Latest articles from Benjamin Mercer

Desire for cryptocurrencies is ‘deeply concerning’

Bloomberg

New research from CoreData has shown almost half of millennials, people aged between 25 and 40, want to invest at least part of their pension in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. Experts, however, have warned that cryptocurrencies remain a long way off being a viable investment option.

Weekly Roundup: The long-term economic plan

Bloomberg

This week – Government’s attempt to prop up proposed Long-Term Assets Fund, response to consultation on strengthening TPR’s powers, PLSA launches new RI standards, and LCP calls for a simplification of pensions tax relief.

PASA unveils counter-fraud guidance

News on the go

On the go: The Pensions Administration Standards Association has unveiled its latest counter-fraud guidance, taking aim at scammers and looking to provide pension schemes with the tools used to counter an increase in criminal acts following the introduction of pension freedoms.

Industry welcomes govt’s new green gilts

Getty Images

The government is to press ahead with “at least two” green gilt issuances later this year totalling around £15bn, and on Wednesday published its Green Financing Framework setting out its climate and environmental agenda in more detail.

Govt issues response to consultation on strengthening TPR’s powers

Robert Churchill/Getty Images

The UK government has issued its response to the Pensions Regulator’s contribution notices and information-gathering powers regulations consultation.

Tapping DC schemes for growth fund raises industry concern

Bloomberg

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly hoping to draft defined contribution schemes into propping up the government’s proposed Long-Term Assets Fund, though experts have raised concerns about its practicality.

Weekly Roundup: Size very much does matter

iStock

This week – DWP’s attempts to speed up consolidation among small schemes, fears over second pensions transfer scandal, rules over back payment of arrears ‘clarified’, and MP tables bill around GMP conversion.

Govt to reform discount rate and cost-control mechanism

Flickr

The government has proposed aligning the discount rate review periods with the valuation cycles of public service pension schemes, and is taking forward reforms to the cost-cap mechanism first proposed by the government actuary.

Treasury ‘ignored advice’ in public sector pension reforms

Podcasts

Podcast: Ian Neale, co-founder of Aries Insight, and Claire Carey, partner at Sackers, discuss a parliamentary report identifying failings in the public sector schemes reform, industry consultation fatigue, and the new Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures reporting requirements.

High Court clarifies rules over pension back payment arrears

High court building (teaser)

The High Court has further clarified the procedure for paying arrears when a member has not claimed a back payment within the usual six-year period, confirming that scheme rules will determine whether trustees have discretion as to whether those benefits have been forfeited.