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Masterclass 1: Climate Transition Investing

Climate change stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, yet it presents an unique opportunity for investors to drive meaningful change. As the window to bridge the emissions gap and align with the Paris Agreement narrows,  the ability to navigate the complexities of the climate transition is increasingly important. This Climate Transition Masterclass will explore the various dimensions of climate transition investing, including frameworks, methodologies, stewardships, and actionable case studies.

Participants will gain insights into the application of climate scenarios, metrics, and the evaluation of strategies at the investment level, enabling them to assess the credibility and effectiveness of companies' decarbonization efforts. The Masterclass will emphasize the importance of effective stewardship and engagement in influencing corporate behaviour. By examining real-world case studies, participants will learn how to augment their investment strategies and develop engagement toolkits to effectively collaborate with companies on their transition journeys and measure the impact of their transition efforts.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

• Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate transition investing and its relevance in today's financial landscape.
• Understand the practical aspects of structuring transition finance transactions in private and public markets.
• Develop effective engagement strategies to influence corporate behaviour regarding transition.

Masterclass 2: Asset Allocation: Through the Lens of a CIO 2.0​

Building on the success of 2024’s asset allocation masterclass, “Through the Lens of a CIO 2.0” moves beyond the foundational concepts to explore how CIOs navigate today’s evolving macroeconomic landscape to construct resilient multi-asset portfolios.

In this interactive session, participants will step into the shoes of a CIO, guided by two seasoned investment leaders offering distinct yet complementary perspectives:

• Fidelity International’s Global Head of Macro and Asset Allocation will examine the ongoing macroeconomic regime shift and the need to move beyond traditional asset classes into areas like liquid alternatives to enhance resilience in multi-asset portfolios.
• HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth’s Chief Investment Officer, Southeast Asia and India will connect these long-term investment themes with shorter-term macro insights that drive private wealth client decisions, translating them into real-world allocation strategies tailored for high-net-worth investors. 

Together, they will provide a holistic framework for asset allocation by connecting global macro perspectives with practical portfolio construction strategies that align with diverse client objectives.

Join us for this engaging masterclass to sharpen your decision-making skills as an investment professional. 

Masterclass 3: Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Beyond Funds to Investment Vehicles

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have revolutionized the investment landscape, offering its users as means of versatile tools to meet investment objectives, optimize portfolios, and access to a range of diverse asset classes. As of 2024, the global asset under management of ETFs have grown to over US$13 trillion, playing a critical role in modern financial markets. This masterclass will provide insights into how ETFs and their multi-faceted utility transcended from being mere funds to tools and vehicles for innovation. Subject matter experts from CSOP Asset Management and Shorea Capital will share with participants on the topic deploying ETFs and Artificial Intelligence to navigate the evolving landscape of the global financial markets.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the growth and uses of ETFs within Asia
• Learn how Artificial Intelligence and ETFs can serve as tools for efficient portfolio management
• Investor case studies of creating robust ETFs for access to specific markets and its underlying

Masterclass 4: Navigating the risk maze – Mastering portfolio risk management

The risk landscape for investors has become increasingly complex and multifaceted given the resurgence of inflation, unpredictable US economic policies, heightened geopolitical risks and trade wars. In building risk-aware portfolios, investors must understand traditional risk factors such as market, credit, and liquidity risks but also stay vigilant about non-traditional risks that could impact portfolio performance.

Join Eastspring Investments and Mercer for this Risk Management Masterclass where you will get a deep dive on how to measure and manage the risks of the core building blocks within investment portfolios. Understand the intricacies of risk modelling and learn about the benefits as well as limitations of risk models and common risk metrics. The Masterclass will also deliver a holistic view of total portfolio risks, incorporating hedge funds, public as well as private assets.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

• Gain practical insights on how to approach risks when setting performance objectives.  Understand the importance of questioning risk metrics, challenging risk model assumptions and testing alternative risk models.
• Discover how data and quantitative analysis can be harnessed to identify vulnerabilities in equity portfolios, including systemic risks and market disruptions.
• Understand the importance of objective setting, implementation considerations and effective risk management from a total portfolio concept, while taking into account the interactions across asset classes.

Masterclass 5: Diversify and Conquer: Building Tomorrow’s Investment Portfolios Today​

In an ever-evolving asset management landscape, institutional investors such as Family Offices and Endowments for example face the dual challenge of balancing risk and return while tackling new imperatives such as climate change. The broadening investment spectrum across public and private markets, coupled with the need to juggle liquidity with long-term goals and stringent governance, demands more from asset owners.

This dynamic masterclass equips participants with cutting-edge strategies to craft value-driven, diversified portfolios that align with institutional imperatives and pave the way for sustainable futures. Dive into strategic insights on portfolio diversification, decarbonisation integration, and climate transition management, all tailored to the unique objectives of long-term growth investments. Gain practical know-how on building and managing public-private portfolios, implementing robust risk management frameworks, and leveraging the expertise and resources of asset managers through solutions like OCIO.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

• Command the art of leveraging a myriad of investment tools, perfectly aligning with institutional mandates and climate goals.
• Gain unparalleled insight into harmonising risk, return, and climate dimensions within dynamic, mixed-asset portfolios.
• Get actionable guidance on enhancing portfolio performance within Singapore's regulatory framework, using cutting-edge strategies.

Masterclass 6: The Rise of Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) – Case Studies and Observations from a Practitioner

As some of Strategic Asset Allocation’s shortcomings become clearer, several well-known global asset owners have begun experimenting and transitioning to a more holistic approach to building portfolios. Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) has become and extremely topical subject – with interest accelerating as early adopters validate the approach through the combination of a strong performance story and compelling theory. With the expectation that a growing number of asset owners will make the transition to TPA – GIC in Singapore and CalPERS in the US being notable examples – a quiet revolution in investment practice seems at hand. This masterclass equips senior investment professionals and board members with a comprehensive understanding of TPA as an investment framework to holistically manage a portfolio rather than through traditional asset class silos.

Key Themes of the Masterclass

• Understanding Total Portfolio Approach (TPA): What is TPA and what are the key principles behind it? How does TPA tie to long-term sustainable returns?
• Survey Insights on Best Practices: Insights from WTW’s latest Asset Owner Peer Study (AOPS), including the current rate of TPA adoption and its performance relative to SAA
• TPA Variations: With no singular model for TPA, understanding or adopting TPA can be tricky. Here we explore case studies from a TPA practitioner who has experienced the different variations firsthand.