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.
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

Key risks
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.
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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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'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.
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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.
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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.
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Real assets team

Mark Versey
Chief Executive Officer*
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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
Managing Director, Asset Management, Real Assets
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Mark Meiklejon
Head of Real Asset Investment Specialists
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Need more information?
For further information, please contact our investment sales team.
Real assets views

RPI reform: The implications for real assets
22 Feb 2021
With the methodology for calculating the UK Retail Prices Index set to change in 2030, we explore the implications for real assets.
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Virtual reality: How COVID-19 is reshaping the world of work
27 Jan 2021
While the coronavirus pandemic has devastated livelihoods, it also presents an opportunity for companies and policymakers to reinvent the world of work. The future is full of possibilities – but no easy answers.
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Investing for impact in private debt to combat climate change
21 Jan 2021
Impact investment strategies will have an important role to play if the green credentials of the world’s stock of real estate is to be transformed, argue Gregor Bamert and Stanley Kwong.
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Building back better: The path to net zero
18 Jan 2021
While much of the world’s focus continues to be on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis also requires urgent attention. The number of countries and companies supporting the move to a lower-carbon world is growing, but practical challenges remain. How can we build back better after COVID, and navigate to a cleaner, safer and sustainable world?
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Our annual letter to company chairpersons
15 Jan 2021
As part of our engagement efforts, every January we send a letter to the chairs of companies we invest in (and some we don’t, but still want to use our influence with) to set out our stewardship priorities for the year. Here, in full, is our 2021 letter.
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Hydrogen: Back to the future
18 Dec 2020
The UK is the latest country to accelerate plans to develop hydrogen as part of its push to reach net zero. But it is not the first time hydrogen has attracted attention – it has been trumpeted by the scientific community as a possible wonder fuel for around a century. So, what’s changed now?
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COVID recovery, net zero and policy: The outlook for UK infrastructure in 2021
16 Dec 2020
Darryl Murphy assesses the current state of the UK infrastructure market and the likely drivers of activity in 2021.
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Relative value, ‘normality’ and polarisation: The outlook for real estate in 2021
16 Dec 2020
Souad Cherfouh, head of real estate investment strategy, and Jonathan Bayfield, head of UK and Irish real estate research, look at three themes that could characterise the real estate market in 2021 and beyond.
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COVID, remote working and building back better: The stories that defined real assets in 2020
16 Dec 2020
We select some of our key pieces of content on real asset markets in a dramatic year.
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COVID, climate and Black Lives Matter: The stories that defined 2020
10 Dec 2020
We select some of our key pieces of content in a year of unending drama.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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