Thinking Ahead Institute
The Thinking Ahead Institute is a not-for-profit research and innovation network serving institutional investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and asset managers, with proprietary methodologies such as Total Portfolio Approach and benchmarking toolkits distributed via membership and global events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Thinking Ahead Institute does
The Thinking Ahead Institute is a not-for-profit research and innovation network for the institutional investment industry, launched in October 2014 as an outgrowth of Towers Watson's Thinking Ahead Group (established 2002 by Roger Urwin and Tim Hodgson) and now operating under Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: TW). Its core proposition is collaborative research and thought leadership addressing investment industry short-termism, portfolio construction inefficiency, and inadequate retirement outcomes for end savers. The Institute's intellectual property centres on the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) methodology, the 3D Investing Framework, and a suite of proprietary toolkits including an AI-enabled Organisational SWOT Dashboard, a Culture Assessment Dashboard, and a Benchmarking Tool for asset owner best practices. Content is organised into seven research hubs spanning TPA, Global Defined Contribution, Wealth, Systems Thinking, Org Alpha & Governance, Technology and AI, and Sustainability, delivered through research papers, the Investing for Tomorrow podcast, the Memo member newsletter, and global events.
The Institute serves asset owners (pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, superannuation funds), asset managers, wealth providers, and strategic partners, with a stated network of 150+ investment organisations across 100+ countries collectively responsible for over US$10 trillion in assets. The business model is membership-based and subscription-recurring: members pay annual fees for exclusive access to research, the Member Hub, private 1-2-1 leadership sessions, working groups, and proprietary toolkits; non-members can access certain projects and training programs for a fee, while public research, the Grapevine newsletter, and the podcast function as top-of-funnel acquisition channels. Willis Towers Watson provides institutional backing, global reach, and integration with its investment consulting practice, while day-to-day research and operations are led by co-founder Tim Hodgson (Head of Research) and Director of Research Jess Gao.
Thinking Ahead Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Thinking Ahead Institute
- Legal name
- Thinking Ahead Institute
- Website
- https://thinkingaheadinstitute.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Thinking Ahead Institute is a not-for-profit research and innovation network serving institutional investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and asset managers, with proprietary methodologies such as Total Portfolio Approach and benchmarking toolkits distributed via membership and global events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Thinking Ahead Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Investment Research & Advisory
- NAICS
- Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940), Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (52394), Other Financial Investment Activities (5239)
- SIC
- Investment Advice (6282), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Think Tanks, Policy Research & Public Policy Institutes (BPAGAFAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Finance & Investment Conferences (MPAGAGAG), Innovation & Design Thinking Programs (EDAMAHAD)
Keywords
Where Thinking Ahead Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
Thinking Ahead Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership fees: The Institute operates as a not-for-profit, jointly supported by Towers Watson and paying members. Asset owners, asset managers, wealth providers and strategic partners pay membership fees to access exclusive research, private sessions, and events.
- Project fees (non-members): Some projects are included in Institute membership but are available to non-members for a fee.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Thinking Ahead Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Thinking Ahead Institute is a not-for-profit global research and innovation network that produces investment research, proprietary toolkits, events, training, and tailored consulting projects for institutional investors. It sells access through a membership model aimed at asset owners, asset managers, wealth providers, and strategic partners, with non-members able to purchase certain projects and content. Its core research is organized around seven hubs: Total Portfolio Approach, Global Defined Contribution, Wealth, Systems Thinking, Org Alpha & Governance, Technology and AI, and Sustainability.
Product overview
Thinking Ahead Institute is a not-for-profit research and innovation network offering a unified platform of knowledge products and services for the investment industry. The core offering consists of research papers and publications covering investment topics (total portfolio approach, defined contribution, wealth, systems thinking, governance, technology/AI, and sustainability), complemented by the Investing for Tomorrow podcast series. Members receive access to proprietary toolkits (SWOT dashboard, culture assessment, benchmarking tools), participate in tailored 1-2-1 project sessions and consulting workshops, and attend global events and symposia. Non-members can subscribe to the Grapevine newsletter, while members receive the monthly Ahead of the Curve newsletter. Training programs are also available.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Research Papers and Publications Seminal research papers, insights, and global studies on investment topics including total portfolio approach, defined contribution, wealth management, systems thinking, governance, sustainability, and technology/AI. Aimed at institutional investors and accessible publicly with additional member-only research.
- Investing for Tomorrow Podcast Podcast series featuring industry experts discussing investment themes and pressing issues, including episodes on wealth management, climate risk, DC pensions, and technology. Distributed publicly as a top-of-funnel thought leadership channel.
- Member Newsletters (Memo / Ahead of the Curve) Monthly members-only newsletter (Memo / Ahead of the Curve) providing the latest research and events to members as part of the membership benefit package.
- Grapevine Newsletter Quarterly public newsletter for friends of the Institute, sharing latest insights, events, and opportunities. Available to anyone via subscription.
- Events and Symposia Global events year-round, both virtual and in-person, featuring expert speakers for members and the public, including DC peer study symposiums and research activities.
- Projects (1-2-1 Sessions) Tailored private engagement sessions including structured leadership sessions, consulting projects and workshops, covering strategic insights, organizational governance, culture, effectiveness, and sustainability topics. Some projects included in membership; others available to non-members for a fee.
- Training Programs Training programs and educational offerings for members of the Institute, covering topics such as Total Portfolio Approach and systems thinking.
- Proprietary Toolkits Proprietary tools including the Organisational SWOT Dashboard, Culture Assessment Dashboard, Benchmarking Tool, and TPA Best Practice Checklist for exclusive member use to assess organizational effectiveness, culture, and best practices.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over US$10 trillion in assets collectively managed by member network
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Thinking Ahead Institute
Customer profileNamed customers53 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Thinking Ahead Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Thinking Ahead Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.
