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Hong Kong, Mercer's Michael Lernihan, Adeline Tan, and Garvan McCarthy discuss how to build agile portfolios that can weather economic storms and capitalize on emerging trends.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Exploring Asia’s alternative investment evolution, live from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Hong Kong

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100

With diverse and often divergent economic backdrops among the region’s economies, as well as complex and evolving risks, navigating the Asian alternative investments landscape can require expertise and local knowledge.

In our latest Critical Thinking podcast, recorded live from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Hong Kong, Robert Ronneberger, Raelan Lambert and David Scopelliti explore what are local factors redefining the case for different alternative asset classes across Asia.

How can investors combine financial and non-financial objectives?

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Values-aligned investing is becoming increasingly prevalent among asset owners, but the way in which investors incorporate these considerations into portfolios has evolved over time. In the latest episode of Critical Thinking, Marina Batliwalla, Senior Investment Consultant, is joined by Rich Dell, Mercer’s Global Head of Equities, and Tamara Larsen, Mercer’s US Values-Aligned & Sustainable Investments Practice Leader, to discuss how approaches have changed.

They explore how investors are addressing the challenges and capturing opportunities presented by values-aligned approaches, as well as how the thinking around sustainability has evolved from ESG ratings to encompass a much broader focus on stewardship, engagement, and impact.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Exploring the growth in private debt with Pengana Capital Group: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Melbourne

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100

In our latest episode, recorded at the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Melbourne, Australia, Rebecca Jacques and David Scopelliti are joined by Pengana Capital Group’s CEO, Russel Pillemer to discuss both the challenges and opportunities in the fast-growing private debt space.

They break down the historic drivers of growth in the asset class, and assess its development in Australia, a market in which opportunities to invest in private debt solutions have, historically, been more limited.

Captive insurance market insights: navigating the evolving landscape

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0100

Remarkable growth in the captive insurance space has been driven by a range of factors over the recent past – from an extended hard market to the expansion of risks requiring underwriting.

In our latest episode of Critical Thinking, we dive into the world of captive insurers as William Gibbons is joined by Ellen Charnley, President of Marsh Captive Solutions, and Chris Tschida, Head of US Insurance at Mercer.

Marsh is a business of Marsh McLennan.

This document and any recommendations, analysis, or advice provided by Marsh (collectively, the “Marsh Analysis”) are not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. Marsh shall have no obligation to update the Marsh Analysis and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. Any modeling, analytics, or projections are subject to inherent uncertainty, and the Marsh Analysis could be materially affected if any underlying assumptions, conditions, information, or factors are inaccurate or incomplete or should change. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wording or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or reinsurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage. Although Marsh may provide advice and recommendations, all decisions regarding the amount, type or terms of coverage are the ultimate responsibility of the insurance purchaser, who must decide on the specific coverage that is appropriate to its particular circumstances and financial position.

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Unpacking the findings from the Mercer and Oliver Wyman 2024 global insurance investment survey

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0100

Join Amit Popat, Eryn Bacewich and Joshua Zwick as they unpack the findings from our Mercer and Oliver Wyman 2024 Global Insurance Investment Survey in the latest episode of Critical Thinking.

They dive into the key investment themes, outlook and risks highlighted by the survey and assess the road ahead for insurance portfolios through the second half of the year.

Read the full survey report here: https://www.mercer.com/insights/investments/market-outlook-and-trends/Global-Insurance-Investment-Survey/

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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The changing nature of the US pensions landscape: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Market volatility, higher rates and an ageing population are creating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape for US pensions.

Rich Nuzum, Scott Jarboe and Kelly Henson help us unpack how these complex and converging risks are playing out across US defined benefit and defined contribution plans in the latest episode Critical Thinking recorded at the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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How are long-term investors navigating regime change? Insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Higher for longer interest rates are having profound effects on endowment and foundation portfolios across the US.

The volatility this creates is making it more challenging to construct portfolios for the long-term and creating questions around liquidity management.

Bill Burns and Meggan O'Shea join Texas Hemmaplardh in the latest episode of Critical Thinking recorded from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville, to discuss how these investors are navigating regime change.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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The search for “unicorns”: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:00:00 +0100

What goes into selecting the best hedge fund managers and when you find them how do you gain access to these “unicorn” managers that are often closed to new investors.

Niall O’Sullivan and Dave McMillan join Raelan Lambert to explain Mercer’s approach in our latest episode of Critical Thinking recorded at the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville.

Investing through a time of uncertainty: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Amid market volatility, we believe agility as a driver and enhancer of performance – has become the key attribute in building portfolios.

However, not all volatility warrants the same responsiveness. Olaolu Aganga and Jay Love join Marc Cordover in our latest episode of Critical Thinking recorded at the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Nashville to help us pick out the signal in all the noise.

Alternative investments for Single Family Offices: trends, strategies, and sustainability

Tue, 21 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Mercer's Michel Meert is joined by colleague Johnny Adji and Andrew Hunt from Marsh. Together, they delve into the world of alternative investments for Single Family Offices (SFOs), exploring the latest trends and strategies that are shaping this dynamic landscape.

During their discussion, they shed light on the strategic asset allocation of long-term investors, providing insights into how SFOs can navigate private markets, including the ever-evolving realm of private equity. They emphasize the role of diversification in investment portfolios and share thoughts on managing risk in private equity investments.

They also explore the growing emphasis on sustainability among the new generations within these families and highlight how private markets have potential when implementing sustainability strategies.

Listen to the full episode to discover more.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Exploring alternative investment opportunities for wealth managers

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Gregg Sommer is joined by colleagues Marieke de Roo and Casey Wamsley to discuss alternative investments in the wealth management space. Together they explore the democratization of private markets, the importance of education, and the due diligence process. They also discuss the potential opportunities in hedge funds and the role of technology in accelerating growth in alternative investing.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Leadership both on and off the field with Ireland rugby legend Ronan O'Gara

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Orla Aherne sits down with Ronan O'Gara, Head Coach at La Rochelle and former professional rugby player as he shares his insights, experiences, and lessons learned on and off the field.

