Alex Warnakulasuriya
Alex was a reporter (2017-18) and later deputy editor (2022-2023) of Pensions Expert, and has since contributed to the publication in a freelance capacity.
NewsMineworkers receive tax demands after admin error
Members of the £11.4bn Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme have received notices from HM Revenue & Customs incorrectly telling them that they owe thousands of pounds in tax.
- News
Rising interest rates threaten sponsor covenants, say experts
PLSA Investment Conference 2018: Interest rate and inflation risk could pose imminent threats to schemes and sponsors, while quantitative easing might not have been bad news for schemes, experts have said.
- News
IDWG chair calls for reform by April
PLSA Investment Conference 2018: Chris Sier, chair of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Institutional Disclosure Working Group, has called for the introduction of reforms promoting asset management transparency by the beginning of April.
- Features
Why DC default investments matter for members
Analysis: More than 90 per cent of savers enrolled in a pension choose to remain in the default option, making it imperative that its investments match members’ needs and offer value for money.
- News
Alternative risk premium strategies could see rise despite set-up costs
Alternative risk premium strategies present a relatively low-cost way of attaining diversification according to new research, but some say high implementation costs are likely to prevent them from taking over scheme portfolios.
- News
Lower rises in life expectancy are no longer a blip
The recent slowdown in life expectancy rises has settled into a general trend, according to new data.
NewsRegulation could increase after Brexit, experts say
Brexit could lead to more rather than less pensions regulation, while radical revisions to tax relief might be needed to keep low earners enrolled in the pensions system, according to a panel of policy experts.
FeaturesBMA rebukes NHSE and Capita over admin ‘fiasco’
The British Medical Association – the trade union and professional association for doctors and medical students – has been lobbying for improvements to the administration of the NHS Pension Scheme after member complaints and a motion by GPs last year to address issues with third-party administrator Capita.
- News
Select committee hearing shows deep divide over CDC
Collective defined contribution could dramatically uplift the final values enjoyed by UK pension savers, a parliamentary select committee has heard, but some experts still doubt its compatibility with pension freedoms and performance in market crashes.
FeaturesPwC schemes cut property from portfolio
PwC's two defined benefit pension schemes have removed property from their investment strategies and made a number of changes to their fixed income allocations.
FeaturesTeesside invests in energy storage ahead of pooling
The £3.9bn Middlesbrough Borough Council Teesside Pension Fund has invested in operational grid-scale energy storage assets, through the British Strategic Investment Fund.
- News
Barnet grapples with data difficulties
The £1bn London Borough of Barnet Pension Fund has implemented a recovery plan after falling under scrutiny from the Pensions Regulator over its administrative struggles.
NewsHigh Court backs employers in Wedgwood dispute
The High Court has ruled in favour of participating employers in the Wedgwood Group Pension Plan, who terminated their liability to contribute to the scheme in 2006.
- Features
It is time to take scheme administration more seriously
Analysis: The nuclear fallout from the demise of Carillion and the continued woes of Capita have dominated news bulletins in recent weeks.
- Opinion
How can being transgender affect your workplace pension?
Analysis: The Department for Work and Pensions has updated its guidance on the effect of acquired gender recognition on pension benefits.
FeaturesBritish Coal members raise Capita admin concerns
The £9.4bn British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme has had to calm member concerns at its 2017 annual meeting over its decision to appoint Capita as its administrator last year.
- Features
Leicestershire fund boosts death benefit security for children
Leicestershire County Council Pension Fund has introduced additional requirements for legal guardians responsible for children’s pensions and death grants, where the guardian’s nomination has been the subject of dispute.
- News
Government waters down default guidance proposals
The government has removed an amendment to the financial guidance and claims bill which would have automatically enrolled people into guidance as they seek to access their pots or transfer benefits.
NewsCommons debates default guidance in second reading of bill
The House of Commons debated the feasibility of default guidance and the future of private sector pensions during the second reading of the financial guidance and claims bill on Monday.
FeaturesLincolnshire council fund encounters data difficulties
The £2.2bn Lincolnshire County Council Pension Fund has had ‘amber’ reviews over administration and training.