NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and Leading National Public Pension Plans Announce Inaugural Emerging Managers Week to Foster New Opportunities for Diverse and Emerging Asset Management Firms

New York, NY – New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and For the Long Term, announced the inaugural Emerging Managers Week set for the week of February 10, 2024. For the first time, asset managers will be able to attend conferences and events across one week with investment staff of eight separate public pension funds with over $1 trillion in assets under management, specifically tailored to meeting the business needs of diverse and emerging asset managers within one week and in close proximity.

The week will spotlight and celebrate the important role diverse and emerging asset managers play in delivering strong risk adjusted returns for public pension funds. Each conference will highlight the work of each pension fund to identify these firms that typically do not have access to large institutional investors and foster the growth and development of successful managers with whom each fund invests. As managers continue to navigate myriad challenges compounded by a tough fundraising environment, Emerging Managers Week is designed to provide a platform for diverse and emerging managers seeking to maximize business opportunities and foster connections throughout the industry.

The week is set to open on Tuesday, February 11 with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas’ Emerging Manager Conference, hosted virtually, followed by an Emerging Manager Forum and Reception hosted by the nonprofit organization For the Long Term and featuring the treasurers, comptrollers and investment staff of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island, the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds, and the Illinois State Treasury.

On Wednesday, February 12, the Office of the New York City Comptroller will host their Annual Diverse & Emerging Managers Conference in New York City.

The week will end in Albany, New York, with the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System’s MWBE Investments and Professional Services Conference on Thursday, February 13 and the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s Annual Emerging Manager & MWBE Conference on Friday, February 14.

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from industry leaders, internal staff, and external investment consultants and network with other asset managers. The lineup will be packed with panel discussions specific to asset classes including public equities, real estate, fixed income and private equity, and robust networking opportunities with peer asset managers for each of the plans.

“In my office, we are dedicated every day to the sacred duty of guaranteeing the retirement security of the public servants who have served our great city. Expanding the pool of asset managers who are responsible for investing the assets of our pension funds is an essential part of our investing strategy and integral to delivering robust long-term returns for current and retired municipal employees,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “I am thrilled that we are able to collaborate with several of our peer pension funds to provide an opportunity for prospective managers to understand how we do business, meet our investment staff, and learn our priorities going forward.”

“Emerging managers are a critical part of a diversified portfolio,” State Comptroller DiNapoli said. “We are constantly looking to expand our roster of qualified managers who can bring innovation and nimbleness to our pension fund and grow within it. My thanks to Comptroller Lander and our public fund peers, who in collaboration highlight the value of strong emerging manager programs.”

“For 103 years, the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System has provided retirement security to its members. This success is due in large part to our long-term, prudent investment approach. Our MWBE business partners are integral to this success,” said NYSTRS Executive Director & CIO Thomas K. Lee. “NYSTRS is delighted to participate with our peers in the inaugural Emerging Managers Week. We look forward to providing MWBE investment professionals with the opportunity to learn about our System. This year’s conference theme, A Seat at the Table, celebrates the critical role of diversity, equity and inclusion in our vision of pension fund excellence and reflects our commitment to access and opportunity.”

“We look forward to partnering with our peer pension plans,” said Teacher Retirement System of Texas Emerging Manager Program Managing​​ Director Kirk Sims. “Together we hope to offer emerging managers a unique and time-efficient opportunity to engage with and get to know allocators.”

“Emerging Managers Week is more than a series of conferences—it’s a testament to the transformative power of collaboration across public pension funds. By creating a unified platform for emerging asset managers to connect with decision-makers, we’re not just opening doors; we’re tapping into a broader set of investment strategies and perspectives. As a result we are building a stronger financial future for the people who depend on these funds for their retirement. For the Long Term is honored to work with Comptroller Lander and his team to bring more pension funds into this groundbreaking initiative,” said Dave Wallack, Executive Director of For the Long Term.

“Emerging managers represent a vital opportunity to tap into innovative strategies and fresh perspectives that strengthen our investment portfolio. Their ability to adapt quickly to market conditions and bring creative solutions aligns perfectly with our commitment to achieving strong, sustainable returns for Connecticut’s pension funds. Emerging Managers Week allows us to engage with these talented professionals and identify new pathways for growth and success. We appreciate Comptroller Lander’s and For the Long Term’s leadership in this initiative,” said Erick Russell, Connecticut State Treasurer.

“For a pension fund the size of the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island, Emerging Managers Week provides an invaluable opportunity to connect one-on-one with a broad pool of talented and innovative asset managers who bring fresh strategies and perspectives to our portfolio. The expertise and innovation emerging managers offer directly benefit Rhode Island’s pensioners, helping us deliver stronger, more sustainable returns for those who rely on us for their retirement security. I deeply appreciate Comptroller Lander’s and For the Long Term’s leadership in creating this initiative, which ensures smaller states like ours can access the best talent in the industry,” said James Diossa, Rhode Island General Treasurer.

Registration for each conference is now open and emerging and diverse asset managers are encouraged to apply to attend. Due to limited capacity, registration is required for each conference.

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