Retirement funds in Ghana and across emerging markets have traditionally relied on government bonds, fixed deposits, and blue-chip stocks to ensure stable returns. While these assets offer security, they often fail to keep pace with rising inflation and evolving global financial trends. The question now arises: Is it time for retirement funds to explore investment-grade private credit and alternative investments as viable pathways for growth and diversification?

At CedisPay, we believe that embracing these non-traditional asset classes could be a game-changer for retirement funds, offering higher yields and greater resilience in uncertain markets.

What Are Investment-Grade Private Credit and Alternative Investments?

• Investment-Grade Private Credit: Loans or debt securities issued by private companies, rated as low-risk by credit rating agencies. These provide predictable income streams and are increasingly popular among institutional investors globally.
• Alternative Investments: A broad category that includes real estate, private equity, infrastructure, and venture capital. These assets often show low correlation with traditional markets, providing diversification.

Why Retirement Funds Should Consider These Assets

• Enhanced Yield Potential: Traditional fixed-income investments, like government bonds, often offer lower yields in the current economic environment. Investment-grade private credit provides an opportunity to achieve higher, stable returns with manageable risk levels. Example: Global pension funds have successfully allocated portions of their portfolios to private credit, generating returns in the range of 8-12% annually, compared to 5-7% in traditional bonds.
• Portfolio Diversification: Alternative investments reduce reliance on equities and bonds, spreading risk across asset classes. This diversification can cushion portfolios during market downturns, a critical advantage for retirement funds that need stability.
• Inflation Hedging: Assets like real estate and infrastructure are particularly effective in hedging against inflation, ensuring that the real value of retirees’ funds is preserved over time.
• Long-Term Focus Aligns with Pension Objectives: Retirement funds inherently have a long-term horizon, making them well-suited to illiquid investments like private credit and infrastructure, which often require time to mature but deliver superior returns.

Global Trends in Retirement Fund Investments

Globally, retirement funds have already begun shifting toward private credit and alternatives.
• Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB): Allocates over 20% of its portfolio to private equity and real estate
• California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS): Actively invests in private credit to enhance yield while maintaining risk-adjusted returns
• Australia’s Superannuation Funds: Increasing allocations to renewable energy projects and private markets
These shifts highlight a growing recognition of the importance of diversifying beyond traditional assets.

Challenges to Address in Ghana

While the benefits are compelling, local retirement funds must address these challenges:
• Regulatory Constraints: Current pension guidelines may restrict certain asset allocations. Policymakers must consider revisions to encourage prudent diversification
• Market Maturity: The alternative investment landscape in Ghana is still developing, necessitating robust due diligence to identify credible opportunities
• Capacity Building: Fund managers need specialized skills to assess, monitor, and manage these complex asset classes.
• Liquidity Concerns: Alternative investments often come with longer lock-in periods. Funds must balance these with liquidity needs for payouts

How CedisPay Supports Retirement Funds

At CedisPay, we are committed to driving financial innovation and providing retirement funds with the tools and knowledge needed to explore new and emerging asset classes. Here’s how we empower retirement funds and their stakeholders:
• My Financial Wellbeing Budget App: Our cutting-edge app helps individuals take control of their finances, paving the way for better retirement planning and financial security.
• Strategic Partnerships with Pension Trustees: We collaborate with pension trustees to design and deliver pension-backed financial solutions, enabling individuals to access their retirement benefits responsibly.
• Empowering Financial Literacy: Through workshops, webinars, and educational resources, we promote financial literacy, ensuring that contributors and trustees alike make informed investment decisions.
CedisPay is dedicated to transforming retirement planning and empowering funds to maximize returns while securing the financial future of contributors.

A Strategic Move for a Secure Future

In an era of economic uncertainty and low-yield traditional investments, the case for retirement funds to consider investment-grade private credit and alternative investments is stronger than ever. By strategically incorporating these assets, funds can unlock new avenues for growth, ensure resilience against market shocks, and secure the financial futures of retirees. At CedisPay, we’re committed to driving thought leadership and innovation in the financial sector. Join us as we explore these transformative opportunities and reshape the future of retirement investing in Ghana.