All articles by Benjamin Mercer – Page 13
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NewsFiduciary managers downplay pandemic disruptions
More than three-quarters of fiduciary managers endured control failures in 2020, despite “widespread claims” to the contrary, according to a new report from IC Select.
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NewsAlmost half of workers cannot afford to save for retirement
On the go: Almost half (47 per cent) of individuals not yet in retirement say that spiralling costs have left them unable to save, according to a survey from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.
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NewsTimms questions compensation cap on Financial Assistance Scheme
On the go: Stephen Timms MP, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, has written to pensions minister Guy Opperman seeking clarity over the compensation cap placed on the Financial Assistance Scheme.
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NewsMore universities join USS strike
On the go: The University and College Union has secured the support of yet more institutions in its campaign for strike action over member benefit cuts in the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
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NewsTweaking the charge cap will not solve DC illiquids conundrum
As the government’s consultation on removing performance fees from the charge cap — designed to assist defined contribution schemes looking to invest in illiquids — closed on Tuesday, industry experts have warned that the measure may make very little difference, and may in fact prove counterproductive.
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NewsMPs support CDC development, call for DWP to scrap statement season
In a wide-ranging report, the Work and Pensions Committee has recommended that the government continue its work on collective defined contribution schemes and, separately, scrap the proposals for a “statement season” favoured by pensions minister Guy Opperman.
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NewsInvestment managers’ boardrooms lagging on ESG
On the go: Investment managers lack environmental, social and governance experience at boardroom level, with less than a quarter having mandatory training for board members, according to new research.
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NewsThe Pension SuperFund revamps executive structure
On the go: The Pension SuperFund has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer as part of a governance shakeup as it awaits authorisation from the Pensions Regulator.
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NewsDWP tweaks 'stronger nudge' in response to industry complaints
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced several changes to its proposed “stronger nudge” in response to industry concerns, with the aim being to lessen the burden of administering them.
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NewsAccountancy institute publishes DB guidance for auditors
On the go: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has published new guidance aimed at helping auditors understand defined benefit pension scheme figures and establishing best practice when filing requests for information.
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NewsOpperman rules out mandatory guidance for 50-year-olds
Pensions minister Guy Opperman has ruled out the prospect of automatic appointments for 50-year-olds with Pension Wise as it would be expensive and ineffective.
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PodcastsPodcast: DC focus must ‘fundamentally shift’ from costs to value in 2022
Podcast: The focus on defined contribution scheme offerings must “fundamentally shift” from costs to value for money in 2022 if better outcomes are to be achieved. Darren Philp, director of policy and communication at Smart Pension, and Mike Ambery, partner at Hymans Robertson, discuss the DC outlook, expanding auto-enrolment, and reforming Solvency II.
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NewsAccess pool criticised by LGPS board over policy failings
Investment pool Access has earned the ire of the Local Government Pension Scheme Advisory Board, having failed to implement a policy on member representation that was decided in 2017.
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NewsHigh Court rebuffs police officers’ McCloud judicial review
The High Court has rejected a judicial review claim brought by the Police Superintendents’ Association against the government’s McCloud consultation, despite finding legal errors in the process.
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NewsSociété Générale transfers scheme to Aegon Master Trust
On the go: Société Générale has announced the bulk transfer of its trust-based scheme into the Aegon Master Trust, a move it says will “enhance the savings journey” of 4,500 members.
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NewsLGPS seeks UN clarity on Israel investment comments
On the go: The Local Government Pension Committee and the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum are to arrange a call with UN special rapporteur Michael Lynk, seeking clarity over his comments on investments in contested Israeli settlements.
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NewsParliament moves to ban flat fees on small pots
On the go: Regulations have been laid before parliament that will see flat fees banned for pots of under £100, which the government hopes will benefit hundreds of thousands of savers.
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NewsPolice officers reiterate McCloud criticisms in consultation response
A campaign group representing police officers dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the 2015 public sector pension reforms have reiterated their complaints in response to the McCloud consultation, calling for the changes to be reversed.
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NewsIndustry suggests improvements to climate reporting requirements
Industry experts have broadly welcomed proposals from the Department for Work and Pensions to introduce a suite of new climate and investment reporting requirements, but cautioned that there are still improvements to be made.
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NewsCorporate services company acquires trustee firm PTL
On the go: Zedra, a corporate services and fund solutions company, is expanding its UK pensions offering with the acquisition of trustee firm and governance provider PTL.