Investment · IFEBP 57th Annual Canadian Benefits Conference Schedule Guide

11/25/2024, 1:30 PM

1 hr

On the Horizon—What Is the Forecast for Investing and Governance?

1st

What are the top five priorities for leaders in finance, plan management, and public policy over the next few years? This panel is designed to get you thinking about what’s next—in governance as well as investment risk and opportunity—and how to prepare for it now.

11/25/2024, 1:30 PM

1 hr

Investments 101

ONLY

Join us to learn the fundamentals of investing with a special focus on: Asset classes Interest rates and their impact on bonds Risk-and-return concepts.

11/25/2024, 1:30 PM

1 hr

Decumulation Strategies

1st

Decumulation strategies are a cornerstone of effective pension planning, ensuring sustained financial well-being of plan participants throughout retirement. This session will examine: Strategies to mitigate longevity risk Asset allocation Dynamic withdrawal approaches Participant education and support.

11/25/2024, 1:30 PM

1 hr

Liquidity Management

1st

Should cash be an allocation in your investment policy, or is it solely a medium for transferring contributions and benefit payments to and from your investment portfolio? This session will look into the importance of liquidity management for pension plans by highlighting best practices and innovative approaches to pension liquidity challenges.

11/25/2024, 2:45 PM

1 hr

Food for Thought for Improving the Governance of Your Retirement Plan

1st

This session will cover the following topics: Risk management Elements to reduce the pension gap between men and women CAPSA’s consultation paper on ESG considerations in pension plan management.

11/25/2024, 2:45 PM

1 hr

Asset Allocation in a Higher Interest Rate Environment

ONLY

The significant rise in Canadian and U.S. interest rates since the historic low in the summer of 2020 is driving asset allocation considerations for pension fund trustees. What is the impact of this increase on the expected returns of the different asset classes and the risk-return profile of portfolios? How have pension fund trustees responded to this increase so far? What factors should they consider relating to this increase in their asset allocation decisions?

11/25/2024, 2:45 PM

1 hr

Breaking Down (and Building Back Up) Your Fixed Income Allocation

ONLY

Traditional views on fixed income often overlook the diverse risks inherent in bond investments. By dissecting fixed income allocations into various factors encompassing interest rates and credit, asset owners can better understand and optimize their portfolio exposures. This session will explore: Dissecting fixed income allocations into interest rate and credit risk factors Understanding how this granular perspective optimizes portfolio exposures Exploring synergies with other asset class allocations.

11/25/2024, 2:45 PM

1 hr

The Role of Real Estate Mortgages

ONLY

Real estate mortgage investments can provide investors short-term fixed income exposure with the potential for higher returns. Secured by real property, these investments have contributed to attractive volatility and correlation characteristics, providing investors with a unique tool to manage the overall risk and return of their total portfolios. This session will provide background on the different factors for you to consider when allocating to mortgages, such as: Credit considerations Borrower recourse Liquidity.

11/25/2024, 4:00 PM

1 hr

On the Horizon—What Is the Forecast for Investing and Governance?

2nd

What are the top five priorities for leaders in finance, plan management, and public policy over the next few years? This panel is designed to get you thinking about what’s next—in governance as well as investment risk and opportunity—and how to prepare for it now.

11/25/2024, 4:00 PM

1 hr

Decumulation Strategies

2nd

Decumulation strategies are a cornerstone of effective pension planning, ensuring sustained financial well-being of plan participants throughout retirement. This session will examine: Strategies to mitigate longevity risk Asset allocation Dynamic withdrawal approaches Participant education and support.

11/25/2024, 4:00 PM

1 hr

Liquidity Management

2nd

Should cash be an allocation in your investment policy, or is it solely a medium for transferring contributions and benefit payments to and from your investment portfolio? This session will look into the importance of liquidity management for pension plans by highlighting best practices and innovative approaches to pension liquidity challenges.

11/26/2024, 1:15 PM

1 hr

Index Investing Is Not Such a Passive Decision—How to Overcome the Challenges of the Evolving Index Landscape

1st

The impact of recent volatility on traditional indices has not gone unnoticed and continues to wreak havoc on portfolios. These dynamic shifts have far-reaching implications on asset allocation and diversification strategies if left ignored. In this session, we will uncover the driving forces behind index investment performance and how to position your passive portfolio for this new market landscape, including: The hidden risk exposures in indexing Understanding the evolving investment landscape and its implications Strategies to adapt passive allocations to volatile markets.

11/26/2024, 1:15 PM

1 hr

Target Date Funds

1st

This session will: Define target date funds and how they are used Distinguish between trustee-directed and participant-selected funds Explain fee structures Explore glide paths and issues related to glide paths Discuss participant communication

11/26/2024, 2:30 PM

1 hr

Food for Thought for Improving the Governance of Your Retirement Plan

2nd

This session will cover the following topics: Risk management Elements to reduce the pension gap between men and women CAPSA’s consultation paper on ESG considerations in pension plan management.

