Canada

In the absence of market mammoths, firms raising for once-niche strategies such as concentrated-asset deals and preferred equity populated this year's list.

The alternatives giant has closed at least three balance-sheet real estate secondaries deals prior to launching a formal fundraise for the strategy.

Suyi Kim, previously head of Asia at the Canadian pension giant, has been named to lead its private equity unit globally.

Shane Feeney, who has been responsible for overseeing the pension giant's roughly $101bn private equity portfolio, will join as global head of secondaries.

The pension moderated the pace of new secondaries commitments, citing a high risk/return bar amid decreased market activity as a result of the pandemic.

The $91bn Brookfield Infrastructure Group plans to seed capital to support a third-party fundraise.

The Canadian pension giant is rebuilding following the departures of group head Michael Woolhouse and European lead Nik Morandi.

The firm has added 29 staff this year, including two from British Columbia Investment Management Corporation and Citco Canada.

The asset management giant's chief executive has said the strategy is a 'meaningful extension' for the firm.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board's recent transaction shows that even at a time of considerable economic uncertainty, big, diversified portfolios can sell – and at a good price.