The 15 billion $129 billion Pension Fund Association for Local Government Officials PAL, known by they Japanese as Chikyoren, is embarking on its first significant asset rebalancing in 10 years, says Kimio Kiuchi, secretary-general.
This month the organization will dramatically increase its exposure to international fixed income and plans to hire three global bond specialists early this year.
Chikyoren, which was established in 1984, is the largest of Japan's mutual aid pensions, which together comprise 49.7 trillion in assets, along with funds for public school teachers, municipalities, policemen and the Tokyo metropolitan government. Its enrolment has been steady at around three million members, while its assets...