Latest articles from Josephine Cumbo

Election policies we need but probably won’t get

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FT pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo lays out four much-needed pensions reforms, and urges politicians to use the election to promote considered policy rather than headline-grabbing.

It is time for the industry to face up to its data problems

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Pensions administrators and trustees have been burying their heads in the sand on data quality. It is time for the Pensions Regulator to take more forceful action, writes Josephine Cumbo.

Regulator still sparing AE breach employers’ blushes

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Tough talk from the Pensions Regulator on automatic-enrolment breaches has translated into more action in recent years, but there are signs that the watchdog is still hesitant to use the toughest sanctions in its toolbox, says FT pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo.

Who will protect us from slow-footed regulators?

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The FCA has finally proposed a ban on contingent charging, in all but exceptional cases, and put in place other measures to protect those looking to transfer. But all this should have come much sooner, argues columnist and Financial Times pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo.

The mirage of independence

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It is about time policymakers and regulators started asking awkward questions about what passes for independence for millions of pension savers, says columnist and FT pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo.

First superfund transfers will put trustee decisions under spotlight

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Columnist and FT pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo says trustees should be wary of transferring to a superfund in all but the most extreme cases until a bespoke regulatory environment develops.

Pensions taper is bad medicine for the NHS and should be ditched

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Financial Times pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo says the tapered annual allowance has missed its intended target and is damaging key public services, in her monthly column for Pensions Expert.

USS dispute has exposed a transparency deficit

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Columnist Josephine Cumbo argues that debate over the valuation of the UK's largest private sector defined benefit fund could see actuaries and regulators subjected to greater scrutiny by members in future.

Trustees must go the extra mile for their members on transfers

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In her first article for Pensions Expert, new columnist and Financial Times pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo says industry support for ‘scheme pays’ arrangements could help members avoid poor transfer advice.

Regulator's warning on annuity communication

People about to retire are being given advice that is hard to understand, which can result in a lower retirement income for life, a survey found