Asset owners and investment managers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential impact environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities can have on investment performance. In March, the Ontario government proposed that plans registered under the Pension Benefits Act be required to disclose whether or not their Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP) address ESG factors. In this webcast, Mercer experts Jane Ambachtsheer and Oma Sharma discuss these developments and address the following questions:

• Can ESG factors have a material impact on investment risk and return?

   

• How do investors go about assessing if and how their investment managers integrate ESG considerations into investment decision making?

   

• What can you do if plan participants request a socially responsible or “green” fund option?

   

• What is the best approach for a DC plan to address ESG, and what steps does it entail?

Drawing from both Canadian and international case studies of DC plans, we share knowledge and guidance around emerging trends and global best practices to help plan administrators consider their options for addressing ESG in 2012 and beyond.

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Longevity, investment risk and defined contribution: Planning for failure? Lessons from Australia

31 March 2011

For members of DC plans, if calculations are based on investment and longevity averages, retirement objectives will only be met 50% of the time. This article explores why taking a more nuanced approach to DC planning (particularly in the retirement phase) is required to better consider longevity and investment risks. (duration 7.00)

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Mercer's 2009 Global Defined Contribution Survey

11 June 2009

Employers in Indonesia must participate in mandatory government-sponsored plans and may also sponsor voluntary plans for employees. Mercer's Jovita Suwarso and Iene Muliati talk with Richard Klein about the retirement landscape in Indonesia, and compare retirement plans to offerings in other Asian countries, particularly those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.  (duration 12:02)

 HRadio: Increased employer involvement changes retirement landscape in India

10 June 2009

For years, retirement planning wasn't on the agenda of most employees in India, but the introduction of tax benefits and a growing insurance market are changing that picture. As more and more employers set up superannuation schemes, Parth Khandelwal from Mercer's Mumbai office talks with Richard Klein about the current landscape and provides an overview of retirement plan issues, including tax advantages and accounting.  (duration 7:05)

 HRadio feature: Sustainability a key concern for plan sponsors in Asia

20 February 2009

Sustainability is a subject of concern for many retirement plan sponsors and those in Asia are no exception. Iene Muliati provides Richard Klein with an overview of issues facing retirement plan sponsors are facing in Asia. She reviews legislative and regulatory developments and describes the movement from defined benefit to defined contribution plans. Muliati also raises concerns about the share of assets in Singapore's Central Provident Fund allocated to retirement. (duration 5:51)