
Reshaping Pension Solutions in an Uncertain World
Invited Conference, 29-30 September 2016, Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford
Risks to global financial stability have increased. With the sustainability of the economic recovery in the United States in question, uncertainty about China's prospects, disputes over the consequences of the global wealth redistribution triggered by the collapse of oil prices, and geopolitics in turmoil - the list of risk factors is long.
At this year's Allianz-Oxford Pensions Conference we will hear expert commentary on, and critically discuss, the consequences of these risks for pension funds and identify opportunities. We will explore investment prospects in an uncertain global economy and present best-practice strategies for pension fund sponsors.
The Paris Agreement 2015 was a political breakthrough in combating climate change. Its implementation could turn climate change into a tangible investment risk factor. We intend to explore the concept of systemic climate risk and critically discuss implementation strategies.
Form follows function. The organisational structure of pension funds keeps adjusting to changing market situations, policy changes, and social requirements. We will also present three distinctly different models of remaking the mix between insourcing and outsourcing and discuss new models of governance via fiduciary management.
In the meanwhile, the trend towards individualised pension provision has become ever more obvious. Nudging human behaviour has been the preferred answer to shortcomings in financial literacy and behavioural biases. We will introduce the concept of engagement and enhanced active choice as an alternative route towards adequate and comprehensive pension provision.
Sponsorship
The Allianz-Oxford Pensions Conference is co-sponsored by Allianz Global Investors and the University of Oxford, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, a member of the School of Geography and the Environment. The conference will be led by Professor Gordon L. Clark, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford.
Participation
We invite pension funds and their consultants, regulators and academics. Participation is on personal invitation only. This international conference will bring approximately 70 guests to Oxford.
Format
The Allianz-Oxford Pensions Conference has built a reputation for active and often controversial discussions following formal presentations. The ground rules for success are simple: confidentiality, open discussion without attribution, a willingness to discuss based upon experience, and a commitment to articulating the lessons learnt thereof. Participants are expected to contribute their knowledge and experience through comments and interventions. The conference will not be open to the public and will be held under the Chatham House Rule.
Conference Information and Location
The conference starts at 12:00 on Thursday, 29 September 2016, and ends at around 13:00 on Friday, 30 September 2016. We offer optional lunch at the end of the conference. The conference will be held at Corpus Christi College.
Maps of Oxford with the location of the colleges are available from the Oxford University website.
Transport and Accommodation
We have secured a limited contingent of rooms at Oxford hotels and Corpus Christi College. We will provide booking details and travel information on registration.
Further Information
For further information please contact the conference director: Dr Dorothee Franzen (dorothee.franzen@smithschool.ox.ac.uk), Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, United Kingdom.