Together with Mercer’s Michael Lernihan, they share their perspectives on leadership, teamwork and achieving success in a competitive environment.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Unlocking the power of Private Markets: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Join us as Eimear Walsh, Head of Investments for Europe, takes you live to the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Dublin, where we dive deep into the world of Private Markets.

The growth of private markets presents a multitude of possibilities, but success can hinge on adaptability and the ability to seize the right opportunities. Navigating this arena requires agility, a keen eye for identifying the most promising prospects and the ability to thrive in a competitive environment.

In this episode, Eimear is joined by Mercer colleagues David Scopelliti and Michael Butler and together, they walk us through the opportunities in the private markets landscape and what it means for different types of investors.

Exploring agile portfolios with Generali: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Recent market experiences have highlighted the importance for insurers to construct robust portfolios that not only support their primary business but also enable them to respond to evolving market risks and opportunities.

In this episode, Marieke de Roo is joined by Francesco Martorana, Chief Investment Officer at Generali and Mercer colleague David Morrow live from the Global Investment Forum in Dublin. Together they unpack what it means to build agile portfolios in today's insurance landscape and discuss how insurers can navigate the ever-changing market dynamics and seize potential opportunities.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Navigating the Age of Agility: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Join us as Mark McNulty, Europe Wealth Leader, takes you live to the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Dublin to discuss the theme for this year’s Forum "An Age of Agility."

In this episode, Mark is joined by Mercer colleagues, Garvan McCarthy and Jo Holden to explore the key findings from our recent Themes and Opportunities 2024 report and discuss the strategies and insights that could help investors in this age of agility.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Investing in an era of misinformation: insights from the Mercer Global Investment Forum, Dublin

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, our host Mark McNulty, Europe Wealth Leader, takes you live to the Mercer Global Investment Forum in Dublin. Together with Rich Nuzum and Jo Holden, they explore the impact of misinformation and disinformation on the investment landscape.

Misinformation was identified as the number one risk in the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report*, making it a topic that demands our attention. Join us as we delve into the challenges of quantifying and assessing these risks in the investment sphere, especially in the face of rapidly evolving information flow and the integration of AI in investment processes.

*https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2024/

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Top considerations for Alternative investments in 2024

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Global Alternatives Leader Raelan Lambert is joined by three esteemed guests: Billy Charlton, who shares his thoughts on the private equity perspective; David Scopelliti, who provides insights on private debt; and Dave McMillan, who discusses the implementation of hedge funds in portfolios. Together, they offer an overview of the Alternative investment landscape and discuss the top considerations for investors in 2024.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Navigating the new normal: Endowment and Foundation investing in an evolving market

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Texas Hemmaplardh, US Not-for-Profit Investment Leader is joined by Olaolu Aganga, US Chief Investment Officer and Shane Brereton, Senior Investment Consultant, Australia to discuss the critical issues facing Endowment and Foundation (E&F) investors around the world and share practical takeaways for E&Fs navigating the ever-changing investment landscape.

Together they also explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from the dynamic nature of long-term investing, including the impact of inflation on long-term investments, the role of private and unlisted assets in portfolio diversification and aligning investment objectives with changing market conditions.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

The Davos debrief: Reflections from Amy Barnes, Nick Studer and Pat Tomlinson

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Following the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Pat Tomlinson, President at Mercer and Nick Studer, CEO of Oliver Wyman joined Amy Barnes, Head of Sustainability and Climate at Marsh, to unpack some of the key themes emerging on the ground.

They discuss why companies need to be more competitive in a more muted growth environment; how health access has become a priority topic for an increasing number of employers; and why companies need to think more about political risks going into 2024.

You can find all the reports mentioned in this podcast at Marsh McLennan’s website at www.marshmclennan.com.

Driving change: DEI insights for a diverse supply chain

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode we explore the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion in supply chains and delve into the crucial role that DEI plays in shaping and transforming supply chains for the better. To discuss, Cara Williams, Global ESG and Sustainability Leader for Mercer is joined by Kevin Davidson, Director, Esprit de Corps Consulting Ltd., Phil Styles, Diversity Supply Chain Leader, Mercer and James Crask, Head of Strategic Risk Consulting & Supply Chain Risk Advisory Leader, Marsh. Together they explore the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for creating inclusive and sustainable supply chains that can benefit both businesses and communities.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Climate adaptation: Building resilience in a changing world with Marsh and Oliver Wyman

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In the year since the previous COP in Egypt there has been little progress made in scaling adaptation.

To discuss, Amy Barnes, Head of Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy at Marsh is joined by James Crask Head of Strategic Risk Consulting at Marsh UK and Rob Bailey, Partner at Oliver Wyman, specializing in climate and sustainability.

Together they share insights into navigating the challenges and seizing possible opportunities presented by climate change. Also exploring how organizations can both build and embrace resilience by anticipating potential disruptions, quantifying risks, and developing response plans.

For more information about Marsh McLennan’s presence at COP28, contact the team at mercerinvestmentsolutions@mercer.com or visit https://www.marshmclennan.com/pages/COP28.html

Mercer is proud of its ESG commitments, which are reported by Marsh McLennan, as well as its responsible investment policy and TCFD report.

For further information, please visit www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably or www.marshmclennan.com/about/esg.html

Driving change: The role of investors in climate transition with Clwyd Pension Fund

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode Helga Birgden and Hill Gaston sat down with Debbie Fielder, Deputy Head of Clwyd Pension Fund to delve into the topic of transition.

