Global

AUSTRIA - Richard Weberberger, previously managing director of Multi-ImmoEast Asset Management GmbH, has joined Henderson Global Investors as head of the property team, based in Vienna.

CZECH REPUBLIC - The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has praised the transparent method in which the five main political parties have lodged pension reform proposals.

GLOBAL - Multi-managers and fund of fund operations are investigating currency as an asset class as they attempt to broaden the range of assets and strategies they offer their pension fund clients.

GLOBAL - Institutional investors need to increase their focus on operational risk processes when choosing hedge fund managers, according to The Bank of New York (BNY).

GLOBAL - Credit Suisse and US-based firm GE Infrastructure have unveiled plans to form a US$1bn joint venture to invest in global infrastructure assets.

GLOBAL - Institutional investors, including pension funds, are hesitating to venture into sectors like water and premium brands because of the lack of benchmarks, according to Pictet Asset Management.

GLOBAL - Diversity in equity portfolios through global exposure should be complemented with investment in other asset classes, said Roger Urwin, global head of investment consulting at Watson Wyatt.

GLOBAL - Fortis Investments saw assets under management increase 7.4% in the first quarter to e112.7bn.

GLOBAL- Dutch insurer Aegon and US insurer AIG Life have announced plans to enter the burgeoning UK bulk annuities market later this year, with a focus on small to mid-market deals.

GLOBAL - Investec Asset Management has joined the Enhanced Analytics Initiative (EAI) as a full member.