All articles by Angus Peters – Page 28
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FeaturesKingfisher ups hedging level as scheme slips into surplus
Screwfix and B&Q owner Kingfisher’s defined benefit fund has extended its programme of hedging interest and inflation risk, allowing the scheme to maintain its strong funding level amid a low-yield environment.
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FeaturesNESPF adds DGFs and PE after global equities disappointment
The North East Scotland Pension Fund has taken further steps to diversify its growth portfolio, divesting from underperforming global equities and allocating to a range of private equity houses and diversified growth funds.
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News
Court of Appeal safeguards bankrupts’ undrawn pensions
Savers who become bankrupt but have not yet drawn their pensions will not have to hand them to creditors, after a court ruling on Friday put an end to fears that pension pots were at risk.
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News
One-stop guidance shop to replace MAS, TPAS and Pension Wise
Financial guidance resources the Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise will be replaced by a single body, the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions said yesterday.
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News
Nest drawdown proposals: Competitors fear disruption
The dust has settled on government's call for evidence on the expansion of Nest into the drawdown market, but it seems the war of words between industry professionals is far from over.
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News
DC schemes drown in regulatory change and jargon
Trustees of occupational defined contribution pension schemes are increasingly failing to meet governance requirements due to excessive regulatory change, a panel of industry figures has said.
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Features
DWP silence on GMPs blocks Smiths implementation
Two UK defined benefit schemes operated by technology company Smiths Group have said they will implement guaranteed minimum pension equalisation but need further clarification from the Department for Work and Pensions to do so.
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Opinion
Select committee rhetoric sees indexation changes creep closer
From the blog: The international day of the older person might not have been as riotous as usual when it took place this Saturday, as private sector pension increases looked more under threat than ever.
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News
Advice requirement rules could spell end to consumer confusion
The Department for Work and Pensions last week issued a consultation on draft regulations aimed at simplifying the way safeguarded flexible benefits are valued in relation to the freedom and choice advice requirement.
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News'Patchwork quilt' of solutions threatens drive for transparency
Regulators and consumer groups have been warned against installing a “patchwork quilt” of solutions to increase transparency in asset management, as remedies to hidden charges within funds begin to emerge.
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FeaturesRoyal Mail diversifies alternatives ahead of planned scheme closure
The Royal Mail Pension Plan has diversified the alternatives investments in its portfolio, adding new private debt and infrastructure funds, while almost eliminating its exposure to equities in one of its sections.
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FeaturesInvensys swaps linkers for nominal in hunt for cash flow
The Invensys Pension Scheme has extended its commitment to fixed rate gilts, as low portfolio risk and a strong covenant allowed the £4.9bn scheme to weather worsening conditions in the broader UK industry.
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News
HMRC buys more time on EU VAT issue
HM Revenue & Customs has delayed its guidance on alternative solutions for employers seeking to recover value added tax on defined benefit pension administration costs, prompting speculation that a decision will not be made until Brexit negotiations advance further.
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FeaturesNilgosc turns to low vol equities
The Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee has made a £300m allocation to low volatility global equities in an effort to reduce overall risk while closing its funding gap.
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News
Scheme rules may block Treasury's advice allowance plans
The Treasury has opened a consultation on the introduction of a pensions advice allowance, which would allow members of defined contribution schemes to use up to £500 of their pot to pay for tax-free regulated financial advice.
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FeaturesPirelli announces £600m longevity swaps as deal flow set to accelerate
Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli’s two main UK pension schemes have agreed longevity swaps covering £600m of pensioner liabilities, as researchers have suggested market volatility and insurer competition mean schemes could see attractive prices emerge on risk settlement products.
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NewsJohn Menzies considers change as activists increase split pressure
Aviation services and distribution provider John Menzies is in talks with trustees over possible changes to its pension scheme, as the group considers splitting its two businesses under mounting pressure from activist investors.
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News
Chair competence key as survey highlights inefficient meetings
Any Other Business: Pension fund trusteeship is a time-consuming role with huge responsibilities covering a wide range of topics, but are the boards running schemes using their time wisely?
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News
CPI and RPI gap at largest for five years as schemes eye law change
The retail price index and consumer price index were the farthest apart they have been for five years in last month’s inflation figures, prompting debate that legislation could level the playing field for schemes using RPI for benefit increases.
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FeaturesBBC aims to drive down fees in private markets strategy
The BBC scheme lowered its overall investment management fees by £3m over five years, while further increasing its significant exposure to private markets, a move the scheme says allows it to match liabilities at the same time as generating capital growth.