Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
·3 min read
ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The world’s 100 largest asset owners are now responsible for US$25.7 trillion, according to new research by leading global advisory, broking and solutions company WTW’s (NASDAQ: WTW) the Thinking Ahead Institute.
The research, in its fifth year, reveals total assets among the largest organizations have grown by 9%, as of the end of 2021, down from 16% growth over the previous year.
Pension funds remain the single biggest group of asset owners in the global study, controlling 56% of total assets, although this has fallen from 58% the previous year. By contrast, sovereign wealth funds have seen their share rise comfortably above one-third, to 37%, up from 35% the previous year.
The Government Pension Investment Fund of Japan remains the largest asset owner in the world (US$1.7 trillion) followed by the two largest sovereign wealth funds: Norges Bank Investment Management (US$1.4 trillion) and China Investment Corporation (US$1.2 trillion).
The top 20 asset owners are responsible for US$14.1 trillion, or the majority (55%) of the top 100. This level of concentration has persisted since its inception, although individual asset owners have moved within the ranking.
Roger Urwin, co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, said: “These big asset owners control the world’s most influential capital and hold great responsibility and growing influence in relation to their beneficiaries, and to a widening group of stakeholders.
“The research highlights that many of these asset owners act as universal owners — long-term, leadership-minded holders of portfolios that are exposed to the entire market and economy — and have a distinctive opportunity to contribute to real-world systemic change by contributing to a Paris-aligned future, consistent with net-zero emissions by 2050.”
AO 100 ranking
Rank | Fund | Market | Total assets (US$ | |
1. | Government Pension Investment | Japan | $1,730,900 | |
2. | Norges Bank Investment Management | Norway | $1,402,000 | |
3. | China Investment Corporation | China | $1,222,000 | |
4. | SAFE Investment Company | China | $980,000 | |
5. | Abu Dhabi Investment Authority | United Arab Emirates | $829,000 | |
6. | National Pension | South Korea | $797,968 | |
7. | Federal Retirement Thrift | U.S. | $774,176 | |
8. | GIC Private Limited | Singapore | $744,000 | |
9. | Kuwait Investment Authority | Kuwait | $738,000 | |
10. | APG | Netherlands | $630,358 | |
11. | Hong Kong Monetary Authority Investment Portfolio | Hong Kong | $587,000 | |
12. | California Public Employees | U.S. | $496,820 | |
13. | Public Investment Fund/Sanabil Investments | Saudi Arabia | $480,000 | |
14. | Qatar Investment Authority | Qatar | $445,000 | |
15. | Canada Pension | Canada | $426,746 | |
16. | National Social Security | China | $406,787 | |
17. | Central Provident Fund | Singapore | $374,990 | |
18. | Mercer | U.S. | $370,168 | |
19. | CDPQ | Canada | $329,000 | |
20. | California State Teachers | U.S. | $313,940 | |
Notes to editors
Figures were the latest available as of March 31, 2022.
New sources of information were used for some countries in 2021.
About the Thinking Ahead Institute
The Thinking Ahead Institute was established in January 2015 and is a global not-for-profit investment research and innovation member group made up of engaged institutional asset owners and service providers committed to changing and improving the investment industry for the benefit of the end saver. It has over 55 members around the world and is an outgrowth of WTW Investments’ Thinking Ahead Group, which was set up in 2002.
About WTW
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.
Learn more at wtwco.com
CONTACT: Media contact Ed Emerman: +1 609 240 2766 eemerman@eaglepr.com
I am a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of the global financial landscape, particularly in the realm of asset management and investment research. My expertise is demonstrated by a wealth of knowledge and a keen awareness of the latest developments in the field. Now, let's delve into the article about Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and the findings from the research conducted by the Thinking Ahead Institute.
The article, dated November 30, 2022, discusses the results of a comprehensive study by Willis Towers Watson's (WTW) Thinking Ahead Institute. According to the research, the world's 100 largest asset owners collectively manage a staggering US$25.7 trillion in assets as of the end of 2021. This marks a 9% growth from the previous year, a significant decrease from the 16% growth reported in the year before.
Pension funds emerge as the dominant group of asset owners, controlling 56% of the total assets, although this represents a slight decrease from 58% in the previous year. Sovereign wealth funds, on the other hand, have seen their share rise to 37%, up from 35% the previous year, highlighting a shift in the composition of major asset owners.
The article identifies the Government Pension Investment Fund of Japan as the largest asset owner globally, managing a colossal US$1.7 trillion. Following closely are the two largest sovereign wealth funds: Norges Bank Investment Management with US$1.4 trillion and China Investment Corporation with US$1.2 trillion.
The concentration of assets among the top 20 asset owners is noteworthy, with this group responsible for US$14.1 trillion, accounting for 55% of the total assets managed by the top 100. While there have been movements within the ranking, this level of concentration has persisted since the inception of the study.
Roger Urwin, co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, emphasizes the influential role these major asset owners play, stating that they control the world's most influential capital. He also highlights their responsibility and growing influence in contributing to real-world systemic change, particularly in achieving a Paris-aligned future with net-zero emissions by 2050.
The article concludes by providing the ranking of the top 20 asset owners, showcasing their market, total assets, and respective countries. Notably, the research data was the latest available as of March 31, 2022, with new sources of information used for some countries in 2021.
In summary, the research conducted by WTW's Thinking Ahead Institute sheds light on the significant role played by the world's largest asset owners, particularly pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. The findings underscore the responsibility these entities have in influencing global capital and contributing to meaningful changes in alignment with sustainability goals.
