Real assets

Our approach

As one of Europe’s largest managers of real assets, with over 340 specialists across five locations, our platform has the scale to access the full depth and breadth of real asset markets. This enables us to deploy capital in an efficient and disciplined manner. Our diverse capabilities allow us to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. We do this through pooled or bespoke solutions, as well as giving clients the opportunity to co-invest with Aviva Group.

Connected thinking

Our more than 80 credit specialists have developed a deep understanding of market drivers. Their insights drive our conviction calls, identify relative value across the range of our real asset investments, and allow us to optimise portfolio construction, to build portfolios that aim to deliver the outcomes our clients require.

Direct investors

We make investments we are proud to support and, as direct holders of the assets, we manage them with an owner mentality, adding value over the course of their life. Direct ownership also gives us the unique ability to engage with our clients and truly connect them to their assets.

Responsibility built in

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are embedded throughout our investment process – from origination through to due diligence and approvals to development, management and enhanced reporting. Our Global Responsible Investment team provides support and advice on all aspects of ESG.

Strategies in focus

Real estate

Outcome-oriented solutions in real estate, through strategies that span the risk spectrum, from lower-risk options generating long-term income to more opportunistic investments.

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Infrastructure

Our deep market access allows us to source high-quality projects, delivered through a range of senior debt opportunities or via the acquisition of assets. We focus on stable, long-term income generation and efficient execution.

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Private debt

We finance bespoke structured finance and senior private corporate debt transactions, providing our investors with outcomes that meet their investment objectives.

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Outcome focused

Our integrated real asset platform allows us to collaborate with our clients to design bespoke multi-asset portfolios that meet a wide variety of long-term investment and return objectives.

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Real Assets Study 2020

Navigating disruption: challenges and opportunities.

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Key risks

Investment risk

The value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up and can fluctuate in response to changes in currency and exchange rates. Investors may not get back the original amount invested.

Illiquidity risk

Where funds are invested in real estate / infrastructure and illiquid private assets, you may not be able to switch or cash in your investment when you want because real estate in the fund may not always be readily saleable. If this is the case we may defer your request to switch or cash in your units.

Valuation risk

Investors should bear in mind that the valuation of real estate / infrastructure is generally a matter of valuers’ opinion rather than fact.

Real assets in focus

Strategies in a time of uncertainty

28 Oct 2020

Mark Versey recently took part in a panel discussion organised by Professional Pensions to discuss opportunities and challenges in alternative investments.

The case for private debt

8 Oct 2020

Private debt proved its worth to institutional investors during a sustained period of benign market conditions. But what does the outlook look like in an altogether more challenging environment?

Fibre broadband: The need for speed

9 Sep 2020

Lockdown measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of digital connectivity. Tim Perry looks at the investment opportunities and challenges associated with European economies transitioning from copper to faster fibre broadband networks.

Defined Benefit pensions de-risking: A covenant and investment view

23 Jun 2020

In the midst of the COVID-19 shock, Felix Mantz from Lincoln Pensions and Joachim Sudre from Aviva Investors explore how defined benefit pension schemes should plan their journey towards an end game and adopt a more holistic approach to risk.

'Mastering the real estate cycle'

17 Apr 2020

The cyclicality of real estate creates opportunities for well-informed investors. However, determining where a market is in the cycle can be difficult, so we have developed a tool that can help investors overcome this challenge.

Think like an insurer, invest like a pension scheme

10 Feb 2020

Cashflow-driven investing (CDI) is about meeting the outcome that matters most to pension schemes – being able to pay out liabilities as they fall due.

Urban regeneration: How a secure income strategy can help revive city centres

6 Jan 2020

Like other major cities, London scores highly across a range of economic metrics. But while London’s continued capacity for renewal and attracting investment is undeniably impressive, it is often in stark contrast to other UK cities. Chris Urwin, Luke Layfield and Stanley Kwong explain what can be done to make those cities more attractive, and the respective roles investors and the public sector should play in that process.

