A pension fund based in Switzerland has reached out to IPE Quest to search for an investment manager to manage global and emerging markets (EM) index strategies.

According to search QN-2763, the pension fund is looking for a manager to run a $300m portfolio tracking the MSCI World Developed Countries ex CH, GR, with a 1.0% tracking error.

It is also looking for another manager to run a $45m mandate tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets, NR, with a 1.5% tracking error.

Both portfolios should follow an enhanced indexing strategy, using carbon intensity reduction criteria including ESG score improvement.

Alternatively, the total of $345m can be managed in one portfolio tracking the MSCI ACWI ex CH, GR.

The deadline to participate has been set for 26 May 5pm UK time.

Additionally, a corporate pension fund based in Germany is looking to invest €80-100m in government fixed income (Europe ex-UK).

The core active portfolio should track the ICE BofA 1-10 Year AAA-AA Euro Government (Bloomberg Ticker:EG65 Index).

When applying for the tender, performance as of 31 March 2022 should be stated and participating managers will need to have at least €2bn in assets under management (AUM) for the asset class, with a minimum of at least €5bn in total AUM. Participating managers should also have a minimum track record of five years but eight years is preferred.

The deadline to apply for this mandate is 31 May 5pm UK time.

The IPE news team is unable to answer any further questions about IPE Quest, Discovery, or Innovation tender notices to protect the interests of clients conducting the search. To obtain information directly from IPE Quest, please contact Jayna Vishram on +44 (0) 20 3465 9330 or email jayna.vishram@ipe-quest.com.

Italian scheme signs up to BNP Paribas’ Manaos ESG marketplace

Fondo di Previdenza Mario Negri has selected BNP Paribas Securities Services’ Manaos platform for its ESG data and analytics needs.

Mario Negri, the pension fund for managers of commercial and shipping and transport companies in Italy with around €3.9bn in assets, will use the Manaos platform to source reliable ESG data and analyse the ESG performance of its investment portfolio.

Manaos, an open servicing platform designed for institutional investors to manage their post-trade investment data, partners with sustainability fintechs to give investors ready access to a wide range of ESG data and analytics tools, BNP Paribas said.

This means Manaos users can instantly access a wide range of data and analytics services for the production of ESG analytics and regulatory reports, it added.

Antonella Portalupi, chair of the board of directors at Mario Negri, said the new platform will allow the scheme to “promptly monitor the alignment with the ESG criteria of our investment policy and to take the appropriate decisions for the future for a correct balance between financial risks and socio-environmental impact”.

German trust picks Mercer for OCIO contract

The Bonn-based Global Crop Diversity Trust, a non-profit organisation engaging to protect crop diversity, has selected Mercer Global Investments Europe (Mercer) for an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) contract.

The consultant will manage the trust’s endowment fund worth approximately $315m in line with the organisation’s objectives, it was announced.

Mercer will also advise the trust on further growth, risk management and sustainable investment strategies.

The firm has been the trust’s strategic adviser for half of the trust’s assets since 2016.

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