Investment gains lift long-term returns across equity and credit portfolios
WISE Trust Pension Plan has reached a funded status of 107%, its highest level since the organization was founded in 2020, the plan announced Thursday.
The Ontario-based pension plan, which represents more than 10,000 workplace safety and insurance workers, reported a net annual return of 8.1% in 2025, with total net assets of $4.8 billion, according to a news release issued April 16.
Chief executive officer Chris Brown said the results came despite a difficult global environment.
“In another year marked by geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, we are proud to deliver robust returns and give members peace of mind with the continued upward trajectory of our funded status,” Brown said. “WISE Trust exists to provide long-term retirement security for our members. Our strong investment returns in 2025 stand as a testament to our dedication to delivering on our pension promise.”
The plan attributed its 2025 performance primarily to strong results in its public equity and global credit asset classes. Over a five-year period, the plan posted an annualized return of 5.8%, while its 10-year net return stood at 6.2%.
WISE Trust is an independent pension organization responsible for administering the WSIB Employees’ Pension Plan, which transitioned from a single-employer plan to a jointly sponsored pension plan (JSPP) in 2020. Its investment assets are managed exclusively by the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO).
Chief financial officer and vice-president of risk Theodor Heldman credited the plan’s disciplined investment approach for the outcome.
“Our strong investment performance is a result of management’s close collaboration with IMCO and disciplined investment policies,” Heldman said. “Our diverse portfolio and evolving asset allocation, informed by rigorous long-term modelling, continues to strengthen our long-term position while delivering a strong annual result.”
IMCO manages the plan’s $4.8-billion asset base in accordance with WISE Trust’s Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures and its strategic asset allocation framework.
The plan’s 2025 annual report is scheduled for release in June 2026.
