During this opening keynote, David will draw on his extensive experience in the Australian pension system and his current role heading up the leading global proponent of responsible investment, offering insights and lessons on how pension schemes can navigate today’s shifting landscape and adapt their investment strategies for resilience.

The UK government is encouraging pension schemes to support domestic growth, as reflected in initiatives such as Mansion House II. This session will explore how pension funds can increase their allocation to UK private market assets – and whether doing so could benefit both scheme members and the wider UK economy.

This session will address:

• What opportunities exist in UK private market assets?
• What barriers are there to investment in UK private markets?
• Could increased investment in UK assets deliver positive returns?
  

There is a growing demand for more bespoke and customised access to private market and alternative investments that allows for greater control and enhanced ESG integration for Pension Schemes of all sizes. Fund-of-Fund solutions contain multiple layers of fees and can offer limited flexibility to any investors without £500m to invest in that single asset category. These structural inefficiencies can materially erode returns, directly affecting member outcomes and increasing the financial burden on sponsors. This session explores how these issues can be successfully navigated to enhance value.

As climate risks intensify, pension schemes face a critical question: How to prioritise transitioning portfolios to support a low-carbon economy and adapting to the physical and social impacts already unfolding? What does a “just” approach to each look like and how can schemes balance both? This session invites discussion on fiduciary duty, regulatory expectations, and the role of pension funds in shaping a fair response to climate change. Drawing on Just Transition and Just Adaptation frameworks, we’ll explore: what are we missing, what matters most, and whether we need and how we decide?

With increasing complexity, regulatory pressure, and resource demands, many pension schemes are turning to investment outsourcing models such as fiduciary management, OCIO, or delegated solutions. But how can trustees ensure these approaches deliver value, maintain appropriate oversight, and align with scheme objectives?

This session will address:

• The pros and cons of investment outsourcing for different scheme sizes and stages
• How to evaluate and select an outsourced provider
• Governance and oversight: what trustees must retain and monitor
• Cost transparency, performance measurement, and accountability
• The role of outsourcing in consolidation and endgame planning
• Case study and best practice

This is your chance to mingle, connect, and replenish your energy amidst the Investment Conference's vibrant atmosphere. Join us in savouring a spread prepared to elevate your midday experience. Whether you're networking, sharing insights, or simply taking a moment to unwind; Take a plate, and enjoy!

Join us to explore Fixed Income Replacement—a modern approach that integrates private investment grade credit and asset-backed finance to enhance yield, income consistency, and credit quality.

With shifting geopolitical tensions, volatile markets, and uncertain economic outlooks, how should investors navigate the months ahead? This essential update will examine the key risks and opportunities shaping the global economy—from elections and trade wars to inflation, interest rates, and supply chain disruptions.

This session will address:

• Key geopolitical flashpoints and their market impact
• Inflation, rate, and central bank policy path
• Systemic risks for the future of investments
• Implication of tariffs and US intervention

Exploring new research into the public’s preferences and perceptions regarding pension investment funds. We will examine the gap between pension holder preferences and actual investment decisions, the level of member engagement, and the implications for scheme managers and fund providers. Drawing on unique data—including differences by voting intention—this thought-provoking presentation aims to inform more responsive, member-centred pension investment strategies and provoke a wider discussion on how to bridge awareness and action within the industry.