Winter Investment Forum & Dinner 2024

02–03 December 2024

A bespoke conference for charity investment professionals

Due to exceptional demand, we are launching a second annual Charity Finance Investment Forum & Dinner on 2-3 December 2024. 

The Winter edition will follow the same format as the spring event. 

The pre-forum reception and dinner provides the perfect setting in which to network with peers from other charities. This is complemented by a full day's programme of expert sessions giving insight analysis into a range of investment strategies and crucial investment topics.

Designed for finance directors, chairs, trustees and chief executives responsible for investment portfolios, the forum helps charities shape their strategies and maximise returns. 

The Charity Investment Forum is an invitation only event for charities with investment assets in excess of £5m. If you are interested in attending, please contact our events team via email at [email protected]

Programme

02 December 2024

  • 3.00PM - 5.00PM
    Arrive and check in
  • 5.15PM - 6.20PM
    Networking drinks reception
  • 6.20PM - 6.30PM
    Welcome address: Matthew Nolan, chief executive, Civil Society Media
  • 6.30PM - 7.00PM
    Opening keynote: Post-election power shift

    Join Claire Jones, international economy news editor at the FT for an analysis of the recent US election and its potential impact on both the UK and the global economy. Drawing on her experience covering the US economy from Washington DC, and her expertise in European and UK economic matters, Claire will explore the ripple effects of the election outcome, addressing key issues such as trade relations, monetary policy shifts, and geopolitical risks.

    Claire Jones

    international economy news editor, FT

  • 7.00PM - 9.00PM
    Dinner
  • 9.00PM - 12.00AM
    Informal networking

03 December 2024

  • 7.00AM - 8.30AM
    Breakfast
  • 8.30AM - 9.10AM
    Workshops
  • 9.10AM - 9.20AM
    Transit time
  • 9.20AM - 10.00AM
    Workshops
  • 10.00AM - 10.40AM
    Refreshment break and networking
  • 10.40AM - 11.20AM
    Workshops
  • 11.20AM - 11.30AM
    Transit time
  • 11.30AM - 12.10PM
    Workshops
  • 12.10PM - 12.20PM
    Transit time
  • 12.20PM - 1.00PM
    Workshops
  • 1.00PM - 1.15PM
    Transit time
  • 1.15PM - 2.30PM
    Lunch & networking
  • 2.30PM - 3.30PM
    Closing keynote: The Invisible Hand: How digital technology is reshaping power and influence

    In an era where every click, like, and share can have global repercussions, the invisible mechanisms of digital technology are increasingly shaping our world. Drawing from over a decade of research, Carl will delve into the hidden forces that influence political systems, financial markets, and even our daily lives. Through real-world examples, he will unveil how online campaigns can subtly sway elections, how state-sponsored information warfare is becoming a cornerstone of geopolitical strategy, and the immense risks that unregulated digital technologies pose to the stability of societies worldwide.

    Carl Miller

    founder of the centre for the analysis of social media, Demos and author of Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab

Workshops

W1: CCLA - Goldilocks and the three soft landings

Everybody loves a good fairy tale, especially when it ends with the words ‘and they all lived happily ever after’.  Nine of the last twelve interest rate cycles were immediately followed by a recession, yet the market confidently expects another soft landing. For now, so do we. All will be revealed in this session.

Ben Funnell, head of investment solutions


W2: Cazenove Capital - Decarbonisation, demographics and deglobalisation: the 3D reset & AI

We recognise that the global economy is in a phase of considerable transformation. As we navigate through these significant shifts, we have identified three key trends - deglobalisation, decarbonisation, and demographics, collectively referred to as the "3D reset". These trends are shaping the global economy and influencing long-term investment opportunities.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in the 3D reset – it is a critical enabler and catalyst for each of these forces, facilitating innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in various sectors. It empowers businesses and societies to adapt, innovate, and navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by these forces.

In this session we will explore what the 3D reset entails, its investment implications, and current trends.

Tom Montagu-Pollock, co-head of charities
Grace Lavelle, investment strategy director  


W3: Newton - Broader horizons: findings from the 2024 Newton Charity Investment Survey

This year’s survey suggests that, while still a concern for charities, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and inflation on the charity sector is starting to ease, although there is continued pressure from increased demand for charities’ services. Nevertheless, charities are adjusting their focus to longer-term issues. In this session, we will cover investment resilience, diversity and investment policy statements. Can charities sustain their level of spending? Do trustees think their charity boards are diverse enough? How have charities reacted to CC14? Join us to discuss these issues and the investment implications.

Lucy Hyams, client director
Hilary Meades, head of charities investments


W4: LGT - Expanding horizons: harnessing the growing accessibility of private markets

Private markets are becoming increasingly accessible, offering unique opportunities for charitable organisations to diversify and strengthen their investment portfolios.

