All Defined benefit articles – Page 172
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NewsSwallowfield charts new route with scheme closure
The latest scheme to pull up the drawbridge on defined benefit accrual, Swallowfield has enhanced its defined contribution offering for members, but consultants have urged caution against “sleepwalking” into bigger deficits.
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Barclays scheme probes impact of ringfencing
Barclays is assessing which of its entities will participate in the bank’s UK Retirement Fund from 2026, when ringfencing regulations become fully effective, as schemes across the sector face up to complex covenant questions.
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Consultancy looks to group small schemes for bulk annuity scale
Consultancy KPMG is looking to group small schemes together before bringing them to the bulk insurance market, allowing them to better access the buy-in and buyout markets, but rivals have said governance could prove a challenge.
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NewsCostly equalisation error: Morrisons handed £100m liability by High Court ruling
A High Court ruling on the benefits for 15,000 former Safeway workers has added a £100m liability to current owner Morrison’s defined benefit obligation, pointing to the difficulties involved in equalisation.
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FeaturesUnilever refines DB and DC investment after review
Pension fund trustees at consumer goods giant Unilever undertook a review of the UK pension scheme's overall strategy last year and have implemented several changes across the defined benefit and defined contribution sections.
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FeaturesMarket effects of possible Brexit throw up investment questions
Analysis: Trustees must consider how growing uncertainty over the UK’s future in the European Union could hit their holdings, consultants have said, identifying both headwinds and opportunities en route to the referendum.
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Pie generates £23m for Centrica
Utilities provider Centrica has saved £23m on future pension liabilities after a pension increase exchange was taken up by a quarter of retired participants across three of its defined benefit sections.
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Regulation and markets force schemes to step up on governance
Efforts to cope with a combination of market volatility and demographic shift towards an older population are causing pension schemes to re-examine and improve their governance structures, research from State Street this week showed.
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Features
BMA hunts for yield with long-lease property
The British Medical Association Pension Scheme has invested in long-lease property since 2007, enabling the fund to 'smooth the ride' through long-term property cycles while securing a fixed income stream.
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LGPS meets first pooling landmark
The Local Government Pension Scheme submitted initial proposals for asset pooling last week, but talks between funds are ongoing as the scheme works to meet government benchmarks.
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NewsNHS cash for pensions offer could open loophole
An NHS trust has come under scrutiny for offering nurses cash to opt out of the pension scheme, which experts have said could lead to other employers copying the move.
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FeaturesIsle of Man faces up to DB sustainability question
The Isle of Man government last week made clear its intention to further reform public sector pensions on the island, a microcosm of UK schemes struggling to remain sustainable.
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NewsIndustry concern over government's 'dangerous' ESG proposals
A proposal that would empower the government to intervene in local government pension investment decisions where they contradict British foreign policy has raised concern in the pensions industry.
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Features
Weathering the storm: How to tackle scheme closure
Analysis: Defined benefit scheme closures present significant challenges to all parties involved, but how can sponsors ensure they engage their workforce in meaningful consultation?
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Features
BA transfer value review puts spotlight on older members
Trustees of the British Airways Pension Scheme have rebalanced the scheme’s transfer value basis towards younger members, but anticipate the net impact of the shift will be cost neutral to its funding position.
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FeaturesBritish Coal derisks to support structural change
The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme has revised its asset allocation, which included selling equities and buying government bonds, following changes to the scheme’s structure.
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Transfers to be streamlined as more ask for quotes
The Pensions Regulator will introduce new guidance to ensure transfers between defined contribution schemes are completed promptly, the government said last week. This comes as defined benefit transfer values recovered in January after hitting a low in December.
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NewsM&S scheme in ample surplus as hedge pays off
The Marks and Spencer Pension Scheme has swung into surplus, thanks to a combination of outperformance of return-seeking assets and full hedging of interest rate risk, the company said last week.
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NewsOmbudsman ill-health decision underscores complexity for members
Schemes have been urged to maintain open channels of communication with employers and members around ill-health benefits after an ombudsman determination ruled against a member’s attempt to "rewrite history".
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NewsRM deficit reduction highlights need to be proactive
Online teaching tools supplier RM has shortened its recovery plan and reduced its deficit by more than £10m using a combination of contributions, updated member information and a buy-in.