Smaller pension funds could learn a lot from larger plans when it comes to taking control of commercial property investments. Senior executives talk to Angele Spiteri Paris about the new rules of engagement.

Real estate investment managers have had to adapt to the exacting requests pension fund clients have been asking of them. Angele Spiteri Paris reports

Europe’s pension schemes must transform their asset allocations if they are to balance de-risking with members’ needs, but George Mitton finds that they will struggle to manage the shift on their own.

The financial crisis revealed flaws in pension fund benchmarks. But until these tools evolve more, trustees need to consider how to best use them and avoid being led astray, finds Nick Fitzpatrick.

Lord Hutton’s proposed changes to the state pension system could have considerable implications for the public and private sectors’ schemes, writes Dominic Wallington of RBC Asset Management.

Socially responsible investment funds sell the idea that we can actively help create a sustainable future. Nick Fitzpatrick asks if investors can really make a difference - and if SRI makes a difference to investor’s portfolios.

Event-driven strategies are popular with investors looking for alternatives. But Anne-Gaelle Pouille of Paamco says that the state of the world means these funds are taking on more macro risk, and not all managers are equipped to have strong views.

Manual processes to calculate fee rebates are not only outdated but prone to error. Chris John of Bonaire looks at how a regulated and centralised system can assist all parties involved.

The regulatory emphasis on the oversight of the “manager” since the beginning of the financial crisis, and even before that, cannot be overstated.

Fund managers Artemis and F&C talk about how to make the second phase of outsourcing work. Nicholas Pratt reports