Pensions regulators rightly stress the primacy of value for money and good governance in defined contribution pensions. But while the primacy of low cost endures, cheap investment solutions’ recent performance masks a real risk to outcomes, says AllianceBernstein’s David Hutchins.
Latest articles from David Hutchins
DC costs need more transparency to create member confidence
AllianceBernstein’s portfolio manager of multi-asset solutions, David Hutchins, suggests a series of changes to defined contribution costs and charges in light of the review launched by the Department for Work and Pensions in this space.
DC governance: How to ensure your scheme is on the right track
When it comes to ensuring good governance, few things are more important than the process applied to the default investment strategy, says AllianceBernstein's David Hutchins.
Are DC default strategies diversified enough?
While recent history and the performance of simple balanced portfolios would suggest defined contribution defaults are overly diversified, we cannot assume the future will accurately mimic the past, says AllianceBernstein's David Hutchins.
Smart beta: Understand the impact on your wider portfolio
Smart beta has gained considerable traction with pension funds, writes AllianceBernstein's David Hutchins, but investors should still maintain a healthy dose of cynicism towards new factors and ensure performance is measured effectively.
Will the FCA market study revolutionise pensions?
AB Global’s David Hutchins on why the recent final report on asset management will set a welcome direction of travel, and why both consultants and trustees should be brought within the FCA framework.
There is no such thing as passive
AB's David Hutchins explains why allocation of assets between different passive funds might be more important than the management of those funds.
Achieving better outcomes – where should the burden lie?
Asset manager AB's David Hutchins explains why providers and trustees should focus on value for money rather than mere cost savings.
Break down DC charges to assess value for money
Value for money is at the heart of defined contribution, but asset manager AB's David Hutchins says cheap investments do not always make for a cheerful retirement outcome.
Fundamental question: Can defaults accommodate the active investor?
There is a danger that the recent focus on default funds in defined contribution (DC) schemes will obscure the need to cater for the few members likely to be actively interested and engaged in the pension process.