Financial services in the 21st Century - Pension fund reform and the role funds in infrastructure investment.
Description/objectives:
The pension fund systems of Australia and Chile are hailed internationally as models for other countries facing the challenge of ageing populations. A strong national pension system serves the dual purpose of reducing retirees’ reliance on welfare while increasing national savings – a potentially significant source of investment in national infrastructure. The Chilean government is examining ways to strengthen the national pension system to better address perceived issues of social inequality and to improve pension coverage.
Long term infrastructure assets are a good fit for pension funds, providing stable rates of return while helping to meet
national infrastructure needs. By law, Chilean pension funds can invest up to 80 per cent of their assets overseas. The challenge, therefore, is to create an environment conducive to domestic investment by private and public funds.
The session will examine the direction and impacts of possible reforms to Chile’s pension system. Speakers and Panellists will also explore the opportunities and rewards for Chilean and Australian pension funds and asset managers from investing in Chilean infrastructure assets. They will also examine Australia’s role as a platform for Chilean pension funds’ investments in Asia.
SPEAKERS
Universidad Católica de Chile
Speaker - Chile
President for the Pension Funds Administration Association
Panellist – Chile
Associate Director, KPMG Direct Investments, Latin America
