Pensions and Retirement Training Course on Alternative Investments for Pension Funds
Master Pensions Retirement Training with expert training. 10 Days course with certification. Comprehensive training program. Online & in-person. Enroll now!
Pensions And Retirement Courses10 DaysCertificate Included
Duration
10 Days
Mode
Online & Physical
Certificate
Included
Language
English
Course Overview
This advanced course explores the strategic role of alternative investments in pension fund portfolios. It focuses on how instruments such as private equity, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, commodities, and private credit can enhance diversification, improve risk-adjusted returns, and meet long-term liabilities. Participants will gain in-depth understanding of asset selection, valuation, due diligence, governance, and risk management frameworks tailored for institutional investors. The program blends theory with global best practices, case studies, and simulation exercises for practical application.
Secure enrollment • Professional certificate included
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the role and strategic value of alternative assets in pension portfolios.
Differentiate between various categories of alternative investments.
Assess liquidity, valuation, and risk-return profiles of alternative assets.
Design and implement a diversified alternative investment strategy.
Conduct due diligence and select suitable external fund managers.
Integrate ESG and sustainability considerations in alternative investing.
Evaluate performance measurement frameworks for illiquid assets.
Apply governance and fiduciary oversight in alternative investments.
Manage regulatory, accounting, and reporting obligations.
Align alternative investment policies with overall pension fund objectives.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Alternative Investments in Pensions Definition and classification of alternative assets The case for diversification beyond traditional equities and bonds Characteristics of alternative assets: illiquidity, opacity, complexity Trends and growth of alternative allocations among global pension funds Comparative analysis: Traditional vs. Alternative asset returns Case study: Allocation patterns in major pension systems (e.g., Canada, Netherlands, UK) Module 2: Private Equity and Venture Capital Overview of private equity and venture capital structures Investment process: fundraising, investment, management, and exit Valuation and performance metrics (IRR, multiple of invested capital) Risk-return characteristics and J-curve effect Due diligence on private equity managers and funds Workshop: Building a sample private equity allocation plan Module 3: Real Estate and Property Investments Role of real estate in pension portfolios Types of real estate investment (core, value-add, opportunistic) Direct vs. indirect property investment (REITs, funds, co-investments) Valuation methods: income, cost, and comparable approaches Risk and liquidity considerations in property markets Case study: Pension real estate investment strategies post-COVID-19 Module 4: Infrastructure Investments Understanding infrastructure as an asset class Economic vs. social infrastructure Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and project financing models Risk-return and cash flow profiles of infrastructure assets Regulatory and political risk management Simulation: Structuring an infrastructure investment for a pension fund Module 5: Hedge Funds and Absolute Return Strategies Hedge fund types and investment styles (macro, long/short, event-driven, arbitrage) Evaluating alpha generation vs. diversification benefits Risk and liquidity assessment for hedge fund investments Fee structures and performance evaluation Selecting and monitoring external hedge fund managers Practical session: Interpreting hedge fund performance reports Module 6: Commodities and Natural Resources Commodities as an inflation hedge and portfolio diversifier Investing in energy, metals, and agricultural assets Role of derivatives and futures in commodity exposure Environmental and geopolitical risks in commodity investing Integration of ESG in resource-based investments Workshop: Designing a commodity allocation framework for pensions Module 7: Private Debt and Credit Opportunities Overview of private lending markets Direct lending, mezzanine financing, and distressed debt strategies Credit risk assessment and due diligence Portfolio diversification and return optimization Role of private credit in liability-driven investment strategies Case study: Pension fund participation in private credit markets
Module 8: Risk Management and Valuation of Alternative Assets Key risks: illiquidity, valuation uncertainty, operational risk Techniques for stress testing and scenario analysis Valuation approaches for private assets Benchmarking and performance attribution challenges Risk reporting to boards and regulators Workshop: Building an alternative investment risk dashboard Module 9: ESG Integration, Regulation, and Governance ESG considerations across alternative asset classes Impact investing and sustainable infrastructure Fiduciary duty and responsible investing standards Regulatory frameworks governing alternatives in pensions Governance structures for monitoring illiquid investments Practical session: Developing an ESG policy for alternatives Module 10: Portfolio Construction and Strategic Implementation Setting allocation targets and liquidity budgets Strategic vs. tactical allocation decisions Portfolio rebalancing and cash flow management Selecting external managers and co-investment opportunities Performance measurement and reporting Capstone project: Developing a diversified alternative investment strategy for a pension fund
Who Should Attend
Pension fund managers, trustees, investment analysts, asset consultants, risk managers, actuaries, and policymakers responsible for strategic asset allocation and investment oversight.
