The Royal Insurance Group Pension Scheme has reported a “considerable improvement in service” from administrator Willis Towers Watson, after two years of problems that have hurt the scheme’s ability to service transfer requests.

Mid-market direct lending is “now demonstrating signs of material deterioration in credit underwriting and future return potential”, according to a report by consultancy Willis Towers Watson, which is instead recommending its clients invest in debt for US real estate and UK commercial real estate.

SES Water, formerly known as Sutton and East Surrey Water, has opened a consultation with members on the closure of its defined benefit section to future accrual, citing efficiencies demanded by water regulator Ofwat.

Plans for collective defined contribution schemes are "a risk too far", and savers should instead be offered individual savings pots invested in with-profits funds, according to one of the architects of freedom and choice.

Perhaps a professional trustee is an unlikely candidate for a published biography. But Paddy Briggs’ 'Look Where You’re Going', provides a fascinating insight into the remarkable life of Alan Pickering CBE.

Experts have always found it impossible to analyse one without making comparisons with the other. As with footballing greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, no conversation about the target date fund has ever taken place without mentioning its competitor, the lifestyle fund.

The chief executive officer of The Pension SuperFund has said the fledgling defined benefit scheme consolidator's asset allocation is likely to resemble that of the Pension Protection Fund.