Issue 6, 2019

The Nordic Fund Selection Journal's latest issue covers a range of topical themes relevant to institutional investors in the Nordic region. Key highlights include a thorough examination of the ongoing high-profile leadership changes among major Nordic asset owners, signaling potential strategy shifts and reflecting labor market mobility's influence on the investment landscape. The magazine spotlights the "Ken Fisher problem," where controversial remarks by Fisher Investments' founder challenged Nordic asset owners' commitment to values and corporate culture in their external manager relationships. Responses from various pension funds display a spectrum from continued dialogue to decisive fund redemptions, underscoring the growing importance of ESG integration and corporate culture alignment.

Further, the issue features insights into Nordic investors' evolving asset allocation strategies amid a low-interest-rate environment marked by political and economic uncertainties. A pan-Nordic roundtable discussion delves into adjusting portfolio constructions to balance lower expected returns, illiquidity risk, and diversification challenges, highlighting the shift from traditional stock-bond models to more active risk management and alternative asset exposures. Interviews and analyses also underscore the burgeoning impact investment market and regulatory updates affecting Swedish premium pension funds, notably the proposed expansion of AP7's role in fund selection and portfolio management. Altogether, the issue encapsulates current trends in responsible investing, governance, and strategic adaptation within the Nordic institutional investment sphere.

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Table of content

Nordic Asset Owners’ Leadership Changes

Overview of high-profile job changes among Nordic asset owners including CEO and CIO positions with implications on organisational strategies and industry mobility trends.

Managing Values and Corporate Culture in External Managers

Case study on the Fisher Investments controversy, Nordic pension funds’ responses, importance of ESG integration, and the impact of corporate culture on investment decisions.

Guidance on Political Risk Analysis in Investments

Interview with Aberdeen Standard’s political economist on building political risk scenarios to aid investors in anticipating market implications of political events.

ESG Integration and Impact Investing Trends

Industry developments in sustainable investment strategies, case studies on climate commitments, and rising importance of impact investing across Nordic institutional investors.

Asset Allocation and Illiquid Investments in Nordic Pension Funds

Detailed discussion of Swedish AP funds’ investment rules, limits on direct infrastructure investments, and evolving strategies within Nordic pension portfolios.

Nordic Institutional Investment Leadership Movements

Recent appointments and resignations in Nordic pension funds and insurance companies including CEO and CIO roles, reflecting strategic shifts and market challenges.

Interview with VER CEO Timo Viherkenttä

Insights on the Finnish State Pension Fund’s governance, investment strategy in uncertain markets, ESG commitments, and the challenges of long-term planning amid regulatory uncertainty.

Swedish Premium Pension System Reform

Proposed transformation of the fund selection and platform management with expanded roles for AP7, implications for market participants, and industry reactions to system changes.

Nordic Asset Allocation Roundtable Discussion

Expert panel dialogue on current economic outlook, central bank policies, low interest rates environment, role of government bonds, market timing, and diversification strategies.

Nordic Private Equity Secondary Market Development

Profile of Cubera Private Equity’s establishment and growth as a Nordic secondary market leader, market dynamics, and approaches to private equity investing in the region.

Views from a Nordic Sales Professional

Perspective from Eaton Vance’s Sebastian Vargas on Nordic investor openness, market innovation, the import of ESG, and cross-cultural experiences within the region’s financial markets.

Profiles: Industry Leaders Nina Movin and Kine Burøy-Olsen

Personal and professional insights of Nordic market veteran Nina Movin and private equity specialist Kine Burøy-Olsen, highlighting career paths, investment philos-ophies, and sector views.

Up-Close with Fund Owner CEO Nina Movin

Interview on combining investment management with philanthropic objectives, investment strengths and weaknesses, and her focus on sustainable and tech-related initiatives.

About Nordic Fund Selection Journal and Tell Media Group

Publisher information, editorial team, distribution details, upcoming events, sponsors, and publishing schedule for Nordic Fund Selection Journal in 2020.