In 2022, we wrote about a feature of the pensions risk transfer market we termed ‘the liquidity kink’. A year on, many pension schemes can now afford to buy-out with an insurer, yet schemes still hold illiquid assets.
We asked European pension fund professionals, who collectively oversee €324 billion in assets, questions about their investments.
What is social, impact investing and social infrastructure? ‘Social’ is about people and places contributing to net positive outcomes for those who receive and deliver (essential) services, and wider stakeholders such as their families and communities.
In 2022, we wrote about a feature of the pensions risk transfer market we termed ‘the liquidity kink’. A year on, many pension schemes can now afford to buy-out with an insurer, yet schemes still hold illiquid assets.
The UK Government has encouraged institutional investors to support its levelling up ambitions. In setting out its levelling up plan, the Government specifically mentioned the c.£320 billion LGPS:
The UK Government recently announced that affordable childcare would be prioritised in budget allocations.
New AlphaReal commissioned research with UK Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund professionals reveals that three quarters of respondents cite the health sector as suitable for a social impact infrastructure allocation.
Are pension schemes missing out on the illiquidity premium? Investing in secure income illiquid assets can bring more certainty to a scheme’s journey plan. The ‘liquidity kink’ means schemes targeting buy-out believe they can’t exploit the illiquidity premium.