Nest publishes information on UK-based investments

Nest has today announced that it is publishing on its website, for the first time, specific information on its UK-based investments. This move underscores the pension scheme’s ongoing and long-term commitment to transparency and its focus on contributing to the UK economy. 

The scheme invests at scale in the UK, with more than a fifth of its assets under management in UK investments. Nest anticipates having £20 billion invested in the UK by the end of the decade. Included among the reporting is a map which shows a selection of Nest’s investments in UK companies and infrastructure projects.

Research conducted by the pension scheme  revealed that the majority of its members (70%) wanted more information about how Nest invests in the UK, with 75% either being unsure or underestimating the current levels of UK investment in their pension pots . More than two thirds (69%) of members were interested in where in the world their money was invested, with 70% wanting more information about how Nest invests in the UK.

To help provide further detail, the pension scheme will be publishing a quarterly summary of how this money is invested in the UK, just like it does with investment performance. Nest has around £8.5 billion invested in a variety of ways in the UK economy, from supporting infrastructure projects to lending to growing UK businesses.

Welcoming this commitment to publishing the fact sheet, Ian Cornelius, CEO of Nest Corporation, said:

“The UK is already a major market for Nest with a fifth of our investment based right here. More than a third of the UK workforce has a pension pot with Nest and we want to help invest in their jobs, their communities, and the things they rely on, like roads and bridges.

“I am pleased Nest is taking this significant step in providing our members with a clear understanding of how their hard-earned contributions are being invested in the UK. We welcome the opportunity to promote how carefully we look after our members’ money and showcase our UK investments to our members.

“It’s clear from our research that pension savers want to know where their money is being invested. We hope this step we’re taking towards further transparency encourages others in the wider pensions industry to adopt this practice – in advance of the value for money measure being in place.”

Mark Fawcett, CEO of Nest Invest, elaborated on the benefits of focusing on UK-based investments:

“Pension funds should be looking hard for UK investment. One of the world's biggest economies is right here on our doorstep and it’s an attractive place to do business. It allows us to support local businesses and infrastructure projects, fostering economic growth and job creation. 

“Investing in the UK aligns our investment strategy with our long-term goals of sustainability and stability, ensuring that our members' pensions are secure and contributing to the world they will retire into."

Publishing information on UK-based investments on the Nest website will provide Nest members with greater insight into the specific projects and sectors their pension pots are supporting. It highlights Nest’s strategic focus on investments that not only yield strong financial returns but also have a positive impact on the UK's economic landscape.