SWF Conference 2008

25 and 26 September 2008, Sydney

In order to promote a deeper understanding of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) Mercer sponsored a pivotal international conference, together with the Lowy Institute for International Policy and the Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA) of the Australian National University.

The underlying purpose of the conference was to encourage research and debate on this rapidly growing investor class, and its primary focus was on the geopolitical issues facing SWF. 

There has been a significant growth in SWF which are currently estimated to hold close to $US3 trillion in assets. The majority of these funds have been around for many years, initially holding reserves generated by resource-rich economies (particularly oil exporters) but in recent years they have been established by countries running large current account surpluses and accumulating foreign exchange reserves or large budget surpluses.

This two day conference brought together leading practitioners who manage SWF and leading researchers and policymakers to address a number of key issues.

What is their current and expected scale? 

• Do they matter from an economic and or political perspective?
  
  
• How are and how should the funds held in these institutions be managed?
  
  
• Does the source of the funds have any implication for the investment strategies?
  
  
• Should these funds be self regulated or is there a need for an international agreement setting out a code of practice for SWF?

More information on this event, the conference program, summary of proceedings, white papers and participants can be downloaded here.