Together, they explore the crucial role investors play in driving the transition to a net-zero economy and how they can effectively manage investment risks, seize opportunities, and seek to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

For more information about Marsh McLennan’s presence at COP28, contact the team at mercerinvestmentsolutions@mercer.com or visit https://www.marshmclennan.com/pages/COP28.html

Mercer is proud of its ESG commitments, which are reported by Marsh McLennan, as well as its responsible investment policy and TCFD report.

For further information, please visit www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably or www.marshmclennan.com/about/esg.html

Themes and opportunities 2024: An age of agility

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Our current long-term views on the world and the potential economic and social developments to watch out for fall into three themes:

Regime change — one-off, open-ended paradigm shifts in conditions
Supercycles — conditions expected to outlast multiple market cycles
Megatrends — multidecade transitions that are gradually but steadily materializing

In this episode, Jo Holden sits down with Nick White and Matt Scot to explore the themes and opportunities we believe investors should consider in 2024 and beyond.

Read the full report here: https://www.mercer.com/insights/investments/market-outlook-and-trends/themes-and-opportunities/

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Navigating climate risks in today's economy with Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Climate related risks are on the rise globally, with floods that were once considered one-in-200-year events occurring more frequently and impacting both advanced and developing economies.

In first episode in our COP28 series, Andrew Bailey, Principal in Oliver Wyman's Government and Public Institutions practice sat down with Julian Enoizi, Chief Executive Officer of Guy Carpenter Europe. Together, they delve into the evolving challenges posed by climate change and explore the potential measures that both the public and private sector can take to address these issues.

For more information about Marsh McLennan’s presence at COP28, contact the team at mercerinvestmentsolutions@mercer.com or visit https://www.marshmclennan.com/pages/COP28.html

Mercer is proud of its ESG commitments, which are reported by Marsh McLennan, as well as its responsible investment policy and TCFD report.

For further information, please visit www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably or www.marshmclennan.com/about/esg.html

What role can Private Credit play for insurers in the current environment?

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode David Morrow is joined by Tamsin Coleman and Niall Clifford to delve into the world of private credit and its growing interest among insurance companies in today's dynamic financial landscape.

Throughout, they explore the latest developments in the private credit market, discussing the potential opportunities for insurers within this asset class while also addressing the potential challenges they may face, including navigating regulatory intricacies, tackling operational complexities and integrating ESG principles.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Managing legacy: Exploring Single Family Office strategies

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, we delve into the world of Single Family Offices, each one a distinct entity with its own set of structures, objectives and internal dynamics. To explore, Paul Fleming is joined by Beth Johnson and Michel Meert, as they shed light on the challenges and opportunities that currently define the Single Family Office landscape.

The discussion includes the role of governance, succession planning and the ever-evolving landscape of long-term investment trends, including the adoption of impact-driven strategies.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Navigating the longevity economy

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In an era where people are living longer than ever before, it's crucial for businesses, governments, and individuals to rethink their strategies for planning for the later stages of life.

In this episode, we'll be delving into the concept of the longevity economy looking at three fundamental pillars: quality of life, purpose, and financial resilience, presented in the recent report "Living Longer, Better: Understanding Longevity Literacy," a collaborative effort between the World Economic Forum and Mercer.

To explore these insights, Graham Pearce is joined by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, the National Council on Aging, Haleh Nazeri, Longevity Lead at the World Economic Forum and Lin Shi, Global Consultant at Mercer seconded as a fellow to WEF.

Read the full report: https://www.weforum.org/reports/living-longer-better-understanding-longevity-literacy/

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

How can wealth managers build resilient portfolios to overcome today's challenges?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode the spotlight is on wealth management, particularly portfolio construction. Conor Power is joined by Marieke de Roo and Rebecca Jacques to explore a fundamental question: How can wealth managers design portfolios that yield better results for their clients? Amid this exploration, a key theme emerges: resilience. While unconventional in portfolio discussions, recent years have seen a cascade of crises—from pandemics to inflation and geopolitical unrest. With this backdrop, we hold a core belief: imminent uncertainties demand preparedness. Wealth managers who infuse resilience into portfolios can navigate risks and seize opportunities ahead, listen to the full episode to find out how.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

What are insurers doing to navigate today’s higher yields?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Boutros Thiery and Stephanie Thomes speak to Chris Bewley about how rising rates have supported a pivot to fixed income for insurers. After a decade of searching for yield, the asset class is once again an attractive source of income for investors. While rapid rate increases have left some with unrealized losses on existing fixed income allocations, Mercer is supporting those exploring increasingly diverse private markets investments that could offer access to higher durations and higher yields, or free up the liquidity to flex to market conditions as they evolve.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Charting the course in Private Debt

Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Mercer's Global Head of Private Debt, David Scopelliti is joined by Joe Abrams, Head of Private Debt, Europe, and Tamsin Coleman, Deputy Head of Private Debt, Europe to explore the current Private Debt landscape. They discuss market evolution and volatility and share insights into portfolio building and considerations for manager selection. Stay tuned to the end for rapid-fire surprise questions from David.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

Impact investing: Transition, transformation and innovation

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Transition, transformation and innovation are the three words top of mind when it comes to Impact Investing right now, but how can investors start to implement Impact Investing into their portfolios?

In this episode, Angelika Delen, Global Head of Impact Investing is joined by Silvia Ruprecht, Senior Policy Advisor at the Swiss Federal Office of Environment and Cara Williams Global, Head of ESG and Sustainability to explore.

