Latest articles from Sophia Imeson

LDI growth continues across UK schemes

UK pension fund exposure to liability-driven investments continues to increase, according to data collected by Pensions Expert’s sister title MandateWire, as an increasing number of smaller schemes enter the market.

Firefighters case demonstrates need for clarity over pensionable pay

Source: Getty Images

A recent High Court decision that overtime payments for firefighters in Wales are pensionable has highlighted the importance of clarity and collaboration regarding pensionable status when new types of pay are introduced, lawyers have said.

Shell drills for liquidity and slashes return-seeking assets post valuation

Getty Images

Trustees of the Shell Contributory Pension Fund have overhauled the scheme’s investment strategy following its latest valuation, introducing new allocations to investment-grade and highly liquid assets, while cutting the fund’s return-seeking portfolio exposure.

Ongoing data problems spark valuation concerns at Barnet

Poor quality pensions data at the London Borough of Barnet Pension Fund have sparked concerns that the scheme’s triennial valuation could be derailed or delayed.

Charity blames insolvency on pension costs and local govt rules

Stormont, NI parliament (Bloomberg)

A charity in Northern Ireland has announced it is closing this month, citing pension costs and a lack of flexibility in the region's local government scheme as the reason behind its insolvency.

Are administrators ready to modernise?

Greater regulatory scrutiny and better use of technology suggest the industry is starting to clean up its act.

Investors worried high levels of debt could trigger next recession

Data crunch: Institutional investors across the world are concerned that high levels of debt could spark the next market crisis, according to recent research by Invesco.

Government gives green light to CDC schemes, but questions remain

The government has given the go-ahead to collective defined contribution schemes, but experts say its consultation response has left a number of issues unaddressed.

ABF switches platforms for reduced fee and wider range of funds

Bloomberg

The trustees of the Associated British Foods defined contribution pension plan have decided to switch to a new investment platform so that members benefit from a wider range of fund choices and a cheaper platform fee.

Invensys changes DC default to target cash

Trustees of the Invensys Pension Scheme have updated their defined contribution default to target cash instead of an annuity.