Top 10 Sovereign Wealth Funds

Gulf Business brings you the top ten SWFs ranked on asset size as estimated by the SWF Institute in July 2012. 

1. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, UAE ($627 billion)

Established in 1976, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) currently handles an estimated $627 billion worth of funds. The fund’s largest investments are in North America, however, ADIA plans to shift its focus to emerging markets. The fund even brought in private equity firm AXA’s chief operating officer Christophe Florin in May this year to head its emerging markets private equity team.

Currently ADIA counts Citigroup bonds and a stake in Britain’s Gatwick Airport among its investments.

2. Government Pension Fund – Global, Norway ($593 billion)

Estimated to hold funds worth around $593 billion, up 5.8 per cent from February 2012, the Government Pension Fund-Global holds the surplus wealth produced by Norwegian petroleum income.

While more than half of the fund’s assets have been invested in Europe, the SWF recently announced that it plans to increase its geographical spread, and invest more heavily in emerging equity markets.

“The global economic and financial centres of gravity are changing and this will be reflected in the Fund’s investments,” the SWF said in a statement.

3. SAFE Investment Company, China ($567.9 billion)

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) is responsible for managing China’s foreign exchange reserves. The fund, estimated to hold funds worth $567.9 billion, has invested heavily in the UK Equity Market to date.

The fund’s top holdings include Royal Dutch Shell, Rio Tinto, Tesco and Barclays.