Latest articles from Benjamin Mercer

MPs urge regulator to reassure struggling employers

On the go: The Work and Pensions Committee has called for clarity from the Pensions Regulator over its Covid-19 enforcement procedures, voicing concerns that some “conscientious employers” will be reluctant to take advantage of easements.

Aviva strikes £150m buy-in with General Healthcare Group

On the go: Insurer Aviva has secured a £150m buy-in contract with the General Healthcare Group & Life Assurance Plan.

2020 set to be a record-breaking year for longevity swaps

On the go: Demand for longevity swaps is expected to set new records in 2020, reflecting in part a slight slowdown in the bulk annuity market, according to a report by Willis Towers Watson.

Cash-strapped money printer cuts deficit repair contributions

British banknote printer De La Rue has cut deficit repair payments to its defined benefit pension scheme, contingent on the success of its bid to raise an extra £100m in capital.

Transparency initiative adds new tools following industry support

On the go: The Cost Transparency Initiative has released additional resources and a new set of tools aimed at encouraging more schemes and asset managers to sign up to the standard, following a strong show of support by the industry for the framework it published last year.

Peers push for clarity over insolvency measures

On the go: Members of the House of Lords have pressed the government to provide clarity over the impact of new insolvency laws on pension schemes.

Pensions compliance with furlough tapering ‘horrendously complicated’

The Pensions Regulator’s updated guidance on auto-enrolment and defined contribution schemes is likely to lead to large numbers of mistakes being made, some experts predict, as employers have to grapple with the bifurcated system resulting from the slow death of furlough.

Poor data management keeps ombudsman busy

The Pensions Ombudsman has ruled in favour of a former bank employee in a dispute about the transfer of deferred pension liabilities, in a case reinforcing the impact that poor data management can have for schemes and members.

Covid-19 leads to unexpected interest in bridging pensions

On the go: The coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in the number of defined benefit scheme members looking to bridging pensions, according to a report by Aon.

Schemes to take a £5bn hit as analysts predict deflation

On the go: Pension schemes already suffering the funding implications of Covid-19 could be facing a further £5bn of pressure, as the prospect of deflation later in the year produces a “ratchet effect”, according to analysis by LCP.