Aamina Zafar
Aamina is a freelance journalist and a regular contributor to Pensions Expert.
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News‘Dashboard health check’ urged as workers unsure of contributions
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) should introduce “pensions dashboard health checks” to help savers understand their financial positions, according to a new report from the Social Market Foundation.
NewsShould savers be allowed to use pension pots to access the housing market?
With more and more people expected to have to rent into their retirement, Nest Insight has conducted a year-long study into whether savers should be given early access to their pensions to fund a house purchase.
NewsClimate change economic impact underestimated, IFoA report warns
A new report from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and the University of Exeter has painted a stark picture of the significant negative impact of climate change on the global economy.
NewsPensions UK issues ‘wake-up call’ research on salary sacrifice
The trade body has warned the government that changing the salary sacrifice rules will create confusion and lead to savers losing out when the plans come into effect in 2029.
NewsSurplus sharing dominating scheme decision-making, study shows
UK pension schemes are at a crossroads as surplus distribution challenges dominate decision-making, according to new research from PwC.
NewsPrivate markets dominate manager searches as high demand continues
Bfinance report shows strong institutional appetite for direct lending and value-add real estate, while private equity activity has stalled.
NewsGovernance for Growth seeks to bust myths as Pensions UK lends support
Pensions UK has teamed up with the Governance for Growth Investor Campaign, which is chaired by Railpen and also includes some of the UK’s largest pension schemes.
NewsMinimum wage hike to aid pension saving for low earners
For a full-time worker on the National Living Wage, the rise means an increase in pay of £900 a year, while for someone on the National Minimum Wage working full-time, it will mean a £1,500 boost.
NewsCareer breaks push one in three women into pension poverty
Scottish Widows reported that, by age 55, one in four women will have been out of work for more than five years, which could result in a £70,000 hit at retirement.
NewsScrapping salary sacrifice could cut take-home pay for staff, SPP warns
The Society of Pension Professionals has warned against making changes to salary sacrifice rules amid mounting speculation that Rachel Reeves could explore such a move in her Budget this month.
NewsLGPS Central confirms six new partner funds as assets top £100bn
Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire are confirmed as new members of LGPS Central, as the pool seeks to help break a deadlock at the Isle of Wight LGPS fund.
NewsChanging state pension age does not tackle wider retirement concerns, SPP warns
The SPP warns that relying solely on raising the state pension age implies that it could increase to 75 or beyond in the coming decades, which would “present significant political and social difficulties and would fundamentally alter retirement expectations”.
NewsPension engagement and profitability ‘go hand-in-hand’, research suggests
Two-thirds of UK businesses that take an active role in educating employees on pensions reported ‘very good’ financial performance, according to new research from Scottish Widows.
NewsSchemes expect spike in activity from pensions dashboards
More than a third of pension schemes are bracing for a major surge in member activity once pensions dashboards launch, according to new research.
NewsAviva launches ‘innovative’ private market default strategy for DC savers
Aviva is stepping up its investment in private markets with a new defined contribution default strategy targeting up to 25% in unlisted assets.
NewsUnemployed women hit hardest by rise in state pension age, IFS warns
Weekly income fell by £81 for women who were out of work in their 50s compared with a £42 drop for women who were working during that age.
NewsLGPS pools back report calling for local investment framework and standards
The report, published by impact advisory firm The Good Economy, was commissioned in response to the government’s drive for pension schemes to invest more in the UK.
NewsBorder to Coast invests £67m in North American real estate
The allocation is within the pool’s Global Value-Add Real Estate fund, launched in late 2023 with an initial £370m in assets under management.
NewsCost of renting in retirement continues to rise, new data shows
Renting in retirement costs increased by £7,000 year-on-year, Standard Life says, as more than one in 10 people expect to still be leasing a property when they retire.
NewsCompetition boosting endgame options for small schemes, research shows
Sub-£100m deals made up the majority of transactions completed in the first half of 2025, continuing a trend from 2024, according to a report from Aon.