The Silicon Valley Bank collapse – Navigating the fallout

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has unnerved investors across the world, boosting bond prices, knocking equities, and raising fears of contagion. Amid the uproar, Credit Suisse shares crashed then rallied, but the market mood remains febrile. In our special podcast, Jo Holden, Mercer’s Global Head of Investment Research and Advisory, is joined by David Scopelliti, Global Head of Private Debt, and Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, to discuss the impact of SVB’s failure on private and public financial markets, and whether we believe the turmoil in the banking sector can be contained. Crucially, they explore the vital role of good governance in building resilient investment strategies able to weather an unpredictable future.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Building wealth, building communities: Affordable housing investing

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Despite the challenging macroeconomic backdrop, there are potential opportunities within Real Estate to gain exposure to trends shaping the future such as affordable housing.

Zeenat Patel, Alternative Investment Director at Mercer is joined by Hannah Marshall, who is responsible for CBRE IM's Pan-European Residential Impact Strategies and Anne Koeman-Sharapova who leads Mercer’s efforts in Real Estate investment and Due Diligence in Europe and the UK to discuss.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

DEI in investing: A pathway to better returns

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Now, more than ever, investors are seeking to address systemic imbalances by increasing diversity within their organisations and boosting DEI with their investment portfolios.

To explore how both investors and managers are approaching this, Alexa Shanks, Head of Intermediary Relationships, Mercer UK is joined by Stephen Deane, Portfolio Manager and Partner at Skerryvore Asset Management and Terrance Jones, Manager Research, Mercer US to discuss.

Read the paper: https://insightcommunity.mercer.com/public/research/63ffece10580e800202ee5ea/Mercer_Diversity_Dressing_Progress_evaluation

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Is nature the next major ESG theme?

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Nature as an ESG theme is rising into prominence and the link between nature and investors’ climate strategies is becoming clearer.

In this episode, Andrew Lilley, Sustainable Investment Head, Continental Europe is joined by Kate Brett, Global Intellectual Capital Lead for Sustainable Investment and Sarika Goel, Head of Sustainable Investment Manager Research to explore the market developments and trends for nature as well as the possible actions for investors today.

Read the paper Nature alert - the next major environmental, social and governance (ESG) theme here: https://insightcommunity.mercer.com/public/research/638e8bb28ea0e2002136c5bf/Mercer_Nature_alert_the_next_major_environmental_social_and_governance_ESG_theme_1

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Market update: charting our future course

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

2022 will go down in history as unpredictable and unprecedented. It started with a lot of optimism, then geopolitical unrest began, inflation took off, markets sold off and the era of cheap money effectively ended.

To make sense of it all, Rachel Volynsky, CIO of Canada and Global Chair of Equities is joined by Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, Europe and Cameron Systermans, Head of Asset Allocation, Asia.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Bonds may be back, but uncertainty continues…

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers based on market conditions as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Certain of the information contained in this podcast constitutes “forward-looking statements” that are inherently unreliable and actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated herein. No assurances are made as to the accuracy of those predictions or forward-looking statements.

2022 was not a year for bond investors - but with inflation beginning to roll over, a strong start to the year, and bonds now offering the levels of income we haven’t seen in 20 years, 2023 looks far more optimistic.

Aisling Doherty, Senior Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at Mercer, is joined today by Ella Hoxha, Senior Investment Manager, Pictet Asset Management and Samantha Milner, Head of U.S. Liquid Credit, Ares Management to discuss the outlook across bond markets for the year ahead, and how best to position portfolios to potentially take advantage of current market opportunities.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

2022 global wealth management investment survey findings - Part 2

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Mercer colleagues and special guest Urs Bolt, Product Manager in Digital Banking and Wealth Management, come together to discuss the key findings from the 2022 global wealth management investment survey as well as the possible action points to help wealth managers around the world take the next step on their client and growth journey.

Read the survey findings here: https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/global-wealth-management-survey.html

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

COP27 and a new wave of investment opportunities: what institutional investors should know

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

We recorded this episode as a part of a podcast series on the occasion of COP27. Each episode illustrates the breadth and depth of Marsh McLennan’s climate capabilities. The issues addressed throughout the series include investment transition, the insurance sector’s role in climate adaption, communities and businesses’ exposure to physical risks, and how companies need to address the inextricable link between climate and nature.

Find more information about how Mercer, Marsh and other Marsh McLennan businesses will be addressing these issues at COP27 and beyond, visit https://www.marshmclennan.com/pages/climate-hub.html

Max Messervy Head of Sustainable Investment, Americas is joined by Rich Nuzum, Executive Director, Investments, Global Chief Investment Strategist and Cara Williams, Global Head of ESG and Sustainability, Wealth Management and Multinational Client Lead for Wealth to reflect on what inspired them most at COP27. They also share the key themes that emerged while in Egypt and the lessons that institutional investors should take away following the outcomes at COP27.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

Read our full important notices - click here

COP27 and Emerging Markets – the challenge and opportunity

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Read the survey findings here https://www.mercer.com/investing-sustainably

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Top considerations for insurers in 2023

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

As 2022 comes to a close, insurance companies are facing significant price losses across their portfolios, particularly within long-duration fixed income. On the horizon are the risks of a global recession, peaking fundamentals, persistent inflation and energy crises, particularly in Europe.

We recently surveyed the insurance market globally to find out what their key concerns, challenges and opportunities are within their investment portfolios and how they plan to tackle these. With these findings in mind we have produced what we believe should be the top considerations for insurers in 2023.

To discuss the findings and the considerations, Colin Tipping, Global Head of Insurance Solutions is joined by Eryn Bacewich from the US team and William Gibbons from the UK/Europe team.

Read the full paper and survey findings here: https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/insurer-investment-considerations.html

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Economic and market outlook 2023

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Where are we now as we reach the end of 2022? Economies have overheated and have begun slowing down, with some potentially in recession already. Are we there yet? Will monetary tightening lead to a deep recession?

Samantha Davidson US OCIO Leader is joined by Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, Europe and Anthony Brown, Director of Capital markets in the US at Mercer to explore.

