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Switzerland’s Largest Pension Fund Trims Equities for Real Estate

Publica has cut some stocks to de-risk, and will also sell some of its bonds as part of a new strategy.

By Chris Butera

Publica, Switzerland’s largest pension fund, trimmed some of the equity from its investment portfolio and levered up on real estate in July as it continues to de-risk.

The $39.9 billion public sector pension plan cut 2% of its equities in July, reducing its stock portion to 27% from 29%, according to IPE.com. It then added that amount  to its international real estate section, which has now gone to 6% of fund assets from 4%.

Local non-government bonds were also reduced by 2%. That allocation now comprises 8% of the portfolio. Publica said it will put the bond profits in private real estate financing and emerging market debt. The fund also plans to sell non-local public corporate bonds. The money will be invested in private company and infrastructure debt, which will make up 7% of the portfolio over the next three years, when it completes the implementation of a new strategy.

The real estate shift follows a trend in Swiss pension funds, according to Credit Suisse’s Q2 2018 Pensionkassen Index results. Exposure has increased by 44 basis points, and the average Swiss pension plan currently allocates 22.84% to the asset class.

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Plans in the Swiss index gained 0.15% from their real estate investments in the second quarter.

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Home > News > Corporate Moves > Malaysia’s Largest Pension Fund Names New CEO
Corporate Moves

Malaysia’s Largest Pension Fund Names New CEO

Tunku Alizakri Alias will take over Shahril Ridza Ridzuan’s responsibilities at the end of the month.

By Chris Butera

Tunku Alizakri Alias will be new chief executive officer of Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund, effective August 20.

Alizakri will replace Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, the $200 billion private sector plan’s current head, when he starts his new job as managing director at sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad.

Khazanah announced Ridzuan’s move last week, following the resignations of Azman Mokhtar (the former head) and the rest of its nine-member board last month. The mass exit was a result of harsh criticism from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who will become Khazanah’s new chairman.

It is not known how many Khazanah resignation letters have been accepted, nor if any members will stay on the board.

The Provident Fund’s new chief, Alizakri, has been with the company since 2014, serving as deputy CEO of strategy. He currently oversees national policies on social protection and developments in the business’ products and services. Alizakri also looks after corporate strategy, corporate affairs, human capital, and talent development.

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He also sits on the pension’s management investment committee, which makes sure investment suggestions are in line with the Provident Fund’s governance and risk tolerance.

Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, the fund’s chairman, called Aliakri’s promotion “a validation of our robust succession planning which has enabled the minister of finance to choose a suitable internal candidate.”

Osman also expressed his appreciation for the departing CEO on his new gig.

“Though with a heavy heart, I am proud that Datuk Shahril has been appointed to take on greater challenges at Khazanah,” he said. “He has brought the EPF to new heights with strong dividends, enhancements to the EPF’s policies as well as improvements to the customer experience. Datuk Shahril is a prime example of dedication and professionalism.”

 

 

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