Colette Christiansen has joined Punter Southall as head of derisking solutions. She previously worked at Towers Watson where she led a number of buyouts and longevity swaps.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an environmental scientist and study ice flows in Antarctica. It is hard to say whether being an actuary is more interesting, but it is certainly warmer in the UK.
What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Chemistry, because there was plenty of scope for entertaining lessons with compounds changing colour, bursting into flames, exploding or creating fragrances and soaps.
What was your first paid role?
Tutoring mathematics to secondary school students while at university.
What led you to a career in investment?
I wanted to use my mathematics and physics degree out in the “real world” rather than in a research institution. In the last year of my degree I was introduced to an actuary who persuaded me it was an enjoyable job.
What are your priorities for this role?
Many pension schemes are struggling to know what the right product is for them in the de-risking space and when is the right time. I would like to ensure clients have access to well-rounded advice taking a holistic view of de-risking.
What is the biggest hurdle for institutional investors at present?
Getting accustomed to low yields and, for many, whether they should continue to wait until they rise, and efficient longevity hedging.
What change would you make to investment legislation/regulation?
To ensure there were no further changes to defined benefit pensions legislation/ regulation for a few years. Every time there is a change it takes trustees a while to get up to speed, increases uncertainty and means that very often the “do nothing” option is taken. What do you like to do in your spare time? That’s decided by my children, so this week it is making Lego aeroplanes!
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