All articles by Tom Dines – Page 8
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NewsSecondary annuities: Govt starts putting down advice parameters
Many pensioners hoping to sell their annuities on the open market will be required to seek financial advice before doing so, the government has announced, as the industry awaits further detail on the structure of the secondary annuity market.
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NewsScapa saves £600k through flexible retirement exercise
Adhesive tape manufacturer Scapa Group has saved around £600,000 by offering flexible retirement options to some deferred members of its defined benefit scheme, clearing more than £10m of liabilities.
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DB funding pressure rises but scheme closures plateau
Data Analysis: The aggregate funding level of UK defined benefit schemes has deteriorated again despite asset allocation trends moving towards lower-risk investments, but the number of schemes open to new members has stayed level.
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Voluntary saving is vital to avert poor pension outcomes
Data Analysis: Auto-enrolment and voluntary pension saving are critical to ensure good outcomes for UK retirees, a report looking at international replacement rates has this week has warned.
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The Pensions Trust tackles state pension confusion
The Pensions Trust has updated member communications to prepare for the end of contracting out, as research has shown low levels of understanding about the state pension changes.
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Knowledge sets the bar in regulator's draft DC code
The Pensions Regulator is basing its leaner draft code of practice for trustees of defined contribution schemes on 'knowledge and understanding' requirements, which will mark out those in need of further training.
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OpinionAutumn Statement uncharacteristically quiet(ish)
From the blog: Once again the pensions industry pleaded with the chancellor to hold off on any further profound changes, only this time it looks like it got its wish... sort of.
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NewsM&S completes re-enrolment, experts warn of governance risks
Marks & Spencer Pension Scheme has successfully completed re-enrolment, having reached the three-year staging anniversary, but experts say schemes should review their processes to avoid tripping over nuances in the rules.
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SPV helps Johnson Matthey reduce deficit by £145m
Johnson Matthey Pension Scheme has reduced its deficit by around £145m after taking a raft of measures to address its funding shortfall, including the creation of an asset-backed contribution vehicle comprised of third-party bonds.
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NewsIs your scheme in the know about securities lending?
Investment experts have laid out the steps schemes should take to minimise risks when allocating to securities lending, and warned of the potential they face for illiquidity and loss of voting rights.
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Annuity demand expected to resurge
Annuity sales will increase from this year despite the new pension flexibilities, as retirees recognise their need for a level of certainty in retirement, new research has suggested.
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NewsPremier Foods eats away at deficit by more than £570m
Food manufacturing company Premier Foods decimated its IAS 19 deficit to £32.8m from £603.3m since December 2013 thanks to its hedging strategy and a change in discount rates.
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NewsTrinity Mirror reviews advisers ahead of DC default appraisal
Trinity Mirror Pension Plan has carried out a consultant review ahead of an appraisal of its defined contribution default fund, spurred by the introduction of the freedom and choice reforms.
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Rebus reviews funding strategy in self-sufficiency drive
Rebus Pension Scheme is shooting for funding self-sufficiency with a review of its investment strategy aimed at boosting returns and diversification, but some commentators have raised questions over its loose definition.
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GMPF-LPFA venture closes first infra deal amid 'frothy' market
FT European Infrastructure: Greater Manchester Pension Fund has made the first investment of its joint venture with the London Pensions Fund Authority, but said high demand for the UK infrastructure market makes finding deals challenging.
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QE placing pension systems in jeopardy
Data Analysis: Quantitative easing has exacerbated the movement of pension risk from employers to individuals, placing the future of the entire system at risk, according to a report published last week.
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Northumbria Police pays out £250k to compensate pension loss
Trustees should keep their distance from members' employer disputes, lawyers have said, after Northumbria Police was required to pay out more than £250,000 for discrimination and pension loss, but others argue open communication is critical.
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Fuzzy 'new normal' begins to emerge from pension freedom data
Gaps in the data on consumer behaviour following the freedom and choice reforms introduced earlier this year are creating a muddled picture of people’s choices, experts have said.
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NewsEnvironment Agency reduces carbon footprint by 44%
The Environment Agency Pension Fund has reduced its carbon footprint by 44 per cent since 2008, as it looks to avoid the long-term financial risk of climate change.
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Hackney seizes on EM value with £50m allocation
Hackney Pension Fund has taken advantage of recent market weakness and allocated roughly £50m each to emerging markets and multi-asset pooled funds in order to diversify its portfolio.