Join us for an insightful session where we will explore how charities can effectively integrate private market investments into their portfolios. We'll discuss the potential benefits, such as enhanced returns and reduced volatility, while also addressing key challenges including liquidity constraints, higher fees, and the need for specialized expertise.

Ben Turner, senior investment manager
Laurence Gagen, partner
Miranda Richards, investment manager


W5: Rathbones - AI and the future of charity investments: opportunities and challenges ahead

In this insightful presentation, we will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reshape the landscape of charity investments, presenting both opportunities and challenges. From optimising portfolio management to enhancing impact measurement, AI has the potential to drive more effective and mission-aligned investment strategies. However, its rapid evolution also brings uncertainty. Through the lens of the charity trustee, we will examine the ethical considerations, risks, and practical ways AI can be harnessed to maximise both social impact and financial returns, equipping charities to navigate this emerging frontier with confidence.

Andrew Maxwell, investment director
Simon Laphorne, senior research analyst


W6: Barclays - Identifying, assessing and mitigating human-rights risks within a portfolio

Tragically there are real-world consequences to people that arise or could arise from companies neglecting human rights standards in their business activities and supply chains. In the context of investing, we also know that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues can affect the performance of portfolios, often leading to financial and reputational risk. How should investors recognise and respond to negative human rights outcomes in their portfolio, and also proactively identify potential issues in the future? This session will explore the concept of assessing human rights risk in investments, the practicalities of evaluating these risks through company supply chains, and different ways to use leverage to engage with companies held in a portfolio.

Mike Topley, head of sustainable portfolio management


W7: CCLA - The Hunting of the Snark

The Hunting of the Snark, by Lewis Carroll, is a whimsical narrative about a peculiar group of characters on an expedition, hunting an elusive creature known as the Snark. "They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; they pursued it with forks and hope ...". In this session, we will share the challenges, hurdles and quirks of CCLA's journey to deliver sustainable income for today's beneficiaries, while protecting capital for future generations.

Ed Christian, client investments director


W8: Cazenove - Charity investment best practice

Following updated Charity Commission guidance on investments, and the newly published Charity Investment Governance Principles, what represents current best practice in managing your charity assets? 

Covering everything from investment policy to portfolio, from board to beneficiary, this session will highlight governance and policy challenges and opportunities, leaving you with some ideas to take back to your own organisation.

Tom Montagu-Pollock, co-head of charities
Kate Rogers, global head of endowments & foundations  


W9: Newton - Nurturing the future: Investing in nature

In the face of the triple planetary challenge of biodiversity loss, climate change, and failing food systems, the natural world is increasingly recognised as a critical asset. However, taking a topic as intangible and complex as nature and applying it to investment decisions is not easy. So, how can we invest with nature in mind? In this session, we will delve into the economic value of nature and will present real-world examples of how nature-related considerations can be incorporated into the investment process. Join us to discover more about the growing importance of nature-related investments and the key considerations for navigating this emerging field.

Sarah Dickson, head of charity business development
Therese Niklasson, global head of sustainable investment


W10: Baillie Gifford - Emerging markets: why bother?

Why should charities consider an allocation to emerging markets in their portfolio? This session will debunk some of the misconceptions about EM, touch on current challenges like geopolitics, and focus on the investment themes that are likely to drive the next decade of returns.

John Rae, investment specialist


W11: Barclays - Equity valuation 101

For the majority of long-term charity investors, equities form the bedrock of investment portfolios. The Magnificent 7 has continued to drive equity market returns, accounting for 45% of the S&P 500’s total returns in 2024 as at the end of Q3. This poses questions around company valuations and market timing. The session will include a market update and a behind-the-scenes look at the different valuation metrics that can be used for stocks, how these can be used and interpreted, and a discussion, with case studies, on whether valuations can help investors make better investment decisions.

Julien Lafagure, chief market strategist


W12: M&G – to be confirmed


W13: CCLA - The art of exerting peer pressure for good

Some people say that peer pressure is a bad thing. We disagree. This session will reveal the results of the 2024 CCLA Modern Slavery Benchmark, and show how a little bit of peer pressure can be used to drive meaningful and lasting positive change for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Dr Martin Buttle, better work lead


W14: Baillie Gifford - Impact investing in listed equities

Do you consider the impact of your charity’s investment portfolio beyond the financial returns achieved? This session will explore the important role that impact investing in listed equities can play in our journey towards a more sustainable world. Will you agree with the view that listed equity impact investing is a key way of providing access to impact investing and supporting companies that are driving positive real world change?

Rosie Rankin, investment specialist director


W15: Brown Advisory - Why the US will continue to remain the engine of global economic growth

With a tightly contested US election on the 5th of November, where the outcome between the Republican Trump and the Democrat Harris many believe is too close to call, this session will discuss why, despite political uncertainty, we believe that the US will be the dominant economic centre for the foreseeable future. It will cover, among other areas, the US’ fast-growing economy, a strong labour market and falling inflation. In terms of GDP, the US has far exceeded economists' expectations outpacing all other advanced economies in 2023 and is on track to do so again in 2024.