Read the full paper here https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/economic-outlook.html

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Top considerations for alternatives in 2023

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

2022 will certainly be remembered as momentous, and it may take some time to fully understand the ramifications of the events that occurred this year. Any of these events individually would likely have had a profound impact on markets, both public and private. However, in combination, these events, along with other relevant factors, have certainly pulled the rug out from under markets.

Billy Charlton, Global Head of Private Markets Data Analytics and Research is joined by Amarik Ubhi, Global Head of Infrastructure and David Scopelliti, Global Head of Private Debt to discuss how these significant events are affecting various private market segments and what we expect their ramifications to be in 2023.

Read the paper here https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/alternative-investment-considerations.html

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Top Considerations for Endowments and Foundations 2023

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

2022 brought a combination of interconnected challenges for all investors including endowments and foundations, from geopolitical conflicts to high inflation, supply chain problems to financial market volatility.

In this episode, Cori Trautvetter is joined by Gilles Lavoie and Gareth Donegan to explore what we believe are the top considerations for endowments and foundations in 2023. They also explore the approaches that could support endowments and foundations in navigating through them to achieve long-term success, while managing short-term disruptions.

Read the full paper here https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/top-considerations-endowments-and-foundations.html

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Top Considerations for Financial Intermediaries 2023

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The past decade was one of the best on record for traditional 60/40 portfolios, but a sharp rise in macroeconomic volatility caused this period of success to come to an abrupt halt.

To explore what effect this has had on financial intermediaries globally, Conor Power is joined by Gregg Sommer and Adeline Tan as they also discuss what we believe are the top considerations for financial intermediaries as we transition into 2023.

Read the full paper here https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/top-considerations-for-financial-intermediaries.html

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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“How can the insurance sector support climate resilience?” by Marsh McLennan

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Leading the discussion is Francis Bouchard, the Managing Director for Climate for Marsh McLennan’s Advantage unit, who is joined by Dr. Swenja Surminski, Managing Director, Climate, Marsh McLennan – and a long-time Peruvian climate negotiator and UN Resilience Hub official Jorge Gastelumendi.

Read the paper here

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Déjà new: Themes and Opportunities 2023

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

We have seen significant upheaval in global markets in the last twelve months, with a combination of the pandemic recovery, regional conflict, supply chain challenges and technological advancements having a profound impact on the world around us.

The impact of these events are similar to recent history, and allows us to draw on these experiences and adapt portfolios to the current landscape.

In this episode, Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research speaks with Nick White, Global Strategic Research Director and Matt Scott, Senior Investment Research Specialist, on the themes and opportunities we believe investors should consider in their decision-making in 2023 and beyond.

Read the paper here: https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/investor-themes-and-opportunities.html

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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"High seas: Enabling a climate resilient Suez Canal" by Marsh

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

High seas: Enabling a climate resilient Suez Canal

The blocking of the Suez Canal in May, 2021 demonstrated the vulnerability of global supply chains to disruptions to the world's, canals and waterways. The just in time nature of shipping means that there is limited redundancy, and these kinds of routes become pressure points for cascading risk. With increasing incidents of disruptive weather events driven by climate change, greater focus needs to be given to understanding these potential critical points of failure.

Nicholas Faull, Head of Climate and Sustainability, Risk and Innovation at Marsh is joined by colleagues Dr. Bev. Adams, Head of Climate and Catastrophe Resilience based in the UK and Scott Williams, ESG Coordinating Director for the Middle Eastern Africa region to explore the importance of this case study.

Read the full report here

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Net zero, are we getting it right?

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Rachel Elwell, CEO of Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, discusses their journey to achieve net zero by 2050 with Mercer Research Heads, Rich Dell and Jo Holden. They also explore how to overcome some of the concerns around reaching a 1.5-degree world and how achieving net zero can potentially produce better investment outcomes.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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2022 global wealth management investment survey findings - Part 1

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Wealth managers face a combination of issues as global markets enter yet another period of uncertainty while their clients demand sustainable returns – so how are they meeting these challenges?

In this episode, Mercer colleagues and special guests joined us to discuss the findings from the 2022 global wealth management investment survey as well as the possible action points to help wealth managers around the world take the next step on their client and growth journey.

Read the full report here

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Reflecting on the past and future of private markets

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Evolution is change, and while change might be continuous, its pace may vary over time. The private markets investment landscape has certainly changed over the years since its beginning in the 1940s and has grown to become a ten trillion US dollar industry.

To discuss the evolution we have seen over the years Zeenat Patel is joined by Claudia Zeisberger, professor of entrepreneurship and family enterprise at INSEAD and founder of the Global Private Equity Initiative and Billy Charlton, Mercer’s global head of private markets, analytics and research .

Register to hear more from Claudia and Billy at the Mercer annual Alternatives Conference here

Pension plans today and tomorrow

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Marg Franklin, President and CEO of the CFA Institute unpacks the 2022 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index with lead author David Knox, a Senior Partner at Mercer.

Throughout, they explore the results of year’s index and discuss the significant challenges and important changes to the pension industry in the last year.

Explore the 2022 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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What does the future hold for listed infrastructure?

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Mercer’s Damien Davis is joined by Rebecca Myatt, a Portfolio Manager with First Sentier Investors and Indira Sabitova, a Portfolio Manager with Mercer to explore both the potential benefits of listed infrastructure and what the future holds for the asset class.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Central Banks: Doing whatever it takes! But what's the cost?

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The fear of recession is dominating everyone's mind-set at the moment. The global economy has been slowing and is likely to continue to do so on the back of high commodity prices, rising interest rates and tightening financial conditions more or less everywhere with China being the notable exception.

Central Banks are thought to have underestimated inflation expectations and are increasing rates quite aggressively. Where they are facing an economic cycle that differs from the past, will they get it right and what’s the cost if they don’t?

