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Welcome to Season 3 of Investing for Tomorrow! We're exploring a hot topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology. Computers and cloud technology are crucial in the investment world, and AI is generating a lot of buzz. How can AI enhance our strategies? How can human intelligence (HI) collaborate with AI to improve decision-making? Are we on the brink of a cyborg future?
In this episode, we tackle these questions with Michael Sofer, Director of Investment Systems Management at the Future Fund; Mark Beardall, Chief Information Officer at WTW; and Paul Martin, Chief Investments Operating Officer at WTW. Join us as we examine how AI and tech will transform institutional investment and help us address the industry's most critical issues.
Resources mentioned:
Book: Louis de Bernieres- Light Over Liskeard -
Join us for the finale of Sustainability shapers as we engage in a compelling conversation with Maya Beyhan, Global Head of Sustainability, Index Investment Strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices. Maya takes us on a journey from her roots in portfolio strategy to her current expertise in sustainability indices. Highlighting how running has enhanced her resilience in this role.
Discover the pivotal role of natural resources, notably carbon credits, in achieving the net-zero energy transition. As Maya underscores the importance of collaboration and education in propelling sustainable investment forward.
Related resources:
S&P SPIVA Sustainability scorecard -
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In this episode, Jodie Tapscott, Vice President and Director of Responsible Investing Strategy at AllianceBernstein, shares her inspiring journey in finance and how a National Geographic article changed her career trajectory toward sustainability.
Delve into the systemic risk of widening social inequalities, explored through AllianceBernstein's strategy. Discover the three key areas guiding their investment strategies and the impact on economic, social, and political landscapes. Plus, get a surprising glimpse into Jodie's creative pursuit outside investment—writing.
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The Global Pension Assets Study estimates global pension fund assets across 22 major pension markets (the P22). At the end of 2023 these markets had estimated pension assets of USD 55,688 bn, marking an anticipated 11% growth compared to 2022.
In our special bonus episode, we engage in conversation with Anastassia Johnson and Jessica Gao, researchers at the Thinking Ahead Institute. We discuss the study's significant figures, prevalent themes of the year, and anticipate challenges for the forthcoming year.
Resources mentioned:
Global industry study: Global Pension Assets Study – 2024 Press release: Global pension assets rebound past USD 55 trillion Article: The More Senior Your Job Title, the More You Need to Keep a Journal Research paper: Systemic risk | deepening our understanding Research paper: Systemic risk | adapting our practices
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Join us for this captivating conversation with Daniel Hochman, Head of Sustainability Research at Bridgewater Associates, on the latest episode of Sustainability shapers. Explore Daniel's background and the vital role of decarbonisation for a sustainable future.
Uncover Bridgewater's research methodology as we dissect emissions distribution and pinpoint transformative sectors. We discuss the crucial need to seamlessly integrate sustainability into core business practices, fostering a comprehensive 360-degree understanding. Additionally, gain insights into the impact of science fiction in nurturing the ability to envision different possible futures.
Resources mentioned:
Book series: Frank Herbert- Dune Book series: Isaac Asimov- FoundationPlease see here for important disclosures and other information.
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In this episode of "Sustainability Shapers," Piet Klop, Head of Responsible Investment at PGGM, delves into the pressing concern of water depletion. Learn more about Piet himself including how he feels about the importance of connection to nature.
Discover how PGGM manages water risk in its portfolio, exploring metrics, engagement, and opportunities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Piet emphasises the need for the financial sector to address location-specific risks and reflects on the challenge of ecosystem degradation. Join us for an insightful conversation with this sustainability leader.
Resource mentioned:
Tool: World Resources Institute- Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas Research paper: PGGM- Sustainable Development Investments (SDIs) Taxonomy & Guidance -
Introducing Thinking Ahead Institute's new spin-off series "Sustainability shapers on systemic risk". This first episode features an insightful conversation with Leon Kamhi, Head of Responsibility at Federated Hermes.
Together, with host Isabella Martin, they unravel the complexities of systemic risks, focusing on climate change, social inequalities, and the concept of a just transition. Leon shares his wealth of experience, emphasising the vital role of investor stewardship in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.
Resource mentioned:
Book: Simon Sebag Montefiore- The World: A Family History of Humanity Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerDownload Audio File
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Embark on a compelling journey through the breadth of research conducted by the Thinking Ahead Institute in the past year, transcending the realms of the investment industry.
Join Marisa Hall, the Head of the Institute, as she engages in insightful conversations with our researchers, offering a comprehensive overview of our 2023 research highlights. Delve into diverse topics, including the evolution of ESG, the future landscape of pensions, climate scenarios, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our exploration extends to pivotal subjects like stewardship, the investment organisation of tomorrow, systemic risk, and the crucial role of collaboration in shaping the trajectory of the industry.
Research agenda 2023 EDI Data Survey Report Systemic risk | deepening our understanding
Resources mentioned: -
Biodiversity and nature have emerged as a prominent next focus for many investors, given how closely they are intertwined with the challenges of climate change.
In this episode, we speak with two experts: Thomas Viegas, Partnerships Lead at the TNFD and Liudmila Strakodonskaya, ESG Analyst at AXA Investment Managers. Together we explore the launch of the TNFD, why biodiversity loss is not only a risk but also an opportunity for investors, the adoption of new standards, the development of innovative investment products, and ways that investors can begin to collaborate.