Christopher “Kif” Hancock, chief investment officer


W16: HSBC - Investing for social inclusion: going further to supporting your charitable mission

We live in an era defined by social inequality, where the bottom 50% of households share only 2% of global wealth. Social inequality within countries is on the rise and is projected to further widen with the impacts of climate change. However, capital can positively affect underserved areas and address systemic and structural inequality. Why should investors address social inequality and how? How can charities consider societal impact solutions in portfolios and can it further their charitable objectives?

Kumaran Perinpanathan, senior research analyst
Sophie Ward, head of charities & education


W17: Rathbones - Sustainable investment trends: what charities should watch in 2024 and beyond

In an ever-evolving investment landscape, charity investment managers must stay ahead of emerging trends to ensure their portfolios align with both financial objectives and mission-driven goals. This workshop will explore key sustainable investment trends for 2024 and beyond, focusing on how charities can adapt their strategies to leverage new opportunities. From ESG integration and impact investing to green technologies and climate-risk management, participants will gain an understanding of the factors shaping sustainable investments. The session will provide actionable insights on balancing ethical considerations with financial returns, helping charities future-proof their investment strategies in an increasingly conscious market.

Victoria Hoskins, Greenbank head of charities
Emma Williams, senior ethical, sustainable and impact researcher, Greenbank


W18: M&G – to be confirmed

 

What to expect at the Forum...

  • Welcome drinks reception
  • Formal three course dinner
  • After-dinner networking reception
  • A choice of 16 expert sessions
  • Opportunity to network with leading sector professionals
  • A complimentary room and access to venue facilities

Sponsors

 Headline sponsor:

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Associate sponsors: 

 
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Supporters

 

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Testimonials from Spring 2024

  • It really is a brilliant event. Beautiful location, excellent venue with an efficient way of meeting the FMs, hearing interesting and stimulating topics & networking with Trustees from other charities. - Bill Lane, Diocese of Rochester
  • I enjoyed attending and gained valuable insights from both sponsors and attendees. - Tim Askham, Cheshire Community Foundation
  • I really enjoyed the scope and breadth of the conference and meeting new people. - Chris Fyfe, Stroke Association
  • Really enjoyed the event - excellent presentations and organisation. - Sarah Case, The Waterloo Foundation
  • Always a mix of interesting people. - Wayne Cooper, Hestia Housing and Support
  • Excellent dinner, excellent breakfast, excellent lunch - no complaints at all. - Mark Stubbings, The Fishermen’s Mission
  • Always stimulating, always challenging and always motivating. - D’Arcy Myers, Smallwood Trust
  • The workshops for this forum were a diverse topic range and well presented. Great to talk to five different investment managers in one day. - Simon Ward, Royal Entomological Society
  • Great opportunity to meet the management teams of the charities' wealth managers to compare and contrast their styles and performance. - Philip Davies, Okehampton United Charities
  • An excellent event that delivered in every respect. Great content, speakers who were prepared, answered all questions and delivered really insightful presentations. I take my hat off to the team for being so conscious of providing really good networking opportunities and for providing an excellent, all round experience in a wonderful venue. Well done all. - Vipan, Quakers
  • Excellent informative and thought-provoking presentations with very good networking opportunities. - Paul Whitehouse, Quakers in Britain
  • Good mix of individuals to network with I thought excellent value adding workshops. The venue was great, with outdoor space and facilities to enjoy. – Anonymous
  • Excellent - well organised event that enabled access to very timely and informative workshops from industry experts. - Dariel Burdass, The Physiological Society
  • Well worth attending. - P Gravestock, Lichfield Diocese
  • It was a thoroughly worthwhile event which gave me the chance to hear some industry thoughts on the issues as well as to meet and pick the brains of other trustees and staff working in the sector. - David Fullman, Norwich Charitable Trusts
  • An excellent event to combine networking with peers and managers, along with interesting educational content. Of the conferences I attend this is the one not to miss. - Andrew Wimble, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
  • Great opportunity to network and take away a few new and fresh ideas about the investment markets. - Ian Larkham, Versus Arthritis
  • Excellent event and networking opportunities. - Boston Mwense, Blesma
  • Excellent, every time, it gets better - Velou Singara, Coram
  • Well organised in a great location and great networking opportunities. - Simon Hussey Clifton Diocese
  • It was a valuable use of time; good networking opportunities and the workshops were nicely varied - Eve Hartrick
  • A good selection of current and interesting topics and perspectives. - Wayne Cooper, Hestia Housing and Support
  • Invaluable with great insights into the investment universe, macro-economic trends and ESG. - Chris Fyfe, Stroke Association
  • Fantastic opportunity to deep dive into investments and talk to likeminded organisations. - Sarah Case, The Waterloo Foundation
  • The forum is a unique way to catch up on the latest issues in the Charity investment world and meet the main investment managers and is invaluable. - Richard Williams