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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Regenerate and restore – Adopting a circular economy approach

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Mercer UK’s Sustainability Integration Lead, Vanessa Hodge is joined by Ashleigh Morris, CEO and co-founder of Coreo and Jillian Reid, Partner in Mercer’s global Sustainable Investment Team to discuss their recent Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) discussion paper for investors on the circular economy. Also joining the conversation is Jamie Butterworth, who is a Partner at Circularity Capital, a specialist private equity firm providing access to investment opportunities created by the circular economy.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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2022 Global not-for-profit investment survey findings

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

To go straight to one of the key findings, see the chapters below:

1:45 - Macro concerns reflected in the sentiment of the sector

19:22- Private markets — The big migration, with special guest Dina Richard, Trinity Health

38:05- Outsourcing — Navigating the future with the right support, with Special guests Richard Williams, Diocese of Rochester and Georges Dyer, Intentional Endowment Network

53:53 - Sustainability — Closing the gap between ethics and investment returns, with special guest Georges Dyer, Intentional Endowment Network

We canvassed the opinions and intentions of not-for-profit investors from around the world on a range of subjects, including sustainability, macro challenges reflected in the sector, the increase in allocation to private markets and the evolution towards seeking third party assistance to help them overcome challenges and achieve the objectives of their not for profit organisation.

Throughout this episode we will be joined by Mercer colleagues and special guests to discuss these 4 key considerations that were highlighted within the report as well as the range of possible action points.

Read the full report here or mercer.com/notforprofitsurvey

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

The findings, ratings and/or opinions expressed herein are the intellectual property of Mercer and are subject to change without notice. They are not intended to convey any guarantees as to the future performance of the investment products, asset classes or capital markets discussed. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment advisory services for Brazil clients are provided by Mercer Human do Brasil (Mercer Brazil), a company regulated by the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission to provide Financial Advisory services.

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Mid-year outlook: Can inflation be curbed without a crash landing?

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Inflationary pressures that began bubbling during the Covid crisis have come to a head, and central banks are fighting it by engineering an economic slowdown. Risks remain high in some markets, in others there are grounds for optimism and buying opportunities.

Samantha Davidson, US OCIO Segment Leader is joined by Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, Europe and Anthony Brown, Director of capital markets, US to discuss the key findings from our 2022 mid-year outlook.

Read the full paper here

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

This does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, commodities and/or any other financial instruments or products or constitute a solicitation on behalf of any of the investment managers, their affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not formal investment advice to allow any party to transact. Additional advice will be required in advance of entering into any contract.

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A perfect storm for active management?

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Performance of active equity strategies in Q1 2022 was challenging, leading to unfavourable relative returns over the quarter and, in a number of areas, over the last 12 months. This has raised questions over active management and how investors should respond to poor relative returns. Join Suzanne Lubbe and Victoria Goh from Mercer’s manager research team as they discuss why they believe investors shouldn’t give up on active management and what is the best way to think about the individual building blocks when constructing multi-manager equity portfolios.

Read the paper here

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Recession fears are high but what does it mean for equity markets?

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Join Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation Europe and Rachel Volynsky, CIO Canada as they discuss the outlook for equities after significant falls this year.

The FED has faced criticism for being too slow to tighten financial conditions, and to not notice or appreciate what was happening to inflation. With a recession seeming inevitable for many, Rupert and Rachel discuss whether they think we are heading for a recession, but importantly whether it will be a deep or mild recession. With Equity markets having corrected this year and signalling a return towards fundamental valuations, we ask is there more to go and will the FED intervene? Where can investors look for opportunities across developed markets, China and more broadly emerging markets.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Behind the scenes with Rich Nuzum at Davos

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Rich Nuzum, President of Investments & Retirement, Mercer discusses his perspectives coming away from Davos with International Head of Clients, Mark McNulty. Listen as Rich shares learnings and new ideas from meeting CEOs, governments, philanthropists, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs that could help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

ESG investing refers to environmental, social, and governance considerations that may have a material impact on financial performance, and therefore are taken into account, alongside other economic and financial metrics, in assessing the risk and return potential of an investment. Thematic investing involves investing with a goal, at least in part, to achieve an impact on an environmental, social, or governance issue, alongside generating return and mitigating risk. As always, the decision whether to invest in ESG-themed options, like all options, must be made pursuant to a prudent process with the objective of advancing the financial interest of the plan and its participants.

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Private markets and the $1tn data question

Tue, 31 May 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Amy Ridge is joined by Dr Ashby Monk, research director at Stanford University’s Long-Term Investing initiative, and Billy Charlton, Mercer’s global head of private markets data analytics & research, to discuss some of the biggest issues around private markets and what institutional investors should consider before putting their capital to work.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Reference to private markets raising $1.2trillion is sourced from Bain and company global private equity report 2022

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Hedge funds: the comeback kid?

Wed, 11 May 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The level of portfolio protection from high-quality debt instruments that generations of investors have relied with the 60/40 portfolio has been challenged. Investors need more tools in the toolkit. Gold and some currencies can protect well, but are subject to idiosyncratic risks and are noncontractual; their protective capacities are essentially market conventions or rules of thumb.

Given the need to manage a range of exposures dynamically, we ask is there is a role for hedge fund strategies, which may be better equipped at managing through a transitionary period.

In this episode, Deborah Wardle is joined by Dave McMillan and Dr Sushil Wadhwani, Chief Investment Officer at PGIM Wadhwani to discuss some of the key questions surrounding the current hedge fund investing landscape and in doing so, look to answer the question of whether hedge funds are staging a comeback.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Deep Impact: going beyond ESG considerations

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

In this episode, Angelika Delen is joined by impact investing expert Charly Kleissner, PhD to discuss the difference between impact and deep impact investing, the importance of transparency and how investors need to work together to change finance as opposed to just financing change.

