Russell Research
Whilst the topic of governance is important for pension funds, we were struck by the paucity of surveys that focus on investment decision making. Therefore, we commissioned a survey of 200 UK Defined Benefit pension schemes.
Other observations from the survey include:
- Effectiveness of trustee time spent on investment matters – Almost half of respondents indicated that they spend more than 25% of their trustee meeting time on investment matters. Arguably this is too much and may not leave enough time for other Board issues.
- Accountability in the delegation structure – Approximately 1 in 3 respondents believe that multiple groups are responsible for each of the different investment decisions. This result indicates lack of clarity, and ultimately, accountability.
- Timeliness of decision making – 40% of respondents are not confident in their ability to respond quickly to new situations. Many commentators would cite this as a critical characteristic of any effective decision-making system given recent market events.
To read more on Russell's Mind the 'governance gap', click here to download the full research report.
This is one example of how Russell's research has been informing the investment decisions of our clients since 1969.
Aspects of good investment governance
In the third of a series of Russell papers aimed at helping decision makers review and improve their fund governance, we set out the lessons gleaned from recent investor roundtables.
In the third of a series of Russell papers aimed at helping decision makers review and improve their fund governance, we set out the lessons gleaned from recent investor roundtables.
Communiqué - February, 2012
This publication summarises key developments and trends in the industry; new ideas and emerging best practice in investment strategy and governance; and regulatory developments.
This publication summarises key developments and trends in the industry; new ideas and emerging best practice in investment strategy and governance; and regulatory developments.
2010 survey on alternative investments
According to the latest Russell Investments 2010 Global Survey on Alternative Investing, institutional investors are sticking with alternatives and are, in fact, expecting to increase their allocations to alternatives 14% to 19%.
According to the latest Russell Investments 2010 Global Survey on Alternative Investing, institutional investors are sticking with alternatives and are, in fact, expecting to increase their allocations to alternatives 14% to 19%.
