All articles by Sophia Imeson – Page 13
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News
Increased use of RAAs is 'inevitable', experts say
The Pensions Regulator has agreed a regulated apportionment arrangement with Hoover, as experts say the number of RAAs, as well as the amount of due diligence involved, is likely to increase.
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Features
IMI derisks with buy-in and Pie
Specialist engineering company IMI has completed a pension increase exchange exercise and a buy-in, as trustees become more comfortable with liability management measures.
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NewsFCA final rule changes unlikely to help, experts say
The Financial Conduct Authority has published its final rules on requiring firms to provide an information prompt to consumers to improve shopping around in the annuity market, setting out a number of changes including an enhanced annuity warning.
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News
Ideas from overseas can up engagement, report finds
The Pensions Policy Institute has published a report looking at consumer engagement with pensions and financial products across the world, highlighting numerous lessons the UK can learn from overseas.
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FeaturesHP sets up trustee company in simplification push
The Hewlett Packard Limited Retirement Benefits Plan has changed the structure of its trustee board to a trustee company, in a move to simplify processes while increasing scrutiny of trustee actions.
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Features
Is there a risk of crowding in smart beta?
Is there a risk of factor‑based portfolios becoming crowded, with increasing popularity potentially leading to overpricing and lower future returns? Eric Shirbini from ERI Scentific Beta, Julien Barral from bfinance, Alan Pickering from Bestrustees, James Price from Willis Towers Watson and Paul Black from Capital Cranfield debate whether crowding really is an issue within smart beta.
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NewsBA judgment shows value of diligent minute-taking
British Airways has lost a legal battle against the Airways Pension Scheme involving the trustees' decision to introduce a 0.2 per cent discretionary increase, as experts have stressed the importance of carefully documenting all decision-making processes.
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FeaturesManchester University upgrades investment strategy
Trustees of the Manchester University Superannuation Scheme have adopted a new liability-driven investment strategy, while dropping a UK equity mandate in favour of global equities.
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News
Advice suitable but disclosure too complex, finds FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority has published the findings from its review into the suitability of pensions and investment advice, but while the results are reassuring, experts say more needs to be done to make advice less convoluted.
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Features
How DC schemes should approach smart beta
How should defined contribution schemes approach smart beta, and how will environmental, social and governance focused investment change the sector? Eric Shirbini from ERI Scentific Beta, Julien Barral from bfinance, Alan Pickering from Bestrustees, James Price from Willis Towers Watson and Paul Black from Capital Cranfield discuss.
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FeaturesS&N dives into infra and absolute return funds
The Scottish & Newcastle Pension Plan has agreed to introduce a new allocation to infrastructure debt while increasing its absolute return exposure, as schemes seek steady returns and diversification.
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NewsBlockchain and bitcoin: Trustees urged to adapt to change
Many are still unfamiliar with the concept of bitcoin and blockchain, but experts say the pensions industry must engage with technology and accept change to adapt to an increasingly digital world.
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Opinion
What the DB green paper might (not) change
Millions of savers across the UK rely on defined benefits to fund all or part of their retirement, but threats to member security, illustrated by a number of high profile cases over recent years, are rocking the boat.
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Opinion
What drives the appetite for smart beta among UK pension schemes?
What is drawing pension schemes to smart beta? Eric Shirbini from ERI Scientific Beta, Julien Barral from bfinance, Alan Pickering from Bestrustees, James Price from Willis Towers Watson and Paul Black from Capital Cranfield discuss transparency and trustee training.
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Opinion
Should trustees review their advisers more often?
Analysis: There are myriad tasks involved in running a pension scheme, so time is precious and efficiency is key. But when it comes to evaluating advice, how can trustees measure performance, and should they be reviewing their consultants more frequently?
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FeaturesSuffolk scheme fills gaps with greenfield infra
The Suffolk Pension Fund has added to its alternatives allocation, including a commitment to illiquid credit and an investment in a greenfield infrastructure fund, as experts have highlighted the importance of good governance when investing in illiquids.
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News
Small employers urged to plan ahead as more miss staging deadline
A rising number of small employers are missing their auto-enrolment staging deadline, a new study has shown, as experts highlight the importance of being prepared and planning ahead to make sure employees benefit from a pension.
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NewsMPs call for government to put brakes on 'free riding' gig economy firms
The Work and Pensions Committee has called for employee and self-employed national insurance contributions to be equalised, arguing that following the introduction of the new state pension, the self-employed contribute far less.
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FeaturesVauxhall boosts LDI and DGFs in scheme overhaul
The Vauxhall pension plan has restructured its asset allocation by increasing exposure to liability-driven investments and diversified growth funds, as experts agree these are “sensible” steps to take.
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News
Annuity purchasers regret decision as confusion 'remains rife'
Despite widespread confusion, most defined contribution savers are happy with the retirement choices they have made in light of the introduction of freedom and choice, with the exception of those who have purchased an annuity, a survey has found.