When a private pension plan runs a deficit, how should a fund manager negotiate the problem? By taking on more risk to get higher returns, or rely on the corporate sponsor to make a special contribution to offset the deficit?

Underfunding in U.S. state pension plans is the quintessential “wicked problem” because of the numerous stakeholders with conflicting interests. U.S. regulation also requires pension funds to discount their liabilities at the expected return on their assets. So, how should Vandalia address these challenges?

How can a fund manager's fiduciary duty to deliver returns reconcile with long-term environmental sustainability? The fictional fund based in Newfoundland and Labrador is used to design an optimal portfolio strategy that aligns competing stakeholder interests with environmental risks caused by climate change.

As countries revert to geo-economic independence, what does this mean for asset managers investing in a climate of protectionism and social inequalities? How can BNSF generate risk-adjusted returns that promote economic equality and independence?

How can asset managers generate sustainable returns in the context of ultra-low bond yields? What would an investment portfolio of a CDC plan that re-designed risk sharing among members look like?

Achieving net-zero investment portfolios by 2050 is handicapped the lack of high-quality data and goal alignment with asset owners, climate issues, and a shifting regulatory landscape. So what are the strategies that transition to carbon-neutral investments without sacrificing returns?

Persistent, high inflation Inflation is minimizing real returns. This is is a problem for pensioners who live on a fixed income. A fictional Canadian D.C. pension fund needs an inflation resilient, decumulation investment strategy.