Invesco Real Estate has launched its first global direct real estate fund exclusively for defined contribution (DC) pension schemes in the UK.

The first such real estate vehicle dedicated solely to a DC audience, the fund aims to improve DC investment outcomes by investing in direct global real estate, offering potentially higher returns and a lower risk profile through portfolio diversification and straightforward access to a mainstream global asset class at low cost. It also includes specific and innovative liquidity terms for DC schemes, platforms and master trusts. At launch, the fund will invest its assets globally through Invesco Real Estate managed funds that predominantly focus on direct properties in Europe, the US and Asia Pacific developed markets.

The Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP) has announced that it is seeking additional members for its advisory group.

The new members will join those who were previously part of PDP’s steering group, with the new additions expected to further improve recent collaborative efforts and provide an opportunity for industry and other experts to offer insights and help shape the delivery of pensions dashboards. In particular, the advisory role will include providing input on emerging operational and delivery topics, and other issues that are relevant to the success of the programme. PDP principal, Chris Curry, commented: “Preparing for dashboards is truly a collaborative effort, and harnessing the invaluable insights and expertise that industry and other experts can offer is crucial to the success of the programme. Expanding our advisory group will facilitate collaboration, enrich our collective knowledge and enable stakeholders to give input and contribute to the successful delivery of pensions dashboards.”

Schroders Greencoat has launched the Schroders Capital Semi-Liquid Energy Transition Fund.

The fund aims to address addresses clients’ growing demand for energy transition investment solutions, boosting access to both private assets solutions which offer new and diversifying return streams, as well as energy transition investment solutions. The semi-liquid structure is designed to enable Schroders Greencoat to invest in illiquid infrastructure assets with a long-term perspective, while offering greater flexibility and operational simplicity to investors. In addition to this launch, Schroders Greencoat confirmed that it is acquiring Toucan Energy’s solar portfolio, consisting of 53 operating solar farms in the UK, with a significant portion of this to be acquired by a number of Local Government Pension Schemes.

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