Pension Funds: Consulting Legend Retires

Hansruedi Scherer, a pension fund consultant who has left a significant mark not only at his firm PPCmetrics but also across the entire pension industry, is stepping down.

ASIP ESG reporting guidelines lay obstacle course for Swiss pension funds

Pension funds have taken the ASIP ESG reporting standards, which apply to the fiscal year 2023, as an opportunity to start or expand public ESG reporting, and other pension funds report on ESG for purely internal purposes, Luzius Neubert, partner and member of PPCmetrics’ management team, told IPE.

Swiss investors weigh up illiquids as valuation uncertainties mount

“Swiss investors are endorsing a “wait-and-see” approach on illiquid asset classes, as uncertainty mounts on the real value of the assets, Oliver Kunkel, head of asset manager section and controlling at consultancy PPCmetrics, told IPE. “There are various issues with pricing, and we are closely monitoring how [asset] managers deal with these, including managing redemption requests,” Kunkel […]

Impact of higher rates top of mind for institutions

“Oliver Kunkel, Zurich-based partner at PPCmetrics, noted some clients are concerned about how to properly value these assets. “There are several issues with (pricing), and we are closely monitoring how (asset) managers are coping with this,” he said.”

Asset owners lean on consultants to be educated about ESG

“Oliver Kunkel, Zurich-based partner at PPCmetrics, noted that since the consulting firm has no “political agenda,” the company is perceived as an entity that can approach the topic with neutrality and objectivity. “This is very much appreciated by our clients, who frequently approach us (for) ESG matters,” he said.”

“Minimum interest rate rise a ‘sustainable challenge’ for Swiss pension funds”

“Last year, Swiss pension funds recorded losses, but this return averaged in the first half 4.6%, with all asset classes performing well this year, according to a recent report by the occupational pension supervisory commission OAK BV. Despite negative returns, last year the average interest rate was 1.71%, well above the minimum 1%, thanks to […]

“UBS/Credit Suisse: Swiss pension funds face cumulative counterparty risk but low losses”

“The Swiss government, the financial market supervisory authority FINMA, and the Swiss National Bank (SNB) have exercised all their powers and pressure to force the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse, protecting global financial stability. Indirectly, according to PPCmetrics, the interest that the government, SNB and FINMA have in a successful takeover offers a form […]