European Pensions Awards 2019 | Pensions Age | 22 February 2019 | London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London W1K 6JP, UK

The European Pensions Awards honour the investment firms, consultancies and pension providers across Europe that have set the professional standards in order to best serve European pension funds in these increasingly challenging times. This year we're introducing four new categories:
• Factor Investing Offering of the Year
• Best Investment Strategy Award
• Pension Fund Communication Award
• Pension Fund Innovation Award

1. European Pensions Consultancy of the Year
Awarded to the pensions/investment/actuarial consultancy firm that the judges believe has delivered outstanding service to its pension fund clients in the last year, has shown a dedication to the delivery of pension scheme consultancy in its respective market, has demonstrated a superior understanding of the market's needs and has shown a commitment to helping clients through the pensions maze. Enter here

2. Investment Manager of the Year
This award will recognise excellence in investment management at one of the most challenging times in European pensions history. When rising longevity rates coupled with investment market turmoil has put the pressure on investment managers to perform, innovation, dedication, sophistication and foresight have become the essential tenets of any investment manager hoping to succeed. Enter here

3. Equities Manager of the Year
This award will celebrate those managers who have led the way in managing equities in the past 12 months. The winner who is finally chosen will be the firm that has proved itself to be the most exceptional player of all entrants in the industry with its excellence in managing equities, and has proved itself truly invaluable to European pension funds today. Enter here

4. Fixed Income Manager of the Year
European pension funds rely on fixed income for a reliable revenue stream, and as a result the fixed income market is now as diverse and sophisticated as any other. This award will recognise managers that offer a real specialisation in this key area and can offer their European pension clients a variety of solutions to meet the ever changing market conditions. Enter here

5. Alternatives Investment Manager of the Year
As alternatives play an ever greater role in the majority of European pension fund portfolios, this category aims to reward the leaders in the provision/management of alternative assets - be they an expert in multiple alternative assets or a specialist in any particular area. The winner will be the nominee that has proved itself the best of the best in this field and has shown a commitment to the European pensions market with its product offerings. Please note we also have separate categories for hedge funds, property and private equity. Enter here

6. Hedge Fund Provider of the Year
As pension funds look to diversify their portfolios in order to spread their risk and reap higher rewards, this category aims to recognise those firms that have proved their excellence in the field of hedge funds / fund of funds at one of the most challenging times in investment history. Enter here

7. Property Manager of the Year
Property has gained true recognition as an essential asset class for pension funds across Europe seeking to diversify their portfolios, with managers seeking out returns from both the traditional and less accessible property market across the world. This award will recognise those managers that have proved themselves in the field of property investment, have shown innovation in their product offerings, and have displayed an excellence and consistency in their management of this diverse and exciting asset class. Enter here

8. Infrastructure Manager of the Year
At one of the most challenging times in pension fund investment, Infrastructure is now being taken seriously as an asset class among European pension investors. We recognise those players that understand this complex asset class and are working hard to help pension funds reap the potential rewards. Enter here

9. Private Equity Manager of the Year
With all eyes on both risk and return, we acknowledge those private equity experts who have displayed a true understanding of the private equity space and are passionate about helping Europe's pension funds get the most from this complex area of the market. Enter here

10. ETF Provider of the Year
ETFs are gaining ground as a useful investment tool among pension funds. This category aims to recognise those providers who have stayed ahead of the market to offer ETFs to pension funds and tailored their offerings to pension fund demands. Enter here

11. Emerging Markets Manager of the Year
Seeking out potential in the less developed markets is a challenging role at which only the best can succeed; yet for those that do, the rewards for European pension funds investing in this area can be great. This award recognises those managers that have shown a dedication to the emerging markets space with a view to achieving performance often in areas where information flow is in short supply. Enter here

12. Risk Management Firm of the Year
Effective risk management is now high up on the agenda for European pension funds bearing the burdens of increased risk, more stringent regulation, and a brighter spotlight on governance. We reward those firms that have assisted European pension funds in their quest for better risk management in this ever unpredictable economic landscape. Enter here

13. Currency Manager of the Year
Currency plays an increasingly important and diverse role in the pension fund portfolios today. This category will highlight those currency managers who have displayed a capability and an expertise in this sector. Enter here

14. LDI Manager of the Year
As longevity increases and markets continue to be unpredictable, Liability Driven Investment (LDI) has become one of the most popular buzzwords in pension scheme investment in today’s market. We reward those players who have excelled in their LDI offerings in an effort to assist European pension funds better match their assets with their liabilities going forward. Enter here

15. Passive Manager of the Year
This role of the passive manager cannot be underestimated in the European pensions space. This award aims to celebrate the passive manager that demonstrates strong returns, provides excellent customer service and shows a true understanding of the needs of their clients. Enter here

16. Multi-asset Manager/Provider of the Year
The role of multi-asset products has grown in importance in recent years, as providers strive to meet the diverse needs of pension funds. We assess the best of the best in this increasingly competitive investment space. Enter here

17. Index Provider of the Year
Indices are undoubtedly an essential tool for pension funds in the European space. This award will recognise those index providers offering the highest quality of relevant products and excellent service to European pension funds today. Enter here

18. ESG/SRI Provider of the Year
European pension funds are becoming increasingly aware of the impact ESG and / or SRI can have on their portfolio returns. This award will recognise the leaders in this significant and increasingly sophisticated market. Enter here

19. Fiduciary Management
The concept of Fiduciary Management has taken the Dutch pensions market by storm, and is now penetrating other parts of Europe. This award will commend those firms that have led the way in the fiduciary management space, tailoring their offerings to today's pension funds' needs. Enter here

