March 20 - 21, 2024Case Studies: Pools Investment Seminar
The Case Studies presented at SAA’s Risk Pooling Seminar has been lauded for their clarity, applicability and usefulness.
We hope these sample case studies from previous Pool Seminars provide better insight into the type of issues addressed at the conference, along with how attendees are able to collaborate with peers. You can view prior Insurer Investment Forum case studies here.
The next Insurer Investment Forum XXIV will be held on March 20 - 21, 2024, with the Investment Seminar for Gov't Risk Pools taking place on the afternoon of March 20, 2024.
A Pool's Limited Opportunity? - Strategic Asset Allocation
Tess is the new associate executive director and wanted to become familiar with the investment portfolio and how it supports the goals and objectives of the pool.
Tess compared a recent rebalancing study to the pool’s investment portfolio and a thought struck her – disconnection.
While implementation may be more difficult with certain asset classes, nothing in the state regulations precluded the pool from investing in any of the asset classes posed within these two intriguing items; however, the investment policy allows only U.S. equities.
At an upcoming Board meeting, Tess wanted to pose a few strategic questions for the Board and advisors about a potential change to the pool's current asset allocation.
Asset Allocation Considerations: A Global / Technology Approach?
Recently, Tess has been considering and learning more about “blockchain” technologies and investment strategies involving “smart tokens” which would be programmed using artificial intelligence to preserve some investment strategy or “state” even as market fluctuates.
While Tess did not outright dismiss the idea, she wanted to approach the Board/Staff/Advisors to review broader global issues and how the investment portfolio might be better positioned to benefit from emerging global trends and to hedge against emerging global threats.
A Tale of Two Pools: Risk Asset Allocation
The Board members from two governmental pools continue to grumble about low, single-digit fixed income returns. Yet, they also remain concerned about the implications should rates rise sharply and unexpectedly as the Fed’s tapering program ends, Europe slowly recovers, and geopolitical tensions ease.
Although more volatile, the Board members generally agreed that risk assets had a significantly better long term risk/reward profile.
Do you believe both Pool#1 and Pool #2 have an argument to increase the risk asset allocation? Why? Why not?