Charly Kleissner is an impact investor. He believes that the real meaning of wealth is to make a positive contribution to humanity and the planet. He is a leader of the deep impact movement which is not only treating the symptoms of our failing economic system, but its root causes – with a level of awareness and consciousness that is non-anthropocentric. He sees impact investing not as an intellectual exercise, but as an expression of who he really is.

Making waves: A spotlight on water scarcity

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Why is water, essential to life on earth, not more central to investors’ decision making?

In this episode dedicated to Earth Day, Mark Longbottom is joined by Helga Birgden and John Elmore-Jones to discuss their latest research into the importance of water, as a critical resource, when considering investments. They explore why investment into protecting water as core to people and the environment needs an urgent reset, and they outline what approaches investors can take to address the risks of overlooking the importance of investing in our planet.

Mercer has recently been working in partnership with the Valuing Water Initiative, CDP and the Water Footprint Network on a project to increase water-related transparency and awareness among financial institutions.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Russia - Ukraine: Is stagflation inevitable?

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0100

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The Russia – Ukraine conflict continues to cause uncertainty for investors. Energy prices and Inflation continues to rise globally and the conversation has turned from transitory inflation to the possibility of stagflation.

Listen to Erin Lefkowitz and Rupert Watson as they discuss their outlook for interest rates, inflation and markets more broadly and the possible implications for portfolios.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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New ideas to help you navigate the investment environment right now

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The escalating conflict in Ukraine has resulted in far-reaching outcomes for financial markets and the global economy. Rich Nuzum, President of Investments & Retirement, Mercer, and Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research, discuss the conflict’s short and long-term implications for the real economy and for investment portfolios, what does this mean for energy prices, inflation and interest rates. They also provide a warm up session to our fast-approaching annual Mercer Global Investment Forum Europe on 28-29 March, and share sneak peaks of the key topics that will be covered. They explain how they find their own ideas for innovation, and the importance for investment professionals to gather as a community for shaping the global investments map. Moderated by Annabell Mathiesen-Siem, Mercer Norway CEO.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Gold and Bitcoin - birds of a feather or chalk and cheese?

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Bitcoin and Gold are often compared to one another with Bitcoin having even been referred to as “digital gold”. In this episode, Nick White, Matt Scott and our special guest Urs Bolt, discuss the similarities, differences, and obstacles Bitcoin faces to make it mainstream amongst institutional investors.

Guest speaker: Urs Bolt
Urs has 30 plus years’ experience in the financial services industry, mainly in wealth management, investment banking and banking technology business. His core expertise is to develop and roll out new digital business platforms.
Urs’ current focus is helping FinTech and WealthTech companies and financial service providers review/refocus business strategies.
Urs is co-initiator of the Swiss Open Wealth Association with the goal to accelerate the development of new ecosystems in wealth management and private banking. Beside that he actively contributes to the progress of the Swiss and global ecosystem in crypto finance as an opinion leader and a passionate lecturer in ecosystems in crypto finance in post-graduate courses.

Russia and Ukraine. What are the possible implications for markets?

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The Russia – Ukraine conflict is causing a lot of uncertainty for investors and is an evolving situation. The implications from the conflict and subsequent sanctions from global leaders are far reaching and yet to be fully understood.

Join Susan McDermott, US Strategic Research Director and Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation, as they discuss the potential impact on inflation, energy prices, trade and markets more broadly.

The Resource Code - with Impax Asset Management

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Carbon emissions have understandably been a key focus for attention to avoid or diminish the climate crisis. However, a wider lens is needed to sustainably service the food, water, housing, labor and transport needs of almost eight billion people. Biodiversity, adequate freshwater supplies and topsoil management are needed for food security; minerals for electric vehicles; and energy from sources such as nuclear and gas, given the intermittency of renewables. Put simply, a resource transition is needed, not simply an energy transition!

To discuss, Nick White Global Strategic Research Director, Mercer is joined by our guest speakers from Impax Asset management. Chris Dodwell, Head of Policy and Advocacy, with over 25 years’ public and private sector experience in climate change, sustainable energy and environmental policy and regulation and David Li , Senior Portfolio Manager who co-manages both the Asian Environmental Markets Strategy and Asian Opportunities Strategy.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Impax is a Manager rated by Mercer. Impax has not been paid by or received any compensation from Mercer for participating in this podcast. Please see Mercer’s conflict of interest disclosure link in the Important Notices for additional information.

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Top considerations for financial intermediaries in 2022

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Advisors and their clients need to be adaptable to the challenges that lie ahead. Mercer has identified five areas for financial intermediaries to consider – areas we believe are critical for long-term success.

Read the full paper here
Take our 2022 global wealth management survey here

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Read our full important notices - click here

Top considerations for endowments and foundations in 2022

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Endowments and foundations are facing an environment of rich equity valuations, ultra-low fixed-income yields, and newly awakened inflation, coupled with concerns on environmental and societal problems.

In this episode our not for profit specialists discuss the range of challenges and opportunities we believe endowments and foundations should be thinking about in 2022, and crucially how they can look to protect and position your investment assets.

Read the paper here
Take our 2022 global not for profit survey here
or visit www.mercer.com/not-for-profits

Part 2: Persuasion - The Art of Sustainable Investment with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Climate change, social upheaval and global instability are inescapable for us as a society - but what can we do as investors?

In this in-depth, two part podcast, Mercer's Vanessa Hodge speaks to distinguished behavioural scientist Dr Sweta Chakraborty, who explains how investors can cut through the -- sometimes distressing -- noise to see where our capital allocations can make a real difference and help create a better world for all of us.

