Latest articles from Benjamin Mercer

Fiduciary managers outperform during coronavirus crisis

While no one has emerged from the coronavirus crisis unscathed, a number of fiduciary managers have been given cause to brag, as figures show they have outperformed the wider market.

Pandemics, climate change pose ‘systemic risks’ to actuarial work

On the go: Global pandemics and the threat of a climate catastrophe present dire risks to the quality of actuarial work, according to a new report by the Joint Forum on Actuarial Regulation.

Regulator to issue rules for consolidators ‘in the coming weeks’

The Pensions Regulator is shortly to issue interim regulation covering commercial consolidators, Pensions Expert can reveal.

Charities suffer under the strain of DB scheme deficits

On the go: Three-quarters of charities have defined benefit schemes in deficit, adding extra strain to a sector already hit hard by coronavirus, according to a new report by Hymans Robertson.

Sponsors facing perfect storm as furlough nears its end

Pension schemes and their sponsors face a potential perfect storm of costs as the furlough scheme reaches its endgame, with sponsors in some sectors of the economy facing acute pressure as government support dries up.

'Crystal ball-gazing' makes ethical investment tough for trustees

Twitter podcast logo

Podcast: Irwin Mitchell’s pensions partner Penny Cogher and independent consultant Malcolm McLean join us to discuss innovative endgame deals, new insolvency laws, and some morally dubious LGPS investments. 

Regulator repeats anti-scam warning after £5m lost to fraudsters

On the go: The Pensions Regulator has repeated its warning about scammers after a report revealed more than £5m has been lost to fraud since February.

Brunel achieves carbon intensity reduction target

Brunel Pension Partnership has achieved its target of reducing the carbon intensity of its active portfolio by 7 per cent a year in time for the UN’s World Environment Day, but smaller schemes saddled with pooled products may lack the clout required to emulate them.

Nissan proposes DB scheme closure as sponsor pressure mounts

Nissan Sunderland

Workers at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland could be facing a cut to their benefits, with the carmaker proposing to close its defined benefit scheme, while experts said the Covid-19 pandemic could push more sponsors to follow suit.

Suffolk holds firm through equity volatility storm

Suffolk Pension Fund has reported a bounceback in its asset values after taking a £327m hit in the first quarter of the year, as experts said it is still legitimate for immature defined benefit schemes to lean on the equity risk premium.