All articles by Benjamin Mercer – Page 25
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NewsUUK proposes USS governance reform, 20-year moratorium on exits
Universities UK, the employer group representing 340 Universities Superannuation Scheme members, has raised the prospect of a 20-year moratorium on scheme exits in a bid to show a greater commitment to covenant support.
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NewsTPR warns against hasty reactions to Covid-19 mortality figures
The Pensions Regulator has warned against hasty reactions to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it is still “early days” in our understanding of how the virus has impacted longevity and life expectancy assumptions.
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NewsTPR, PPF propose tiered approach in asset information reform
The Pensions Regulator and the Pension Protection Fund have issued a joint consultation into proposals to change the asset class information TPR collects via the scheme return.
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PodcastsPodcast: Illiquids not necessarily the answer for DC
Podcast: Illiquid asset classes might seem attractive in theory, but there would be difficulties establishing them in a defined contribution pension portfolio, even if all the regulatory burdens were removed. Brian Henderson, partner and director of consulting at Mercer, is joined by Shola Salako, professional trustee at Dalriada, to discuss alternatives, putting the S in ESG, and fixing the problems with chair’s statements.
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NewsHundreds of schemes to benefit as PPF updates actuarial assumptions
On the go: Almost 300 schemes could see their deficits transformed into surpluses after the Pension Protection Fund announced its decision to press ahead with changes to actuarial assumptions.
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News£6bn swap shows insurers’ appetite for longevity risk
On the go: A £6bn longevity swap by an unnamed UK pension scheme and the Prudential Insurance Company of America suggests that insurers’ appetite for longevity risk has not diminished, despite the uncertainty around the long-term impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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NewsFirstGroup pension schemes benefit from asset sales
On the go: The pension schemes of multinational transport company FirstGroup stand to benefit from the £3.3bn sale of its First Student and First Transit assets to private equity company EQT Infrastructure.
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NewsDWP admits DC chair’s statements fail policy objective
The Department for Work and Pensions has acknowledged that the introduction of chair’s statements has failed to meet the policy objectives set out by the department in 2014.
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NewsAviation scheme spared material detriment in sponsor’s acquisition
On the go: The trustee of the Signature Aviation Income and Protection Fund has been left satisfied after the pension scheme escaped any material detriment arising from its sponsor acquisition by Brown Bidco.
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NewsSarah Smart endorsed as TPR chair despite conflict of interest concerns
The Work and Pensions Committee has given its assent to the appointment of Sarah Smart as the next chair of the Pensions Regulator, putting aside concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
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NewsACA laments lack of guidance on TPR’s employer resources test
On the go: The Association of Consulting Actuaries has lamented a lack of guidance accompanying a consultation into new information-gathering powers by the Pensions Regulator, arguing that the consultation is too narrow to properly assess their consequences.
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NewsJust 19 per cent say TPR criminal powers policy is 'adequately clear'
A mere 19 per cent of people said the Pensions Regulator’s draft policy on the use of its new criminal powers is “adequately clear”, while 65 per cent said they feared it could prompt companies to ditch their pension arrangements, leaving the regulator with much to do to win back industry trust.
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NewsEngagement drives progress to ‘net-zero’
On the go: Engagement has been key to embedding sustainability across investment strategies, and driving progress towards a “net-zero by 2050 target”, according to a new report from Kempen Capital Management.
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Govt should boost CDC pensions to rebalance consumer risk
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries has proposed a number of measures to tackle the so-called ‘great risk transfer’, among which is a call on the government to emphasise the benefits of collective defined contribution schemes as an alternative to traditional DC pension arrangements.
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NewsTraditional trustee board model unfit for ‘purpose’
On the go: The traditional trustee board model has been branded “unfit for purpose”, as recent events have shown the importance of reacting quickly to changing circumstances.
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NewsMPs quiz prospective TPR chair over conflicts of interest
The Work and Pensions Committee has questioned the leading candidate to take over as chair of the Pensions Regulator regarding potential conflicts of interest.
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NewsIndustry calls again for clarity as TPR criminal consultation closes
The pensions industry has once again united in its calls for clarity as a consultation into the scope and application of the Pensions Regulator’s new criminal powers comes to a close.
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NewsMelrose to cut GKN pension deficit with asset sale
On the go: Industrial company Melrose is to further its commitment to cutting the GKN pension deficit by pledging an additional £100m of money raised from the sale of one of its subsidiaries.
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NewsEnvironment Agency to go net-zero, LGPS pool backs ESG framework
ESG spotlight: A roundup of the latest news on environmental, social and governance initiatives, with the Environment Agency Pension Fund targeting net-zero carbon emissions, and the Border to Coast pool supporting a framework for standards in alternative assets.
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Schemes to spend £1.5bn on GMP equalisation past transfer top-ups
New research from Buck suggests the bill for equalising guaranteed minimum pension benefits in past defined benefit scheme transfers continues to grow, with at least £1.5bn needed for schemes to top up these historic transactions.