Railpen appoints Robeco as global equities manager for £1bn mandate

This move brings Railpen's global equity management in line with its broader investment strategy, which already employs specialist external managers across credit, private markets, and other asset classes. Robeco will complement Railpen's existing internal equity capabilities, reinforcing its proven hybrid investment model.

Craig Heron, Director of Public Markets at Railpen, said: "Railpen follows a hybrid investment approach, combining our in-house expertise with carefully selected external partners where we believe they can enhance outcomes for members. Following a thorough, bespoke selection process that reviewed managers from across the global market, Robeco stood out for its ability to integrate fundamental and quantitative investment techniques within a disciplined framework. The mandate is designed to complement our existing internal equity capabilities and strengthen the resilience and diversification of our overall public markets portfolio."

The appointment represents a significant evolution in Railpen's investment approach. Robeco will deploy a sophisticated strategy combining quantitative and fundamental analysis to manage global equity allocations, optimising returns for members.

Caroline Hedges, Head of Credit & Manager Implementation at Railpen, said: "Our focus is always on delivering the best long-term outcomes for members. In appointing Robeco, we undertook extensive due diligence and secured competitive commercial terms, ensuring we believe the mandate offers strong value for our members. Robeco's investment approach and its commitment to sustainable ownership are closely aligned with the Trustee Board's objectives, while supporting Railpen's wider strategy of investing globally to achieve the best risk-adjusted returns for the schemes we serve."

By partnering with dedicated specialists, Railpen can focus on strategic oversight while accessing world-class expertise. Performance of this mandate will be benchmarked against the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI).

Railpen conducted a thorough open-market review to identify the best manager for this mandate. Robeco was selected for its style-neutral approach, customised investment solution, and proven ability to blend quantitative and fundamental analysis.

Anton Eser, Chief Investment Officer at Robeco, said: "Railpen's decision to seed our new ‘Quantamental’ Equity capability reflects strong confidence in Robeco's longstanding expertise across both fundamental and quantitative investing. By combining the strengths of these complementary disciplines, we have worked closely together with Railpen in developing a distinctive investment solution focused on delivering attractive long-term outcomes. This investment marks the beginning of a broader strategic partnership with Railpen, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration over the years ahead."

In addition, Robeco's commitment to responsible ownership and sustainable investing principles strongly aligns with Railpen's own investment principles. The firm is widely recognised as a global leader in ESG and sustainable investing.

Railpen has negotiated competitive commercial terms with Robeco, ensuring strong value for members. Investment performance is always judged on results, and Railpen expects this mandate to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns to members.

Ivo Frielink, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Robeco, said: "We are delighted to have been selected by Railpen as a strategic partner. Railpen's innovative mindset, research-led culture and long-term investment perspective align closely with Robeco's own approach, creating a strong platform for collaboration. We look forward to building a successful and enduring partnership with Railpen."