The IPE Investor Forum creates an informal environment where investors can share investment strategy experiences and best practices with peers. We aim to bring together around 15-20 investors to keep the discussion as productive as possible and the meeting is held under the Chatham House Rule.
This session is by invitation only. Please note that this is not a standalone session and you will be required to attend the IPE Conference & Awards to qualify

Europe’s leading pension fund CIOs join a panel discussion about investments in 2025

Simultaneous deep-dive breakout sessions focusing on key investment and pension industry topics

Global private debt assets have reached record highs, as pension funds have gained a stronghold in a sector once dominated by banks. However, private debt might be facing its toughest test yet – harsh economic conditions, high interest rates and strong competition within the sector are proving to be significant headwinds. There is no lack of appetite for private debt investments from institutions, but should investors be more discerning about the private debt deals they participating in, and should they expect lower returns in the medium term? A panel of seasoned market participants will debate the key questions about this once-alternative asset class, which has now become a staple for institutional portfolios.

Many asset owners have set net-zero targets. The dominant narrative is that if achieving these is supposed to make any difference in the real world, asset owners must not go for the easy win and divest but roll up their sleeves and push companies to change. This is in the context of the public equity markets, at least.

• What evidence do we have that this is working?
• What can and should be done to improve the track record?
• Are asset owners asking too much of asset managers?
• Or are they being too lax? How much will this cost in terms of resourcing?
• Are asset owners overpromising?
• Is sovereign engagement the answer? 

Lindsey Stewart - Director of Stewardship Research and Polic, Morningstar Sustainalytics
Jackob Thomä - Co-Founder, Theia Finance Labs

An interdisciplinary session on current and future challenges for institutional investors, discussing the topics of future of work, demography changes, immigration and longevity.
Anna Rotkirch - Research Professor & Director, Population Research Institute, Family Federation of Finland

Join us at the elegant Žofín Palace for a drinks reception followed by the Awards Dinner & Ceremony where we reveal the winners and highly commended pension funds of this year’s IPE European Pension Fund Awards.
Interested in entering? Please contact Alice O'Brien at alice.abrien@ipe.com

An opportunity for young industry specialists up to the age of 40 from the investment community across Europe to exchange ideas on a range of topics, including how a younger perspective provides a diversity of thought and encourages long-termism, why our industry suits younger people and how some of today’s most pressing challenges, including the climate and biodiversity emergencies, are calling out for new thinking.
If you are eligible, please select the appropriate response during the registration process or contact the IPE Events Team at events.team@ipe.com
Please note that this is not a standalone session and you will be required to attend the IPE Conference & Awards to qualify.