20. European Pensions Law Firm of the Year
Many legal firms across Europe offer services for pension funds, but not all show a dedication to understanding the complexities facing pension funds in these challenging times. This award will award the firm that stands out in its dedication to understanding the complexities of pensions legislation, and works with its clients to see them through the legal maze. Enter here

21. Custodian of the Year
The role of the Pension Fund Custodian is an ever changing one, as products and services evolve to match changing pension fund needs. This award will recognise those custodians that have proved themselves as leaders in this market with their excellence, innovation and dedication to meeting their European pension funds’ demands in today’s market. Enter here

22. Transition Management Firm of the Year
The role of the transition manager has become more acute as pension funds seek help in negotiating the minefield of moving to more complex investment strategies in order to meet increasing market demands. This award will reward those firms that have proved themselves experts in the transition management space and are a cut above the rest. Enter here

23. Pensions Insurance Firm of the Year
This category will recognise performance in providing bulk annuities, longevity insurance and other pensions insurance structures to address the ongoing derisking needs of pension funds throughout Europe. Enter here

24. Pension Scheme Administrator of the Year
The key role of the administrator is often overlooked but without an excellent administration service the pension fund member could not receive the level of service they deserve. This award recognises those administrators that have gone beyond the minimum standards required to offer a truly value added service to their clients. Enter here

25. Pensions Technology Provider of the Year
Effective and reliable pensions technology is essential for the successful running of any pension fund. This award will recognise those firms that are leaders in the field of pensions technology, and ultimately reward who is the best of the best. Enter here

26. European Pensions Innovation Award
This award will recognise those firms that have brought innovation to the pensions market-place, be it through a particular product, service offering or overall business approach. This category is designed in response to market volatility and to recognise those firms that have responded to market pressures with originality and creativity. Enter here

27. Master Trust Offering of the Year
Master trusts have taken the market by storm, as pension funds continue to look for ways to control their costs without compromising on quality and governance. We look at who is ahead of the game in this space. Enter here

28. Sponsor Covenant Provider of the Year
Awarded to the firm that shows a true understanding of this important area of pensions, and stands out against its peers. Enter here

29. Factor Investing Offering of the Year - NEW CATEGORY
This award recognises those firms that have a true understanding of the role factor investing can play in pension portfolios today and have demonstrated a true expertise in implementing this dynamic strategy. Enter here

• FOR PENSION FUNDS ONLY •
30. European Pension Fund of the Year
Pension provision across Europe has never been more challenging with increasing longevity, unpredictable markets and an increased spotlight on governance and risk management. We reward those pension funds across Europe who continue to tackle these challenges head on. (This category is open to any pension fund that operates either in one or multiple European countries, or has a pan European presence) Enter here

31. Best Investment Strategy Award - NEW CATEGORY
Getting the investment strategy right is one of the biggest challenges a pension fund needs to overcome, particularly given the current economic environment. We reward those of Europe’s pension funds that have implemented an investment strategy that sets the standards for the industry to follow. This category is open to any pension fund that operates in one or multiple European countries, or has a pan European presence. Enter here

32. Pension Fund Communication Award - NEW CATEGORY
An excellent pensions offering is wasted if the member communication applied fails to deliver. This category awards the pension funds that have used innovation and flair to get their member communication proposition the best it can be and has the results to prove it. This category is open to any pension fund that operates in one or multiple European countries, or has a pan European presence. Enter here

33. Pension Fund Innovation Award - NEW CATEGORY
Innovation has been rife in the European pensions space, be that in the area of investment, product design, de-risking or any other area. This award aims to reward those pension funds across Europe that have truly added value to the pensions space with their originality and innovation. This category is open to any pension fund that operates in one or multiple European countries, or has a pan European presence. Enter here

2018 Winners

European Pensions Consultancy of the Year
WINNER: Mercer

Investment Manager of the Year
WINNER: Legal and General Investment Management

Equities Manager of the Year
WINNER: Vontobel Asset Management

Fixed Income Manager of the Year
WINNER: PGIM Fixed Income

Alternatives Manager of the Year
WINNER: LGT Capital Partners

Hedge Fund Provider of the Year
WINNER: Aurum Fund Management

Property Manager of the Year
WINNER: M&G Real Estate

Infrastructure Manager of the Year
WINNER: Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management

Private Equity Manager of the Year
WINNER: Unigestion

ETF Provider of the Year
WINNER: Amundi ETF

Emerging Markets Manager of the Year
WINNER: Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Risk Management Firm of the Year
WINNER: Aon

Currency Manager of the Year
WINNER: Mesirow Financial Currency Management

LDI Manager of the Year
WINNER: Insight Investment

Passive Manager of the Year
WINNER: Irish Life Investment Managers

Multi-asset Manager or Provider of the Year
WINNER: M&G Investments

Index Provider of the Year
WINNER: FTSE Russell

ESG / SRI Provider of the Year
WINNER:Hermes Investment Management

Fiduciary Management Firm of the Year
WINNER: Cardano

European Pensions Law Firm of the Year
WINNER: Allen & Overy LLP

Custodian of the Year
WINNER: State Street

Transition Management Firm of the Year
WINNER: Russell Investments

Pensions Insurance Firm of the Year
WINNER: Legal & General

Pension Scheme Administrator of the Year
WINNER: TPT Retirement Solutions

Pensions Technology Provider of the Year
WINNER: PwC

European Pensions Innovation Award (Pension fund) - sponsored by Irish Life Investment Managers
WINNER: Amundi Pension Fund

European Pensions Innovation Award
WINNER: Aviva

European Pensions Investment Innovation
WINNER: Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Master Trust Offering of the Year
WINNER: Smart Pension

Sponsor Covenant Provider of the Year
WINNER: Lincoln Pensions

European Pension Fund of the Year
WINNER: Railways Pension Scheme