The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) may have to shift to a bigger venue for its next NZ conference after selling out the Auckland Hilton for the third year running. Simon O’Connor, RIAA chief, said the growing popularity of the NZ conference reflected the “massive” surge in responsible investing across the country over the last… [Read More…]
Investment News
Not exclusive: Russell cuts emissions, grows green, hugs index
As flagged here this August, Russell Investments has formally launched a carbon-lite index-style global equities fund targeting wholesale investors in Australia and NZ. Seeded with almost $380 million sourced from three Australian clients, the Russell Low Carbon Global Shares Fund claims to half the exposure to carbon emissions and reserves relative to the MSCI All… [Read More…]
NZ Super minds the (pay) gap as global gender imbalance persists
The global investment industry is overweight male, according to the NZ Superannuation Fund (NZS), with top-level gender imbalance explaining a significant portion of the glaring pay gap. In a statement, the NZS says an overwhelming proportion of men apply for senior investment roles at the fund while conversely there is “no shortage of female candidates… [Read More…]
Head of investments exits NZ Super as report reveals bumper year, new strategies
NZ Superannuation Fund (NZS) head of investments, Fiona Mackenzie, has resigned to assume a new position as head of direct wealth for stockbroking firm, FNZC. Mackenzie’s resignation coincides with the departure of NZS investment analysis manager, Roland Winn, who returns to his native Australia. An NZS spokesperson said the $36.6 billion fund had started recruiting… [Read More…]
Regulator robo-ready: banks, fund managers and start-ups confirm systems are go
The NZ regulator won’t be stretched by extra robo-cop duties with just a handful of providers expected to apply under an impending automated advice exemption, according to Liam Mason, Financial Markets Authority (FMA) director of regulation. Mason said as “only a small number” of providers were ready to launch personalised robo-advice solutions in the short-term… [Read More…]
Real world measure of responsible investing outcomes on Mercer agenda
Mercer will begin reporting from next year on the practical impact of its responsible investment (RI) approach in addition to financial measures. Speaking at the group’s NZ conference in Wellington last week, Alexis Cheang, Sydney-based Mercer senior responsible investment consultant, said the firm had developed a framework for measuring outcomes against sustainability goals. Cheang said… [Read More…]
Why investors can win with Winston
The incoming Labour-led government could open up opportunities for investors as ensuing market volatility and new policy directions take hold, according to Greg Fleming, AMP Capital NZ head of investment strategy. In a note penned following the confirmed deal between Labour and NZ First to create a government of “change”, Fleming says investors will need… [Read More…]
KiwiSaver in reverse: why sequencing matters
Despite an inauspicious launch date, the first 10 years of KiwiSaver has seen investors benefit from an almost perfect series of fortunate events, according to a new analysis by consultancy firm Melville Jessup Weaver (MJW). But with more at stake now, KiwiSaver members should ensure their risk exposures match their investment horizons, the MJW report… [Read More…]
Battle of the bonds: herd backs bubble-free champion
Will the bond bubble burst? The people said no, but both sides landed blows as Mercer heavyweights slugged it out during the great bond bubble bout at the group’s NZ conference last week. Philip Houghton-Brown, Mercer NZ chief investment officer, emerged victorious from the grueling 45-minute debate with his anti-bubble stance earning him an overwhelming… [Read More…]
Booster hires (the other) Fisher
Wellington-headquartered financial services firm, Booster, has handed US global equity manager, Fisher Investments, its first NZ mandate. David Beattie, Booster chief investment officer, said the $2 billion plus Booster appointed the top-down ‘thematic’ manager to run about $40 million of international shares under an “advisory mandate”. “We implement everything from here but Fisher makes all… [Read More…]