Mark Versey

Chief Investment Officer, Real Assets

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Barry Fowler

Managing Director, Alternative Income

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Daniel McHugh

Managing Director, Real Estate Investments

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Darryl Murphy

Managing Director, Infrastructure

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Chris Urwin

Director of Research, Real Assets

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Melanie Collett

Head of UK Asset Management

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Mark Meiklejon

Head of Real Asset Investment Specialists

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For further information, please contact our investment sales team.

Real assets views

Navigating the path to net zero: An interview with Jill Rutter

12 Nov 2020

There is a large gulf between the concept of ‘net zero’ and the practical policies that will deliver it. Jill Rutter, senior fellow at the Institute for Government, takes a hard look at the UK’s progress towards the 2050 target.

Real assets and net zero: Now for the hard part

29 Oct 2020

There is no lack of willingness among investors in real assets to play their part in helping countries reach net zero by 2050. But much needs to change – and quickly, as Laurence Monnier explains.

Remote working is on the rise, but the office remains indispensable

26 Oct 2020

While the COVID-19 lockdown has highlighted the possibilities of home working, bringing people together in offices is still the best way to spur innovation and productivity, says Jonathan Bayfield.

Overcoming underwriting obstacles in a pandemic and beyond

16 Oct 2020

The near-term disruption caused by the coronavirus has been testing for real estate borrowers seeking finance and originators. Gregor Bamert explains why new deals are still possible for those able to look through short-term uncertainty.

When equity becomes debt: The untapped potential of amortising-lease real estate

9 Oct 2020

Pension schemes seeking alternatives to bonds may find amortising leases a compelling option, writes Luke Layfield.

Fit for the future: Unboxing ESG in real assets

5 Oct 2020

Recent events have highlighted the importance of the environmental, social and governance characteristics of real asset investments – not only as part of COVID-19 recovery programmes, but also as a way of futureproofing portfolios.

Logistics: ‘Last mile’ or further to run?

29 Sep 2020

The roll out of free next-day delivery to more than 100 million Amazon Prime members announced in 2019 underline its commitment to cementing its lead position as an online retail behemoth.

Fibre broadband: The need for speed

9 Sep 2020

Swipe right: The Tinder effect on real estate

24 Aug 2020

It can be hard to perceive how society, and consequently our use of real estate, is changing. Sometimes, major structural trends are hiding in plain sight, says Chris Urwin.

Five charts that show Manchester is a city of the future

20 Aug 2020

In this short, visual article we present five charts that show why Manchester is such a rich, vibrant and economically prosperous city. Our view is that the ingredients of connectivity, culture, talent, scale and scientific heritage make the city well-equipped to thrive in the coming years and decades.

The new rules of client engagement

18 Aug 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic reshapes our working lives, asset managers must find new ways to interact with their clients, says Apiramy Jeyarajah.

Electric avenue: EVs and the transformation of autos

13 Aug 2020

In the latest instalment of our editorial series, Link, experts from our infrastructure, credit research and equity teams discuss why efforts to ‘build back better’ as economies recover from COVID-19 could further accelerate investment in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure.

Education, entrepreneurship and biological age: An interview with Andrew Scott

6 Aug 2020

In part two of our interview with Professor Andrew Scott from London Business School, we look at how policy will shift to take account of people living for longer and how service providers will respond.

Longevity, policy and technology: An interview with Andrew Scott

6 Aug 2020

Living longer brings enormous opportunities to reshape how we spend our time. But in the first of a two-part interview, Andrew Scott from London Business School explains how advances in longevity and technology have not been matched by innovation in social structures or our approach to financial planning.

Reality bites: Retailing in a health crisis

5 Aug 2020

In the latest instalment of our editorial series, Link, experts from Aviva Investors’ credit, equities and real asset teams discuss the consequences of COVID-19 on the retail sector and their implications for investors.

How to build back better, greener and faster: A 10-point plan for UK infrastructure

14 Jul 2020

Boris Johnson has called for an ‘infrastructure revolution’ to help lift the UK economy out of its coronavirus-induced malaise. Private capital could and should play a large role alongside the public purse in delivering on that ambition, as Darryl Murphy sets out in a blueprint for the industry.

Our approach

Strategies in focus

Real Assets Study 2020

Key risks

Real assets in focus

Real assets team

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Real assets views

Professional investor

Private investor