Pensions Expert - News, analysis and comment on UK workplace pension schemes

Ombudsman: pension liberation reports expected in a 'few weeks'

Eirlys Goss | July 31, 2014

The pensions ombudsman has said it should be publishing determinations on pension liberation cases within the next few weeks, with trustees hoping the reports will help them on difficult transfer decisions.

Invensys terminates reservoir trust as surplus grows

Tom Dines | July 30, 2014

Invensys Pension Scheme has exceeded full funding on a technical provisions basis and has taken the unusual step of terminating a reservoir trust that was set up to provide funding security after the employer was purchased.

Vodafone scheme completes CWW merger with £325m employer payment

Emma Powell | July 29, 2014

Vodafone has contributed £325m to its defined benefit scheme as it completes the transfer of the Cable & Wireless Worldwide Retirement Plan, after purchasing the rival telecoms company in 2012.

BBC plan sees slight deficit improvement as contributions bed in

Tom Dines | July 28, 2014

The BBC has seen a small improvement in its accounting pension deficit as it embarks upon a 12-year plan of additional contributions to boost its scheme funding.

NESPF beefs up governance to prep for Scottish LGPS reform

Emma Powell | July 28, 2014

North East Scotland Pension Fund plans to establish a dedicated governance team – incorporating communication responsibilities – to deal with the increased workload produced by local government pension scheme reforms.

ETV exercises to rise as government accepts DB-to-DC transfers

Eirlys Goss | July 25, 2014

Industry experts have predicted the use of enhanced transfer value exercises could increase as employers look to encourage switches out of defined benefit plans in light of the Budget changes, but trustees have been urged to ensure members receive adequate advice.

Comment & Analysis

The Budget has not killed off lifestyle strategies

Mark Winstanley | July 30, 2014

Jelf's Mark Winstanley argues that the Budget changes did not destroy lifestyle strategies, and predicts there will be three predominant paths of member decision-making at retirement, in the latest edition of Informed Comment.

Gardner: How to win by not losing

Rob Gardner | July 30, 2014

Talking head: Redington's Rob Gardner analyses the state of pension funds' growth assets, arguing that in an environment where many assets look expensive, reward can be found through focusing on reducing downside.

Four data-cleansing steps to improve your scheme

Aiden Coloe, Chris Holly | July 30, 2014

In the latest edition of Technical Comment, LCP's Aiden Coloe and Chris Holly set out four steps for scheme managers, trustees and administrators to improve scheme data and reduce costs.

Video

The Review: UKSIF calls on schemes to reconsider sustainable investment policies

Tom Dines | July 9, 2014

Video: Simon Howard, chief executive at sustainable investment trade body UKSIF, and Ralph McClelland, senior associate at Sackers, discuss the Law Commission's report on fiduciary duty, including the impact of its distinction between financial and non-financial factors (5:37).

How Nest will respond to Budget changes

Emma Powell | June 25, 2014

Video: Mark Fawcett, chief investment officer at Nest, discusses the state-sponsored mastertrust's forthcoming consultation on how its investment strategy should change in light of the Budget reforms (5:03).

CBI lays out employer reform concerns

Emma Powell | June 10, 2014

Video: Neil Carberry, director for employment and skills at the CBI, gives the employer's view on this year's historic pension changes, from the at-retirement flexibility bestowed by the Budget to the government's plans on defined ambition (5:38).