Central Banking Journal has recognised the Future Fund, Australia’s $118 billion sovereign wealth fund, as sovereign investor of the year in the 2016 Central Banking Awards.

The Chairman of the Future Fund, Hon Peter Costello AC, said:

“Recognition of the Future Fund as the sovereign investor of the year is a credit to all those who work for the Fund and something Australians can be proud of, as the Fund invests public money on their behalf.  I’d like to thank the Board, management and all staff who have been critical to generating the success we have enjoyed.”

The Managing Director of the Future Fund, David Neal said:

“While the global economy has continued to heal following the 2008–09 financial crisis, significant imbalances persist and the potential for missteps and shocks remains.  We generally see prospective returns to investors being lower than in recent years and we are continuing our disciplined investment approach while striving to be nimble and innovative in identifying and accessing opportunities.  This means we need to continue to develop and motivate a strong, skilled and aligned team and create value-adding relationships with our external partners.

Christopher Jeffery, Chairman of the Central Banking Awards Committee and Editor-in-chief of Central Banking, said:

“Australia’s sovereign wealth fund took the restrained decision not to increase its risks to chase returns in 2015.  Instead, it focused on improving its operational framework and improved the speed that it can assess complex investment opportunities on a comparable basis across a range of asset classes in public and private markets.  It has emerged as a role model for other sovereign funds grappling with similar challenges.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Since its foundation in 1990, Central Banking Journal has been the only regular, independent publication for and about central banks.  The journal is read by subscribers in 130 countries, including over 120 of the world’s central banks.

For more information:

Will Hetherton

Head of Public Affairs,

Future Fund

+61 (0)3 8656 6400

+61 (0)439 016 678