Swedish pension fund's credit portfolio recovers with strong 2018 results
Andra AP-Fonden (AP2), the SEK 352.4 billion ($38.7 billion) state-owned pension fund, generated 5.6% absolute returns from non-domestic credit investments for the first half of 2018

Shetland Islands pension looks to terminate bonds and introduce direct lending
A UK pension fund is looking to terminate its bond mandate and introduce a 12.5% direct lending and 12.5% alternative funds asset allocation, according to board documentation seen by Creditflux

London-based direct lender wins as San Francisco pension fund deploys into private credit
A Californian pension fund has mandated $60 million to a strategic credit fund, as part of its private debt pacing plan to deploy up to $750 million to private debt annually

Consultant calls on investors to quiz managers over ESG processes
The lack of consistent and reliable data seems to be a major challenge when embracing environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria across private equity, infrastructure and credit.

Italian pension fund seeks direct lending managers
Previndai, the €11bn pension fund for managers of industrial companies, has issued a notice seeking global and European direct lending managers

Private debt tops the tables for Industriens Pensionsforsikring
Industriens Pensionsforsikring, the DKK164.5 billion ($25.7 billion) pension scheme, generated a 1.6% return from its private debt portfolio, according to its mid-year 2018 results

Sovereign investors' allocation to alternative credit increase rapidly, finds survey
Sovereign investors are increasing their exposure to CLOs, direct lending and bank loans, according to a 2018 Global Sovereign Asset Management Study published by Invesco this week

Danes work with Credit Suisse to bankroll direct lenders
Credit Suisse has forged an alliance with another pension fund in a partnership that will provide leverage to direct lenders

Michigan pension fund looks to commit $80 million to debt funds
The $114 billion Michigan pension fund is looking to commit to two private debt funds managed by London-based Kreos Capital and New-York headquartered MidOcean Credit Partners

New regulations set to spur Swedish state pensions' investment in illiquid credit
A new proposal on investment guidelines giving four of Sweden’s state pension plans greater freedom to invest in private markets, including illiquid credit, is progressing through the Swedish parliament

London pension funds pick CQS as first manager for new credit fund of fund
London Collective Investment Vehicle (London CIV), a fund for London pension funds, has announced the launch of its first fixed income offering – LCIV MAC fund

Massachusetts pension fund invests $75 million with TowerBrook
Mass PRIM) has made a $75 million commitment to New-York based TowerBrook Capital Partners for its second structured opportunities fund, according to 15 May board documentation

Ares targets €4.5 billion for fourth European direct lending fund
Los Angeles based Ares Capital Management has launched its fourth European direct lending fund, Ares Capital Europe IV, with a €4.5 billion target size, SEC filings show

US pension fund backs ICG's global mid market offerings
London-based Intermediate Capital Group has won further commitments from US pension funds for middle market credit investing

Tikehau raises over €200 million for French loan fund
Paris-based Tikehau has launched its latest Novo fund, which is endorsed by the French Insurance Federation

Anchorage wins $75 million ticket for global credit fund
A US pension fund has approved an investment in the upcoming Anchorage credit fund

Pennsylvania pension fund to commit €150 million to direct lending
The Public School Employees’ Retirement Board has recommended a €150 million investment in Intermediate Capital Group's ICG Europe VII fund

Minnesota pension fund looks to commit $535 million to 'private credit'
Minnesota State Board of Investments has recommended investments worth $535 million to private credit, according to board documentation seen by Creditflux

Californian pension fund approves $50 million commitment to CLO-focused fund
The pension fund has approved a $25 million commitment to an upcoming CLO fund, adding to $25 million previously committed 

UK pension scheme hires head of credit
A UK pension scheme with £29.6 billion of assets has hired a new head of credit, who will help grow the fund's investment grade capabilities

US pension scheme puts $100 million into top-performing CQS fund
A multi-strategy credit fund run by CQS has earned a $100 million commitment from a US pension fund

UK pension fund awards Loomis Sayles £485 million for multi-strategy credit
Natixis-affiliate Loomis Sayles has been awarded a £485 million ($647.3 million) mandate by the Avon Pension Fund to manage its multi-asset credit allocation

Investors pledge cash after turning to direct lender Prestige
Just like every magic trick has three parts, every fundraising has three stages: building a track record, marketing and, the most difficult, delivering strong returns. Prestige is clearly performing well as it gains three investor mandates

Hermes wins $400 million mandate to show investing ethically really is worth it
Hermes Investment Management has won a $400 million mandate to oversee a global high yield credit portfolio on behalf of Swedish pension fund giant Första AP-Fonden (AP1)

Large insurers staff up for major expansion into direct lending
Large insurance companies are looking to take on the heavy-lifting of direct lending themselves