All Defined contribution articles – Page 125
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FeaturesThe top 5 DC stories from 2015 reflect a challenging year
Year in Review: It was a massive year for defined contribution, with new pension flexibilities, the subsequent government guidance promise and of course the charge cap to contend with.
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Features
Secondhand annuity market takes shape but risk of poor deals looms
Analysis: The government has confirmed it will soften the tax hit for those looking to take advantage of the secondary annuity market, but some experts are concerned the financial services industry holds all the cards in getting the best deal.
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OpinionPensions Regulator: Our expectations of DC trustees
Talking Head: The Pensions Regulator’s chief executive Lesley Titcomb outlines what is expected from defined contribution trustees and how they can influence the new DC code of practice.
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OpinionHow DC trustees can determine ‘good value’
From the blog: Trustees of occupational pension schemes that provide money purchase benefits are now required to assess and report annually on the extent to which member-borne charges and transaction costs under their scheme represent good value for members.
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OpinionAn outstanding year for pensions…
Editorial: And by that I mean we’re coming to the end of 2015 with several gargantuan issues left outstanding, hanging over the heads of schemes and providers.
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NewsSecondary annuities: Govt starts putting down advice parameters
Many pensioners hoping to sell their annuities on the open market will be required to seek financial advice before doing so, the government has announced, as the industry awaits further detail on the structure of the secondary annuity market.
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NewsScapa saves £600k through flexible retirement exercise
Adhesive tape manufacturer Scapa Group has saved around £600,000 by offering flexible retirement options to some deferred members of its defined benefit scheme, clearing more than £10m of liabilities.
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Opinion
Why the UK’s standing in the European pensions market is so important
Data Crunch: Spence Johnson’s Magnus Spence outlines why the UK’s place in European pensions is so significant, accounting for half of all assets held between Germany, the Netherlands and itself.
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OpinionAnnuities are not dead they’re just sleeping
From the blog: Surveys indicate a significant majority of defined contribution members want steady income in retirement, but just never call it an annuity. So how will they achieve that?
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OpinionGuidance should be the ‘aperitif’ of the wider advice process
Good guidance around the point of retirement will not be enough to ensure individuals manage the shape of their income in later life effectively, industry commentators have said.
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OpinionDB-DC transfers are not always a bad idea
With freedom and choice giving greater access to defined contribution members’ assets, JLT’s Hugh Nolan asks if transfers-out can be seen as positive for defined benefit members.
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News
What to do if your DC sponsor goes bust
Defined contribution trustees must respond quickly when scheme sponsors go into administration, particularly in scenarios where financial distress has delayed payment of contributions into the safe haven of a scheme.
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OpinionWhy employers should facilitate a drawdown route for employees
From the blog: Since the pension reforms were introduced in April 2015, retirement is being talked about more than ever before. This is mainly because these laws will affect almost every employee and employer.
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NewsRBS banks on preferred provider for drawdown
Royal Bank of Scotland’s defined contribution scheme is exploring the addition of a drawdown option via an external provider to enable a seamless transition into retirement for its members.
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News
Knowledge sets the bar in regulator's draft DC code
The Pensions Regulator is basing its leaner draft code of practice for trustees of defined contribution schemes on 'knowledge and understanding' requirements, which will mark out those in need of further training.
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News
Auto-enrolment pause button 'unhelpful' for momentum
An "emergency pause" could be triggered if auto-enrolment frameworks become overwhelmed by surging demand, but industry commentators say the government’s contingency plan “damages the momentum” behind the rollout of the initiative.
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Opinion
DC Debate: Autumn Statement, VfM and governance
In this final quarterly DC Debate of the year, our seven panel members discuss the speed at which DC reviews are being carried out, the effectiveness of IGCs, value for money in the real world and Autumn Statement predictions.
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Opinion
DC design: Six graphs on employers’ direction of travel
From the blog: It’s time to turn words into action. While schemes have been extolling the feted ‘better member outcomes’, little movement is taking place to turn hopes and dreams into components of success.
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OpinionPMI: Drawdown needs minimum income floor to avoid depleted pots
Talking Head: The PMI’s Tim Middleton explains why, when push comes to shove, annuities are an inevitable part of retirement income provision for the majority of savers.
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NewsM&S completes re-enrolment, experts warn of governance risks
Marks & Spencer Pension Scheme has successfully completed re-enrolment, having reached the three-year staging anniversary, but experts say schemes should review their processes to avoid tripping over nuances in the rules.