--- title: Peer Intelligence Winter 2025 --- Peer Intelligence Winter 2025 | View in browser Winter 2025 Letter from our CEO The beta version of CEM’s Data Quality Scorecard has rolled out.  When you get your scorecard, what actions could you take?    In a recent edition of Peer Intelligence, I discussed CEM’s strong commitment to data quality and the actions we take to ensure the quality of the data we receive. Our latest initiative is the introduction of a Data Quality Scorecard for every participant in our Investment Benchmarking Subscription.   The scorecard is a fund-specific assessment of the investment performance and cost data provided to CEM, along with the timeliness of that data. This assessment is based on CEM’s Global Reporting Principles, which were developed with the support of an Advisory Board comprising seven leading global funds.     This year, we have shared the Data Quality Scorecard separately from our comprehensive benchmarking reports, sending it specifically with key decision-makers at each fund. Our objective is to gather your feedback and, over time, enhance both the rigour of the assessment and its integration with our benchmarking analyses. Additionally, we aim to include Data Quality Scorecards for our Defined Contribution Benchmarking and Pension Administration Benchmarking subscribers in the next year.     Why invest this much effort in data scoring?  To quote an age-old CEM axiom: “What gets measured, gets managed”.  When you receive your score, we recommend the following steps:  Understand the Score: Take the time to review the scorecard, which highlights the gaps that need to be addressed to improve your future score. Discuss Internally: Often, missing data may be readily available but was not provided to CEM. If you have this data now, please contact your CEM Relationship Manager. Engage with Managers or Service Providers: Many data gaps can be filled with better information from asset managers. Often, requesting this information is a straightforward process. Learn from Peers: If you're having trouble obtaining key data from a third party, chances are that another member of the CEM community has experience with that same provider. With permission, we are happy to facilitate connections so you can share insights. Be Aware of the Standards: We will gradually raise the difficulty level in the scoring rubric. Your fund should review the criteria and prepare for future changes. Provide Feedback: Since this is a beta test, we anticipate areas for improvement. Your feedback is crucial to this process, so please feel free to email us or reach out to your CEM Relationship Manager. Thank you to everyone who has contributed insights and support in developing and implementing the Data Quality Scorecards. Our industry benefits greatly from your efforts.   Turning to a few items I would love to highlight in this month’s issues of Peer Intelligence.  Our 2025 Global Leader's study shows that Private Credit is becoming essential for pension funds strategies, however, inconsistent benchmarking presents challenges. In our coffee chat with Tanya Durr, she shares stories from her 23-year journey at CEM Benchmarking. Janjaap shares tips for those getting ready to for this year's DC survey and looking to submit with ease. Thanks, as always, for reading,  Rashay  Rashay Jethalal, CEO Rashay@cembenchmarking.com Bps and Bites Race Against Metrics: Private Credit Adoption Accelerates, but Benchmarking Lags   Private Credit is becoming a key part of pension fund strategies, but uneven benchmarking creates challenges. Read about the latest trends from CEM's 2025 Global Leaders study.  Read More "Key Strokes" Easier DC survey submissions  In this video, Janjaap shares how you can simplify your DC survey submissions by connecting with your recordkeeper or providing a list of investment tickers. Global Pension Transparency Benchmark Evidence That Measurement Drives Improvement The Global Pension Transparency Benchmark (GPTB) initiative shows how well-designed benchmarking protocols can lead to measurable improvements in pension fund transparency and performance. Read More Note of PINterest Tailoring Pension Services for Employers Exploring the diverse needs of employers in pension administration: Our 2025 best practice research delves into employer service for both large and small employers. Read More Coffee Chat  Get to know a CEMer In this engaging conversation, Tanya Durr, the Manager of Operations and a beloved member of the CEM Benchmarking team, shares her insights from 23 years at the company.  Read More CEM in the News Curated news selection from around the world Private equity and REITs generate highest returns for pension plans in 25 years CEM study reveals that private equity was the highest-returning asset class among pension plans from 1998 through 2022. Read More Should the UK really look to Canada's pension system? Canada’s pension system has become the envy of the world since pioneering the so-called Maple model at the turn of the 1990s. Read More Pension funds are a Canadian success story. Politicians must leave them alone Canadian funds thrive due to independence from political influence, ensuring effective management.   Read More Upcoming webinars this week Global Reporting Principles Jan 14, 2024 7:00 PM EST Global Reporting Principles Jan 16, 2024 8:00 AM EST To register please email: grp@cembenchmarking.com CEM Benchmarking, 372 Bay Street #1000, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2W9 Manage preferences | | --- |