Course Contents
Module 1: Fundamentals of Pension Funds
Key Topics
- Definition and formal classification of pension schemes
- Analysis of the global pension crises and structural economic challenges
- The socioeconomic role and purpose of a pension fund
- The structural architecture of modern pension funds
- Categorising different types of pension funds
- Operational and funding requirements of sustainable pension funds
Module 2: How Do Pension Funds Work?
Key Topics
- Basic pension fund organizational and operational structures
- Comprehensive pension fund plans: Defined-Benefit (DB) vs Defined-Contribution (DC)
- Private pension funds vs public employee pension plans
- Roles and duties of the various parties involved in pension funds
- Funding mechanisms and sources of wealth in a pension fund
Module 3: Pension Fund Governance & Regulation
Key Topics
- Regulatory frameworks governing private and public pension funds
- The organisational structure, fiduciary duties and oversight of pension funds
- Creating robust ethical standards for pension managers and trustees
- Supervision methodologies for monitoring the performance and activities of pension managers
- Regulatory enforcement and penalty issuance for non-compliance with rules
- Managing the conflicting interests of public pension fund stakeholders
Module 4: Pension Fund Investment
Key Topics
- Pension fund investment styles, active management and passive strategies
- Core responsibilities of the internal and external fund manager
- Establishing appropriate portfolio structures and strategic asset allocation benchmarks
- Portfolio diversification principles across various asset classes
- Defining target returns vs calculating the minimum acceptable return
- The expanding role and importance of alternative assets like infrastructure and real estate
Module 5: Pension Risk Management
Key Topics
- Defining and categorising pension fund risks: actuarial, market, credit and liquidity
- Modern risk management frameworks tailored for pension funds
- Pension fund reporting standards, transparency and financial disclosure
- Best practice governance models for corporate and state pension schemes
- Strategic value creation and cost reduction in pension fund operations
- Evaluating the wider macroeconomic role of pension funds in the future
