Justin Owens, CFA, FSA, EA

Justin Owens

Director, Investment Strategy & Solutions

B.S., Actuarial Science, Brigham Young University
Fellow, Society of Actuaries
Fellow, Conference of Consulting Actuaries
CFA Charterholder, CFA Institute
Enrolled Actuary, JBEA

Justin Owens is a director in Russell Investments' Investment Strategy & Solutions team based in Seattle. As a subject matter expert on defined benefit plans, Justin regularly publishes research on risk management and investment strategy topics for DB plan sponsors. Justin is also responsible for the completion and presentation of strategic reviews (asset/liability studies) and risk-budgeting exercises for clients and prospects.

Justin ensures strategic reviews are completed in compliance with current actuarial funding laws and accounting standards, performed using industry best practices. As part of the strategic review process, Justin educates clients on the impact of current pension industry regulations and trends, including best practices for funding and investment strategies.

Before joining Russell in 2012, Justin was a consulting actuary for a large actuarial firm. There he consulted with clients on a range of retirement issues. Specific areas of expertise included funding and accounting valuations on corporate and multiemployer defined benefit and retiree medical plans; asset/liability forecasting; actuarial assumption reviews; and benefits administration. Justin also held training and recruiting responsibilities.

Justin currently sits on the Investment Section Council for the Society of Actuaries and volunteers as an exam writer for the Investment Risk Management exam for fellowship-level actuarial candidates.

Justin's published works include the following:

$20 billion club: 2023 update

March 2023
Our annual report on publicly-listed U.S. corporations with the largest pension liabilities reveals some surprising findings from 2022. Take a look at the trends this group offers the wider corporate pension community.

2022 Prudent pension funding report

November 2022
Our 2022 Prudent Pension Funding Report reveals that even in a volatile market environment, most (86%) corporate pension plans can achieve full funding without a significant draw on corporate free cash flow, based on 2021 disclosures and market and interest rate movement so far in 2022.

Risk transfer potholes: How to avoid them or brace for impact

October 2022
Considering a risk transfer? Here are some potential challenges and red flags to be aware of.

Defined benefit plan terminations: Funding and investment strategies

October 2022
Thinking of terminating your DB plan? How should the decision affect your funding and investment strategies? Read how to avoid pitfalls and make the best use of available resources.

Why non-profits should consider private credit

January 2022
Can private credit provide higher returns and less volatility? Check out what a recent case study reveals.

Risk transfer options and considerations

May 2020
Are risk transfer solutions appropriate for your organization? Discover options to determine if it fits well within your long-term risk management goals.

Simplifying the LDI story: Focusing on the three DB hedge ratio levers

April 2020
An investment strategy that is conducive to maintaining a fully funded status. See how three DB hedge ratio levers can help mitigate some of the plan’s risks.

Strategic asset allocation reviews for DB plan sponsors

April 2020

This paper focuses on the strategic asset allocation review process and how it assists the sponsor in setting an appropriate asset allocation for the DB plan and its beneficiaries.

Return requirements for DB plan portfolios

August 2019
A variety of objectives and circumstances will dictate return needs. Let us help explain and breakdown the return requirements for defined benefit plan portfolios.

A guide to pension plan hibernation

May 2019
Don’t ignore the hibernation stage. The hibernation stage can serve as a stepping stone to plan termination that reduces risk and cost. See our guide.