National leaders in ESG and goverrnance

WINNER

“GM Pensiones’ commitment to sustainable investing and strong governance set it apart. The fund's proactive approach to member engagement further adds to its strengths.

Country

Spain

Founded

2000

Type

Defined contribution

Members

17,551 (active)
1,069 (retired)

Assets

€592m

Performance

-6.3% (1yr)
1.67% (3yr)
2.16% (5yr)
3.61% (10yr)

GM Pensiones reviews its investment strategy twice a year, and in 2022 it adjusted the strategy to seize short-term opportunities while keeping a long-term target in mind. The fund subsequently increased its investment in fixed income and reduced its equity weighting, while reducing exposure to the US dollar and adding to yen and sterling.

In 2022, GM Pensiones employed a proxy voting adviser to oversee and report on its voting activity. In the first year of reporting, it was represented in 159 annual general meetings and 37 meetings for mutual funds. Of more than 2,200 votes cast, 12% were against management proposals – half of which were related to remuneration.

The fund’s board maintains frequent communications with members to ensure transparency about its strategy. It undertook a member survey in 2022 to assess satisfaction with its service, which showed an overall high level of satisfaction with fund operations and performance. To support those nearing retirement, the fund offers a financial planning service to give members a full overview of their financial position and aid decisions.

STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS

➤ Drive to benefit from fixed income opportunities and diversify currency exposure

➤ Appointment of proxy voting adviser to help manage and report on its engagement activities

➤ Launch of member survey to track satisfaction and enhance transparency

WINNER

“Pensions Caixa 30 excels in financial performance, sustainability initiatives, active manager selection and robust governance, setting a high standard in its sector,” judge’s comment

Country

Spain

Founded

2000

Type

Defined contribution

Members

54,790 (active)
17,524(retired)

Assets

€6396m

Performance

-7.61 (1yr)
3.48% (3yr)
4.08% (5yr)

Pensions Caixa 30 (PC30) is compliant with Article 8 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and was the first pension fund in Spain to publicly support the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in 2020. Since 2022, the fund has published a TCFD report annually. As of April 2023, it has accomplished 77% of TCFD recommendations.

PC30 will align its investments with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, incorporating them into its selection and monitoring process with a special emphasis on primary and secondary goals. It has integrated a series of ESG-related benchmarks into its processes and this year it introduced a dedicated ‘climate equities’ allocation.

PC30 joined the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance in May 2023, allowing the fund to join forces with other investors and participate in joint efforts to encourage companies and governments adopt best practices on climate.

PC30 has also created a communications working group and a dedicated website with new content, including infographics, to improve communication with members and enhance transparency.

STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS

➤ Supports international climate change initiatives

➤ Introduction of dedicated climate equities allocation to support sustainability targets

➤ Communications working group and dedicated website to support transparency and member engagement

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Country 

Spain

AUM

€58.18m

Performance

-9.67% (1yr);
2.28% (3yr)
2.76% (5yr)

The €58m PensionsCaixa21 has integrated ESG factors into investment decisions for more than 20 years and was the first Spanish insurance company to sign up to the PRI in 2009. In 2022 it aligned its portfolio with Article 8 of the SFDR. To aid diversification PensionsCaixa21 has established a private equity allocation, making investments in secondary market assets to take advantage of attractive pricing. This has allowed its members to benefit from positive performance as it continues to build towards a 10% allocation.

Judged by

David Moreno
Pedro Pardo
Manuel Peraita
Frans Verhaar