Swedish insurer Folksam is investing SKr3bn ($400m) in green bonds issued by the European Investment Bank, its biggest acquisition of green bonds to date.
Japan’s Mitsui Life Insurance plans to increase foreign bond investments by more than 240bn yen ($2.23bn) in the next 12 months, according to reports from Reuters.
Low interest rates, financial market volatility and increased geographical diversification among EU life insurers have contributed to the sector’s greater use of derivatives – and the trend is set to continue, according to rating agency Fitch.
Europe’s insurers increased allocation to equity by 2% in the years between 2011 and 2016, while decreasing fixed income exposure, according to a report by AM Best.
BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNP Paribas AM), the investment management arm of BNP Paribas, has hired Julien Halfon to fill the newly created role of head of pension solutions within its multi asset, quantitative and solutions investment group.
Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has restructured its equity division leading to the departure of six fund managers.
German insurer Allianz has purchased a 23% stake in two towers of the four office blocks in Sky Soho in Shanghai, China, for an undisclosed sum.
M&G Investments has launched a fund focusing on private and illiquid debt that will deliver a positive social or environmental impact.