All articles by Sophia Imeson – Page 15
-
News
Keep it simple when exploring new strategies
PLSA Investment Conference 2017: While smart beta has been labelled a cost-effective option for schemes looking for higher returns than a market cap index, trustees turning to these types of strategy have been advised to keep things simple while focusing on governance and costs.
-
News
AE review: Tension between engagement and inertia comes to the fore
PLSA Investment Conference 2017: With the Department for Work and Pensions’ review of auto-enrolment underway, advisory groups are seeking views on engagement, contributions and coverage, but questions remain over the necessity of engagement and the pensions reality in other countries.
-
FeaturesMore pensioners to be offered Pie at Metal Box
The Metal Box Pension Scheme is planning to offer a pension increase exchange to more pensioner members this year, having offered one to some members in 2015.
-
NewsPLSA ‘superfunds’ solution gets lukewarm reception
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association is calling on the government to facilitate consolidation while creating a regulatory framework for the creation of superfunds, but the proposal has seen a muted response.
-
News
Government to appeal ruling on discrimination
The government is set to appeal the employment tribunal’s recent verdict that more than 200 judges suffered discrimination as a result of pension changes. Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union is planning to challenge the result of a similar discrimination case, which it lost this year.
-
FeaturesBAE Systems' Airbus section ready for take-off
British defence giant BAE Systems has created a new scheme section for Airbus employees, to increase transparency while giving direct responsibility to the companies involved.
-
News
Buyouts more affordable but only for a handful of schemes
Buyouts have become more feasible as annuity pricing for non-pensioners has improved, but some experts say many schemes still have a long way to go before being able to afford a buyout or buy-in transaction.
-
FeaturesMPs’ scheme votes for secured loans over REITs
The Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund has simplified its property portfolio and invested proceeds in a European loans mandate, with a view to generating income.
-
News
Regulatory risk seen as main challenge for infra investors
Pension funds across the world face a wide range of issues when it comes to investing in infrastructure, but for some, political risk and lack of supply are the biggest barriers.
-
NewsThe jury is still out on robo-advice
The pensions industry must focus on technology and consumer engagement to keep up with changing demographics and work habits, but opinions are divided over whether robo-advice is the best solution.
-
News
'Greenest of green papers' explores DB sustainability options but lacks urgency
A wide-ranging government green paper is exploring a number of possible changes to improve the sustainability of defined benefit schemes, but although experts welcomed the variety of issues discussed, some noted a lack of urgency.
-
News
DCIF: Mastertrusts must up their game on investment design
Mastertrusts must place greater importance on investment design to achieve the best possible outcomes for members, a new study suggests.
-
FeaturesCancer Research scheme takes the plunge into LDI
Trustees of Cancer Research UK’s defined benefit pension fund have put in place a new liability-driven investment allocation, minimising funding volatility following the EU referendum.
-
News
Treasury triples advice allowance but limits withdrawals
The Treasury has tripled the pensions advice allowance to £1,500, allowing people to take part of their defined contribution pots early to put towards retirement advice, but some experts say limiting withdrawals to £500 per tax year is still too restrictive.
-
News
Greater flexibility needed to cope with growing longevity
The Department for Work and Pensions has called on employers to facilitate working at an older age so over-50s benefit from the same opportunities as their younger counterparts.
-
NewsDairy Crest churns up a new investment strategy
The Dairy Crest Pension Fund has derisked while restructuring its investment portfolio by moving away from UK investment grade credit and ‘going global’, as schemes continue to reassess the purpose of their credit exposures.
-
News
Trustees overlook strategic objectives due to deficit distraction
Deficits distract the majority of trustees from focusing on the ultimate goal of paying members’ pensions, recent research has found, but some experts highlighted the role of covenant strength and scheme size in deciding where the priority should be.
-
OpinionIndustry on right track with diversity initiatives, but further change is needed
Any other business: The need for greater diversity across the pensions and asset management industry is evident, so what progress has been made so far to improve the situation?
-
NewsTrustees told to focus less on market volatility
From Brexit to Trump, the political events of 2016 added to market uncertainty throughout the year, but trustees should take care not to be too fixated on volatility.
-
FeaturesLuxfer Group ups DGFs in portfolio restructure
Global materials technology company Luxfer Group has restructured the growth portfolio of its defined benefit scheme to invest in diversified growth funds, as research has predicted continued demand for these strategies.