Real estate funds for asset managers

At the start of this year, Francesca McDonagh was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Investment Group. Jochen Meyers, who will take on the role of Group Head of Relationship Management as of October 1, sat down with Francesca to discuss her first impressions of Universal Investment, her plans for the business, and how Germans and Irish can benefit from each other.

Reducing economic dependency, managing the energy transition, expanding infrastructure, promoting education as a resource, boosting defense - the sheer volume of challenges is pushing states to their limits. In numerous areas, much more private capital needs to be mobilised to tackle the tasks ahead. An interview with Prof Dr Moritz Schularick from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Road and rail networks need to be expanded and upgraded, city centres should become less car-dependent, and efficient data centres are crucial for the future viability of an economic area. In addition, there is a growing need for senior housing, nursing homes, and significant investments are required in the education system, such as schools and kindergartens. Clearly, substantial investments in infrastructure will be necessary over the coming years, as the energy transition also requires solid and long-term financing. To achieve the European Union’s goal of making Europe greenhouse gas-neutral by 2050, private funds must supplement public investments in building and expanding infrastructure.