Resources mentioned:
-Report: WWF- Living Planet Report 2022
-Research: IPBES- Models of drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem change
-Book: Robin Wall Kimmerer- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants -
The future of ESG is contested. Despite this, many believe that ESG is an unstoppable train that is picking up speed.
In this episode we talk to Luba Nikulina, Chief Strategy Officer at IFM Investors, and Roger Urwin, Global Head of Investment Content at WTW and Co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, about the current reality; what’s on the horizon; the importance of rightsizing your sustainability commitments and how all of this is relevant for investment organisations today.
Resources mentioned:
Report: PwC - Asset and wealth management revolution 2022: Exponential expectations for ESG Book: Malcolm Gladwell - David and Goliath: Underdogs, misfits and the art of battling giants TED Talk: Malcolm Gladwell - The unheard story of David and Goliath Thinking Ahead Institute’s 2023 research agenda -
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field. It’s changing the way we live, work and play. In this episode, we talk to two experts in the field: Dr Andy Lingard, Portfolio Development Leader in Insurance Technology at WTW, and Dr Eleanor Drage Senior Research Fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge.
We discuss the latest developments in AI, specific applications for the investment industry, the ethical implications, and the future of this technology.
Resources mentioned:
Investment Insight: AI, humans and the new age of asset management Global study: McKinsey’s 2022 Global Survey on AI Podcast: The Good Robot Books: Details on Eleanor’s books can be found here -
Culture is one of seven organisational ‘superpowers’ and probably: the hardest to describe, the easiest source of blame, the hardest to change and the most critical for success. In this episode, we talk to Andy Walker – Employee Experience Global Head of Sales at WTW – and Stacy Apter – Vice President and Treasurer in Corporate Finance for the Coca-Cola Company – about why cultural self-awareness is key.
Resources mentioned:
Research paper: Culture- The organisational superpower Research paper: An agenda for change Video: A spotlight on Superteams -
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), according to the World Health Organisation, is one of the top 10 threats facing humanity today. Antimicrobials (including antibiotics) are medicines used to treat infection in humans, animals and plants. Their misuse or overuse drives the development of drug-resistant pathogens (think parasites for example) that no longer respond to medicines.
In this episode, we step into the public health arena and speak to Abigail Herron, Global Head of ESG Strategic Partnerships at Aviva Investors. We discuss more about AMR, why it is a systemic risk, why investors should care and how they can act.
Resources mentioned:
Why the interconnectedness of antimicrobial resistance, climate change and biodiversity loss is a threat - Aviva Investors Investor Action on Antimicrobial Resistance (amrinvestoraction.org) The Mould that Changed the World -
The just approach to the net-zero transition would ensure we leave no one behind
In this episode we cover findings from our Thinking Ahead paper, ‘The ‘S’ of ESG- moving from interest to action’, the Just Transition Finance Challenge and much more with two different, special guests.
We speak to both Annika Brouwer Sustainability Specialist at Ninety One, a global asset manager with emerging markets roots and a Thinking Ahead member. And Sarah Teacher joint, interim CEO at the Impact Investing Institute, launched in 2019 to accelerate the growth and improve the effectiveness of the impact investing market.
Resources mentioned:
2022 World Inequality Report The ‘S’ of ESG | moving from interest to action Just Transition Finance Challenge -
The Global Pension Assets Study estimates global pension fund assets across 22 major pension markets (the P22), which at the end of 2022 had estimated pension assets of USD 47,861 bn.
In this special bonus episode, we chat with Anastassia Johnson and Jessica Gao, researchers at the Thinking Ahead Institute about key figures from the study, core themes from the year and challenges for the year ahead.
Articles and papers mentioned:
World Inequality Report 2022 The Innovator’s DNA Global Pension Assets 2023 -
Marisa Hall, Co-Head of the Thinking Ahead Institute, joins as guest host, with Isabella Martin to reflect on the team's research highlights set against a year of challenges.
They cover many topics ranging from thought leadership, the future of work and systems thinking to the just transition, biodiversity and global trends in the investment industry.
The article mentioned is Why Curiosity Matters, featured in the Harvard Business Review.
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There has never been more focus on the ramifications of climate change and yet it seems that the investment industry is not acting swiftly or definitively enough to address them. This month we chat to Tim Hodgson, Co-head of the Thinking Ahead Institute (TAI), and Jeff Chee, who is the Global Head of Portfolio Strategy at WTW about the climate transition and its risks for investors.
As we step into creativity, we also chat to Susanna Basso, Creative Director of Climate Culture, about the power of storytelling to drive climate action and shift culture.
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Marisa Hall, Co-head of the Thinking Ahead Institute, and Roger Urwin, Co-founder, discuss the key data points from the ‘Global top 300 pension funds’ report. In addition to covering overarching trends in the industry and the direction of travel.
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Stewardship and engagement have grown in scope and scale and are now buzzwords in the investment industry. We chat to Adam Gillett, Head of Sustainable Investment and Eleanor Mahmoud, from the SI team at WTW about its challenges and opportunities.
Resources:
Make My Money Matter ad- #DeliverTheTruth about your pension and deforestation
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Introducing our new podcast series Investing for Tomorrow. This month we chat to Marisa Hall, Co-head of the Thinking Ahead Institute, and Roger Urwin, Co-founder of the Institute, about hybrid working and how it will affect the investment industry and organisations into the future.
Additionally, we chat to Hugo from The Fisheries in London about how to design collaborative workspaces.
