State of Wisconsin Investment Board History and Investment Strategies

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) has a rich history dating back to 1957, when it was established to manage the state's pension funds.

In 1961, SWIB began investing in the stock market, marking a significant shift in its investment strategy.

By 1987, SWIB had grown into a major investment manager, with assets under management (AUM) totaling over $10 billion.

Today, SWIB is one of the largest pension fund managers in the United States, with AUM exceeding $140 billion.

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The State of Wisconsin Investment Board has a rich history that spans over 70 years. Created on June 28, 1951, by the signing of a Wisconsin State Senate bill into law, it was spearheaded by public policymakers who saw the state's uninvested cash balances sitting idle.

SWIB became one of the first pension funds to include a private placements investment program in 1965, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. This move allowed the board to diversify its investments and potentially increase returns for its stakeholders.

In recent years, SWIB has continued to expand its reach, opening up to international markets in 1989 and starting a venture capital program focused on Wisconsin and the Midwest in 1999.

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SWIB was created on June 28, 1951, by the signing of a Wisconsin State Senate bill into law.

This marked the beginning of a public pension fund that would be supported by government leaders and system participants for decades to come.

Public policymakers spearheaded the creation of SWIB, recognizing the state's uninvested cash balances sitting idle. They were joined by union officials who were concerned about the diminishing value of contributions made to public worker pensions.

In 1965, SWIB became one of the first pension funds to include a private placements investment program. This move signaled a shift towards more proactive investment strategies.

SWIB expanded its reach in 1989 by opening up to international markets. This decision allowed the fund to diversify its investments and take advantage of new opportunities.

The fund continued to grow and evolve, with SWIB moving into developing countries in 1995 as former communist states in Eastern Europe opened their borders and economies.

In 1999, SWIB started a venture capital program focused on Wisconsin and the Midwest. This marked a new era of investment in local businesses and startups.

In 2021, SWIB celebrated its 70th anniversary, a milestone that marked seven decades of serving public workers and their families.

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The topic of overview and history is a broad one, but let's start with the basics. The subject has been around for thousands of years.

In ancient civilizations, people used basic tools and techniques to accomplish tasks. The earliest recorded evidence of this dates back to around 3000 BCE.

People have been developing and refining their skills over time. This process has been shaped by various factors, including technological advancements and social changes.

The history of the subject can be divided into distinct periods, each with its own unique characteristics. One of the most significant periods was the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and transformed the way people worked and lived.

New techniques and tools emerged during this time, making it easier for people to accomplish tasks. This led to increased productivity and efficiency, but also brought about new challenges and problems.

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The State of Wisconsin Investment Board has made significant commitments to private equity funds. They have backed six new funds targeting US and European markets.

SWIB has also revealed $888.2m in private equity commitments. This is a substantial investment in various private equity vehicles.

Here are some of the notable commitments made by SWIB:

SWIB has also committed more than $700m to private equity vehicles, showcasing their confidence in the industry.

Assets Under Management are a crucial aspect of any investment strategy, and understanding them is essential for making informed decisions.

Assets Under Management (AUM) refer to the total value of investments managed by a fund manager or investment firm. For example, a mutual fund with $100 million in assets is managing $100 million in AUM.

AUM can fluctuate based on market performance and investor activity. In 2020, a large investment firm reported a 10% increase in AUM due to a successful year for their clients' investments.

Having a high AUM can be beneficial for investment firms as it attracts more clients and increases revenue. AUM is often used as a key performance indicator (KPI) to measure the success of an investment firm.

Investors can benefit from higher AUM as it often translates to lower fees and more diversified investment options.

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The State of Wisconsin Investment Board has made significant private equity commitments, with a total of $888.2m allocated to various funds.

One of the funds receiving a commitment is Via Venture Partners Fund V, which was allocated $25.67m. The commitment date for this fund was August 2023.

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board has backed multiple private equity vehicles, with commitments totaling over $888.2m.

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The State of Wisconsin Investment Board has been at the center of some controversy. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board expressed unfavourable views on NAV-based instruments.

Growing transparency concerns have led to scepticism from LPs, who are now questioning the use of NAV loans. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board and Florida State Board of Administration both shared these concerns on a webinar hosted by PEI.

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The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) takes a long-term approach to pension fund management, with a focus on generating strong investment returns to support the retirement security of Wisconsin public employees.

The board uses a diversified investment strategy, allocating assets across various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and real estate.

SWIB's investment portfolio is valued at over $130 billion, making it one of the largest pension funds in the United States.

The board has a strong track record of investment returns, with a 20-year annualized return of 8.3% as of 2020.

SWIB's investment team is responsible for managing the portfolio, with a focus on active management and a commitment to doing what's best for the fund and its beneficiaries.

The board's investment approach is guided by a set of core principles, including a focus on long-term results, a commitment to diversification, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

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The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) is a public pension fund that manages investments for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). It has a long history, established in 1951.

SWIB's primary goal is to provide retirement benefits to state and local government employees in Wisconsin. This includes managing the investment of the WRS trust fund.

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As of 2020, the WRS trust fund had a total value of over $130 billion. This fund is invested in a variety of assets, including stocks, bonds, and real estate.

SWIB's investment strategy is designed to balance risk and return, with the aim of generating long-term returns for the WRS trust fund. The board uses a combination of active and passive investment approaches to achieve this goal.

SWIB's investment portfolio is diversified across different asset classes and sectors, with a focus on generating income and long-term growth. This helps to ensure the sustainability of the WRS trust fund over time.

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