Pensions and Retirement Training Course on Developing an Investment Policy Statement
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 intensive program provides pension trustees, fund managers, and investment professionals with the technical expertise to design, implement, and maintain an effective Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for pension funds. The course explores the strategic, legal, and operational dimensions of investment governance—linking long-term pension objectives to responsible, risk-adjusted investment practices. Participants will gain the skills to articulate investment goals, define asset allocation frameworks, establish performance benchmarks, and ensure compliance with fiduciary and regulatory requirements.
Secure enrollment • Professional certificate included
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Understand the structure, purpose, and legal importance of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS).
Identify key components of an IPS, including objectives, constraints, and governance structures.
Align investment policy with pension fund objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons.
Develop asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing strategies.
Define performance measurement and reporting standards.
Integrate ESG, ethical, and sustainable investment principles into the IPS.
Address liquidity, solvency, and funding requirements in investment planning.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and fiduciary standards.
Monitor and review the IPS to adapt to changing market and demographic conditions.
Prepare a comprehensive, customized IPS for a pension scheme.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Pension Fund Investments and the IPS Framework Purpose and importance of an IPS in pension management Legal and fiduciary foundations of the IPS Role of trustees, fund managers, and regulators in investment policy formulation Global best practices and regulatory expectations Key IPS design principles and governance structures Case study: Overview of a successful pension fund IPS Module 2: Defining Investment Objectives and Constraints Linking investment goals to pension fund liabilities and obligations Establishing return objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons Identifying investment constraints: liquidity, legal, tax, and regulatory factors Setting sustainability, ethical, or social investment objectives Determining funding status and its impact on investment strategy Workshop: Drafting IPS objectives and constraints Module 3: Strategic Asset Allocation and Portfolio Construction Principles of asset allocation and diversification Asset classes: equities, fixed income, real estate, alternatives, and cash Determining the optimal asset mix based on risk-return profiles Asset-liability modeling (ALM) and long-term portfolio optimization Tactical vs. strategic allocation decisions Case study: Designing an asset allocation strategy for a defined benefit plan Module 4: Risk Management and Performance Measurement Identifying and quantifying key investment risks Portfolio risk control: diversification, duration, and hedging strategies Performance measurement tools: absolute, relative, and risk-adjusted returns Benchmarking and attribution analysis Setting up performance review cycles and reporting standards Integrating stress testing and scenario analysis into investment policy Module 5: Investment Governance and Decision-Making Structures Governance frameworks for investment decision-making Roles and responsibilities of the board, investment committees, and managers Delegation, oversight, and accountability in investment management Selecting and evaluating external fund managers and advisors Establishing internal controls and documentation standards Workshop: Drafting a governance section for the IPS Module 6: ESG, Responsible, and Sustainable Investment Policies Understanding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in pensions Incorporating sustainability into investment decisions ESG integration techniques: screening, engagement, and impact investing Regulatory expectations and disclosure requirements for ESG reporting Case study: ESG-aligned pension fund investment policy Practical session: Designing an ESG integration framework within an IPS Module 7: Regulatory Compliance and Fiduciary Responsibilities National and international regulations affecting pension investments Fiduciary duty and prudence standards for trustees Legal implications of IPS compliance and breach Managing conflicts of interest in investment decision-making Documentation, record keeping, and audit readiness Role of regulators and oversight bodies in IPS enforcement
Module 8: Monitoring, Reporting, and Review of the IPS Establishing monitoring frameworks and performance dashboards Reporting formats for trustees, regulators, and members Periodic IPS review and revision protocols Integrating feedback from performance evaluations and risk assessments Adapting to market changes, demographic shifts, and policy reforms Technology and automation in investment reporting systems Module 9: Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, and Transparency Communicating investment policies to stakeholders Transparency and disclosure requirements for pension funds Managing stakeholder expectations during market volatility Building trust through consistent and accurate communication Developing summary IPS statements for public disclosure Workshop: Crafting a communication plan for a pension investment policy Module 10: Developing and Implementing a Complete IPS Step-by-step process for creating a comprehensive IPS Integrating all policy components into a unified document Reviewing and approving the IPS at board level Practical simulation: Drafting a full IPS for a case pension fund Peer review and feedback session Course wrap-up, evaluation, and certification
Who Should Attend
Pension fund trustees, board members, fund managers, actuaries, investment analysts, compliance officers, regulators, risk managers, and policymakers involved in pension fund investment management and governance.