11/26/2024, 2:30 PM

1 hr

Health and Welfare Plans—Aligning Your Investment Strategy With Your Objectives

ONLY

Health and welfare plans require unique investment strategies compared to pension plans. Discover how to build sustainable portfolios aligned with your benefit plans’ objectives and adapt asset mixes to changing economic climates. This session will discuss: Key differences between health and welfare plans as well as pension plans in investment needs Constructing sustainable portfolios Navigating asset mix adjustments in response to changing economic conditions.

11/26/2024, 2:30 PM

1 hr

Putting the Plus Before the Core

ONLY

Examine the shift to Core Plus strategies among Canadian asset owners and the impact of different management styles on fixed income’s role in the portfolio. Learn how selecting a Core Plus approach can either enhance or undermine investment goals. This session looks at: The evolution of Core Plus strategies in asset allocation The impact of different management styles How a Core Plus approach can align with investment objectives.

11/26/2024, 2:30 PM

1 hr

Navigating a Changing Landscape in Emerging Markets

1st

Emerging markets (EM) stocks offer an exciting opportunity for value-oriented investors. Challenge the myths surrounding EM investing and learn strategies to capitalize on this overlooked asset class. This session will explore: The myths associated with EM investing Navigating risks of EM Opportunities available in EM stocks and currencies.

11/26/2024, 3:45 PM

1 hr

Basics in Financial Performance Benchmarking

ONLY

Understanding how to benchmark your plan’s financial performance can be complex, and not all benchmarks are created equal. This session will answer key questions, such as: What are the appropriate performance monitoring tools? What are the pitfalls of performance monitoring?

11/26/2024, 3:45 PM

1 hr

Private Markets—A Lever for Implementing Your Convictions Through Thematic or Impact Investing

ONLY

This session will cover: Formulating your sustainability thesis and priorities Identifying the most suitable approach (thematic or impact investing) Deploying in private markets (private equity, infrastructure, real estate, etc.)

11/26/2024, 3:45 PM

1 hr

Risk Management Through Asset Liability Matching

ONLY

As a pension trustee, asset liability matching—an integral part of risk management—is a critical concept to understand and implement effectively to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund. Join this session to gain insight into: An overview of asset liability matching Key objectives and issues Strategies and best practices

11/27/2024, 8:00 AM

1 hr

Target Date Funds

2nd

This session will: Define target date funds and how they are used Distinguish between trustee-directed and participant-selected funds Explain fee structures Explore glide paths and issues related to glide paths Discuss participant communication

11/27/2024, 8:00 AM

1 hr

The Natural Evolution of Discount Rates

ONLY

Market interest rates have a significant knock-on effect on the discount rates used in pension plan valuations—but there is more at play in their evolution. This session will provide: A contextual comparison of changes to this key assumption over the years Contrast between the discount rate and actual rates of return of the various market indices that contribute to its determination A high-level overview of the impacts on funded positions and opportunities for derisking

11/27/2024, 8:00 AM

1 hr

What Colour Is My Bond?

ONLY

This session will cover the following topics: The role ESG plays in fixed income The definition of sustainable finance, including green, social and sustainable bonds Not all sustainable finance is created equal—How do we evaluate?

11/27/2024, 8:00 AM

1 hr

Derisking—Is Now the Time?

ONLY

This session will explain derisking and explore derisking strategies ranging from liability-driven investment strategies to annuity purchase options. Attendees will learn to: Identify derisking opportunities Prepare meaningful analyses Understand the decision-making process

11/27/2024, 9:15 AM

1 hr

Managing Risk in Group Insurance

ONLY

In this session, we will discuss how to optimize the following elements when managing the risks of a group benefits plan: Optimal stop-loss threshold and QDIPC/EP3 arrangements Biologic vs. biosimilar drugs Optimal waiting period for long-term disability Various financial arrangements

11/27/2024, 9:15 AM

1 hr

Index Investing Is Not Such a Passive Decision—How to Overcome the Challenges of the Evolving Index Landscape

2nd

The impact of recent volatility on traditional indices has not gone unnoticed and continues to wreak havoc on portfolios. These dynamic shifts have far-reaching implications on asset allocation and diversification strategies if left ignored. In this session, we will uncover the driving forces behind index investment performance and how to position your passive portfolio for this new market landscape, including: The hidden risk exposures in indexing Understanding the evolving investment landscape and its implications Strategies to adapt passive allocations to volatile markets.

11/27/2024, 9:15 AM

1 hr

Navigating a Changing Landscape in Emerging Markets

2nd

Emerging markets (EM) stocks offer an exciting opportunity for value-oriented investors. Challenge the myths surrounding EM investing and learn strategies to capitalize on this overlooked asset class. This session will explore: The myths associated with EM investing Navigating risks of EM Opportunities available in EM stocks and currencies.