- WTW (Willis Towers Watson)coreThe Thinking Ahead Institute is jointly supported by WTW (formerly Towers Watson) and paying members. WTW provides institutional backing, global reach, and integration with investment consulting practice. The Institute evolved from WTW's Thinking Ahead Group established in 2002.
- LifeSightstrategicLifeSight (WTW's master trust) collaborates with the Institute on research, including the Global DC Peer Study 2025 conducted in collaboration with LifeSight and Aware Super.
- Aware SuperstrategicAustralian superannuation fund Aware Super collaborated on the Global DC Peer Study 2025 alongside LifeSight and the Institute.
- CAIA AssociationstrategicCAIA Association collaborates on content, including podcast episodes such as 'Inside Middle East mega funds' featuring CAIA Association.
- IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change)strategicIIGCC is listed as a network/organization the Institute has worked with, indicating collaboration on climate and sustainability topics.
- Santa Fe InstitutestrategicThe Institute has held business network meetings with the Santa Fe Institute, indicating collaboration on complexity science and systems thinking in investment.
- Aegon Asset ManagementcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Affiliated Managers Group InccoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- AMP CapitalcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- AXA Investment ManagerscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Amundi Asset ManagementcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- BNP Paribas Investment PartnerscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Commonwealth Bank Group SupercoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Coronation Fund ManagerscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Dimensional Fund AdvisorscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- First State Investments / Colonial First State Global Asset ManagementcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Future FundcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Global Thematic Partners LLCcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Janus Capital GroupcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Lansdowne PartnerscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- QICcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- QSupercoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Railpen InvestmentscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- SchroderscoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- T. Rowe Price InternationalcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
- Wellington ManagementcoreMember of the Thinking Ahead Institute network with combined assets representing significant industry influence.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
Thinking Ahead Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CFA Institute: Global, not-for-profit association for investment professionals delivering research, education, credentialing, and advocacy. Highly comparable: member-based, thought leadership on stewardship and ethics, deep institutional engagement model.
- CAIA Association: Specialist global not-for-profit education body for alternative investments. Directly comparable: not-for-profit, network-driven, content and research-led engagement with institutional investors (and a listed TAI partner).
- Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI): UN-supported network of institutional signatories committed to responsible investment. Directly comparable: collaborative research, working groups, member-led agenda on stewardship and sustainability — TAI's core thematic territory.
- IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change): Investor collaborative focused on climate change and net-zero investing. TAI lists IIGCC as a network collaborator; comparable member-based advocacy body driving institutional climate strategy and disclosure.
Emerging players
- Climate Action 100+: Investor coalition engaging with corporate boards on climate. Overlaps with TAI's stewardship and sustainability research agendas and competes for membership budgets among the same institutional investor segment.
- Generation Investment Management: Sustainable investment manager founded on long-term thesis. Adjacent to TAI's sustainability and stewardship agenda and a useful comparison for institutional sustainability research depth.
Broad incumbents
- Investment Company Institute (ICI): US trade association for regulated funds. Broader, more regulatory-focused incumbent — partially overlapping on long-termism, retirement outcomes, and stewardship but with a US-centric policy and lobbying emphasis.
- SIFMA: US securities industry trade association. Incumbent in market-structure and policy advocacy; broader scope than TAI but serves overlapping buy-side and sell-side institutional members.
- BlackRock Investment Institute: Proprietary research and macro strategy unit of BlackRock, the largest asset manager. Comparable in producing institutional investment thought leadership (long-term themes, geopolitics, sustainability), though in-house rather than consortium-based.
- Willis Towers Watson (Investment business): Parent and strategic sponsor of TAI with one of the world's largest investment consulting practices. Strongly comparable (and partially co-located) on institutional asset-owner advisory, asset allocation research, and governance frameworks.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Thinking Ahead Institute social profiles
Digital presenceThinking Ahead Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Thinking Ahead Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Thinking Ahead Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Thinking Ahead Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Thinking Ahead Institute
What does Thinking Ahead Institute do?
Thinking Ahead Institute is a not-for-profit global research and innovation network that produces investment research, proprietary toolkits, events, training, and tailored consulting projects for institutional investors. It sells access through a membership model aimed at asset owners, asset managers, wealth providers, and strategic partners, with non-members able to purchase certain projects and content. Its core research is organized around seven hubs: Total Portfolio Approach, Global Defined Contribution, Wealth, Systems Thinking, Org Alpha & Governance, Technology and AI, and Sustainability.
Is Thinking Ahead Institute a public or private company?
Thinking Ahead Institute is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Thinking Ahead Institute founded?
Thinking Ahead Institute was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Thinking Ahead Institute based?
Thinking Ahead Institute is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Thinking Ahead Institute make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership fees are the primary driver. The others are project fees (non-members).
Who are Thinking Ahead Institute's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CFA Institute, CAIA Association, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and IIGCC (Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change). Emerging players are Climate Action 100+ and Generation Investment Management. Broad incumbents are Investment Company Institute (ICI), SIFMA, BlackRock Investment Institute and Willis Towers Watson (Investment business).
Does Thinking Ahead Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for Thinking Ahead Institute.
What industry is Thinking Ahead Institute in?
Thinking Ahead Institute's product category is Investment Research & Advisory. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAFAO, Think Tanks, Policy Research & Public Policy Institutes, with a secondary code of MPAGAGAG, Finance & Investment Conferences. Its NAICS code is 523940 and its SIC code is 6282.