Part 1: Persuasion - The Art of Sustainable Investment with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Economic and market outlook 2022

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

The Covid-19 crisis dug a deep economic hole in 2020. If 2021 was the year when the hole was filled, 2022 should see building work commence on the freshly levelled ground. In practice, the recovery has not been as straight forward as that metaphor might suggest.

Join Rupert Watson, Head of Asset Allocation and Eimear Walsh, Portfolio Manager, Investment Solutions for a discussion on our outlook for markets in 2022.

Read the full paper here

Get ready for the metamorphosis - themes and opportunities 2022

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Substantial and profound changes are rapidly reshaping the world as we know it, with significant implications for investors. This vibrant re-imaging can be encapsulated in a single word: Metamorphosis.

Jo Holden, Global Head of Investment Research speaks with Nick White , Global Strategic Research Director and Matt Scott, Senior Investment Research Specialist, on the themes and opportunities we believe will be shaping markets throughout 2022 and beyond.

Read the full paper here

The Big Debate!

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0100

US Interest rates: where to from here?

With the Fed likely to start tapering their bond purchases this year, attention will soon turn to when they will raise interest rates and how high they will get. Will rates stay at exceptionally low levels or might we see the sort of levels we saw before the Great Financial Crisis?

Is it Japan’s time to shine?

Japanese equities have been unloved for a long time, but is the tide turning? The outlook for the economy doesn’t seem to have changed enormously, but some investors are becoming more optimistic on the outlook for Japanese equities. We’ll discuss the reasons why or whether investors should avoid.

The High yield trade

Credit spreads are very tight. Does this mean returns are likely to be poor or will low default rates and other factors support the asset class?

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

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Curiosity vs conviction- diversity, equity and inclusion

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

How do investors move from curiosity to conviction when it comes to increasing diversity in their portfolios?

In this episode, Bob L Greene, President and CEO of National Association of Investment Companies, the industry association for diverse-owned private equity firms and hedge funds, joins our Mercer specialists to discuss how LPs could achieve greater diversity whether based on portfolio requirements, board demands, or the opportunity set. To “add diversity,” investors must not only answer important questions, they must know what those important questions are. We will discuss how to start the crucial conversations around gender and racial equity necessary for creating a diverse portfolio.

Additionally, during the episode we will explore the techniques required to find quality managers in the large, current pool of diverse and emerging managers.

Diversity and inclusion is different than ESG. Listen and learn how to effectively consider and implement diversity into private markets portfolios.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

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Net zero or fake zero?

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0100

Institutional investors, in growing numbers, are announcing their aims to reduce portfolio emissions to net-zero, with almost half of global assets estimated to be pledged to meet climate change goals.

The drivers are two-fold: the near-term risks and opportunities presented by the low-carbon transition already underway, plus the expectation that a 1.5°C climate scenario will allow investors to consistently meet return objectives over multiple decades.

But behind the flurry of recent announcements to set alignment targets, how is investment in the transition tracking? Will pledges be implemented and what happens if not? What approaches are investors adopting? What’s working and what obstacles remain?

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Cryptoassets - mania or marvel?

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Rupert is joined by colleagues Elizabeth Paine and Matt Scott to discuss developments in the world of cryptoassets and the wider digital ecosystem they underpin including decentralized finance.

Whilst it is tempting to dismiss most or all of the thousands of cryptoassets and their use cases as being part of a very old story, the get rich quick scheme, Matt and Lizzie will attempt to convince Rupert that there may indeed be some flowers on the dungheap.

As well as discussing the potential for upside in these assets, they will also discuss recent challenges to cryptoassets, including regulatory action and responsible investment concerns.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Investing in cryptocurrency carries significant risks that should be considered prior to investing. Opinions expressed are those of the speaker as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions. Statistics quoted have not been specifically verified by Mercer and are likely to change given the volatility of the cryptocurrency markets.

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What's going on in equity markets?

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0100

Equities have come a long way over the last 15 months with some non-tech companies at last outperforming popular technology names. Rupert Watson, will be chatting with Larry Vasquez and Jan-Hein van den Akker, about whether this will continue and discuss the implications of recent signs of inflation and the possibility of higher bond yields over the next few years.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Read our full important notices - click here

Transformational investing

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0100

Global systemic risks could significantly influence investor returns and long-term objectives in both positive and negative ways. Investors should understand what these risks are, along with the opportunities they may also bring, and implement an efficient strategy to integrate them into their portfolios.

Join our guest speakers, as they discuss their findings from our recent white paper - Trendsetters: Transformational Investment Practices of Advanced Investors, and how we developed a framework for addressing global systemic trends that investors can use to benchmark their progress against their peers.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Mon, 24 May 2021 10:00:00 +0100

The focus on diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace has been increasing for several years but has been accelerated by Covid. Hear why it is important, how we include it in our managers research and how each of us as individuals can make a difference

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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The rise of China?

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0100

The Chinese economy is now entering into a new phase of development that we believe will help it become a moderately prosperous nation by 2035 and to achieve full modernisation by 2050. We assess the opportunities and challenges of this transition and explore what this means for global investors and capital markets.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Reflation looms? Are you ready?

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Inflation fears are rising. After 10 years of inflation being too low that might actually be good news. But what are the implications for bonds, equities and portfolio construction more generally?

Niall O’Sullivan (EMEA & Asia CIO) and Nick White (Global Strategic Research Director) join Rupert Watson to discuss their views on the topic on every investor’s lips.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

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Biden, Brexit and Bitcoin....

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Join Rupert Watson and Susan McDermott as they discuss the transition from the Trump to the Biden administration and what effect this might have on climate change and the china/US relationship. They’ll share their views on whether they see opportunities in bitcoin and china in addition to sharing Mercer’s latest house views and what this means for markets more broadly.

This content is for institutional investors and information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial position. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser.

Read our full important notices - click here