All Defined benefit articles – Page 182
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Features
BA transfer value review puts spotlight on older members
Trustees of the British Airways Pension Scheme have rebalanced the scheme’s transfer value basis towards younger members, but anticipate the net impact of the shift will be cost neutral to its funding position.
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NewsM&S scheme in ample surplus as hedge pays off
The Marks and Spencer Pension Scheme has swung into surplus, thanks to a combination of outperformance of return-seeking assets and full hedging of interest rate risk, the company said last week.
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News
Transfers to be streamlined as more ask for quotes
The Pensions Regulator will introduce new guidance to ensure transfers between defined contribution schemes are completed promptly, the government said last week. This comes as defined benefit transfer values recovered in January after hitting a low in December.
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FeaturesBritish Coal derisks to support structural change
The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme has revised its asset allocation, which included selling equities and buying government bonds, following changes to the scheme’s structure.
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NewsOmbudsman ill-health decision underscores complexity for members
Schemes have been urged to maintain open channels of communication with employers and members around ill-health benefits after an ombudsman determination ruled against a member’s attempt to "rewrite history".
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NewsRM deficit reduction highlights need to be proactive
Online teaching tools supplier RM has shortened its recovery plan and reduced its deficit by more than £10m using a combination of contributions, updated member information and a buy-in.
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NewsCap on golden handshakes could affect average earners at Magnox
Workers across the public sector will see a £95,000 cap on exit payments under a new clause added to the 2015-16 enterprise bill which could hit average earners at nuclear decommissioning company Magnox.
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OpinionInvestment lessons from DB
Talking Head: Defined contribution schemes could pool assets and risk to improve returns, says the Society of Pension Professionals’ Duncan Buchanan.
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News
New code firms up boundaries on incentive exercises
A revised code of practice on incentive exercises will provide trustees and employers with practical tips on problem areas, as schemes begin to target more holistic derisking strategies.
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NewsRenishaw recognises true liability as IFRIC 14 bites
Gloucestershire-based engineering company Renishaw’s defined benefit liabilities jumped £15.6m above the IAS 19 accounting deficit at the end of last year, as experts highlighted the impact the accounting measure IFRIC 14 has on scheme valuations.
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Opinion
Funding and reinsurance emerge as biggest challenges on the road to buyout
Feature: The introduction of Solvency II last month has made buying out in full even trickier than before, but there are things trustees can do to make it more likely to happen.
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FeaturesMUMS the word: Medically underwritten mortality studies' benefit questioned
Analysis: Medical underwriting of defined benefit scheme members to facilitate bulk annuity insurance transactions has taken off over the past two years, but industry experts are sceptical of the benefits of using medical data for scheme valuations.
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OpinionPMI: Move to cash undermines pensions as HR tool
Talking Head: The Pensions Management Institute’s Tim Middleton says it is time to rethink the increasing move towards cash in pension provision.
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FeaturesPanning for gold in an age of information
Any Other Business: The mounting complexity of pension trusteeship has been met by a surge of information and intelligence sources. But how can trustees be successful prospectors as they mine the industry for useful nuggets?
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News
Cross-border plans could be greater lure for employers under IORP
Analysis: The burden on cross-border pension schemes to be fully funded at all times could be lifted as the Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision II directive moves nearer its final version.
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News
Tougher nudge needed to make freedoms a success
Consumers will not have enough money to benefit from the opportunities the pension freedoms present, a report has warned, and any success will hinge on auto-enrolment becoming more prescriptive.
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News
Project POOL maps the route for LGPS
Pooling assets across the Local Government Pension Scheme could ultimately deliver annual savings of £190m-£300m, according to new analysis that goes some way to giving LGPS funds much-needed clarity.
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NewsHomebase M&A deal puts scheme security in the spotlight
Home Retail Group’s defined benefit scheme will receive a £50m cash injection as part of the proposed sale of its Homebase business, underscoring the need for trustees to consider the impact of disposals on covenant strength.
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News
PASA guidance urges schemes to prioritise GMP
The Pensions Administration Standards Association has issued guidance on guaranteed minimum pension reconciliation to help schemes through the process, as experts predict huge volumes rushing to complete in the coming months.
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News
April changes offer 'excuse' for DB schemes to shut up shop
Analysis: The death knell for defined benefit is edging closer, consultants say, as the end of contracting-out, low yields and impending government revisions to pension tax could see all FTSE 250 companies completely close their DB schemes by the end of this year.