All Opinion articles – Page 54
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OpinionPost-truths about 2016
Editorial: The year that is coming to an end might be remembered in the pensions industry as one of referendums and defined benefit battles.
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OpinionThere is no one-size-fits-all for comparing fid man performance
In the past, some fiduciary managers were all too quick to cite differing constraints and objectives as obstacles to standardising performance metrics.
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OpinionQROPS: Between expat need and tax loophole
Analysis: Moving to live or work abroad is not, for most people, logistically straightforward, and planning ahead is key to ensure a smooth transition, particularly when considering long-term financial requirements, including pensions.
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OpinionIndependent governance committees – what lies ahead for 2017?
From March 2015, providers of contract-based defined contribution schemes are required by the Financial Conduct Authority to have an independent governance committee that regularly reports back.
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OpinionHow to decide what is in members' interests
The challenges facing trustees of defined benefit schemes have grown dramatically over recent years. At times of such difficulty, it can help to go back to the basic principles of good trusteeship.
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OpinionHow to protect yourself from complaints and litigation
From the blog: Pensions and their governance framework are becoming increasingly complex while, at the same time, the role of scheme trustees is coming under extra scrutiny.
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Opinion
Can global DB experience help the UK out of crisis?
UK pensions, we are often told, are in crisis. Sustained downward pressure on yields have widened scheme deficits over the year, with the prospect of higher inflation just another concern to add to trustees’ agendas.
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OpinionHow you can encourage employees to save more
The trouble with saving, especially saving for retirement, is that most people find it hard to decide what to wear in the morning, let alone deciding and planning what they might need in 20, 30 or even 40 years’ time.
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OpinionWhere are the best opportunities for equity investment?
The ebb and flow of equity markets has created winners and losers during the long-running equity bull market. The best opportunities are open to investors ready to take an active and contrarian approach.
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OpinionEnable savers to take ownership of their money
We all know the pensions industry has seen a huge amount of change in recent years. One of the key challenges we face now is how we best explain these reforms, and what they mean for the ordinary saver, to the wider public.
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OpinionThe battle for members’ pensions
From the blog: Battle lines are being drawn and two sides are developing on how past pension promises should be managed.
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OpinionAutumn Statement: Last but not least
Editorial: Chancellor Philip Hammond has tried his best to deliver an Autumn Statement the pensions industry would for once be pleased with.
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OpinionCan illiquid investments help weather market mayhem?
Once again, global financial markets are in shock. Donald Trump’s surprise election as US president has seen many bond markets sell off sharply while some equities have soared, particularly those in sectors expected to benefit from Trump policies, like healthcare, mining and financials.
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Opinion
Illiquid assets: Latest fad or the future of DC investment?
Analysis: Defined contribution investments are still far less sophisticated than those of many defined benefit plans, but there is growing support for making illiquid assets such as infrastructure or private equity part of DC default funds.
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OpinionWhere to look for global credit investments
The year could end as it began for bond markets: amid a wave of event-driven volatility. Following the presidential election, the US market has rushed to price in the risk of successful reflationary policies and concomitant tightening of monetary policy.
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OpinionPLSA: The cost of inaction cannot be ignored
There are 27.3m people in the UK who are benefiting, or will benefit, from a defined benefit scheme, and these schemes are of great importance to the UK economy.
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OpinionTackle covert discrimination in auto-enrolment
From the blog: In recent months, much attention has been given to the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign. This has brought the issue of gender inequality in pension legislation into sharp focus.
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OpinionLow 50/50 take-up means assumptions must be revised
Recent demographic analysis highlights the fact that the new Local Government Pension Scheme 50/50 option – where members pay half of contributions in return for half of the benefits – has not yet captured imaginations.
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OpinionDelayed gratification and the spirit of the 60s
Editorial: The marshmallow test is one of the best demonstrations of humans struggling to opt for delayed reward over instant gratification.
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Opinion
What is limiting scheme uptake of smart beta products?
Is a lack of education and transparency around smart beta confusing schemes and trustees? AQR's Scott Richardson, Capital Cranfield's Jonathan Reynolds, RPMI Railpen's Steve Artingstall, SpenceJohnson's Robert Holford and Xerox HR Services' Simon Hill examine the challenges facing the sector.