Latest articles from Sophia Imeson

Professional trustees told to 'comply or explain' in draft standards

The industry-led Professional Trustee Standards Working Group has drawn up a set of draft standards for professional trustees imposing a "comply or explain" regime, but some say it is lacking in clarity.

Pearson scheme upgrades comms to boost engagement

The Pearson Pension Plan has revamped its member communications strategy, using the experience to apply a similar approach to the scheme’s member-nominated trustee appointment process.

UK has lowest net replacement rates of average earners in OECD

A new report has highlighted markedly low replacement rates for UK savers amid increasing pensioner poverty due to ill health, emphasising the importance of increased saving into private pensions. 

MNOPF steers towards buy-in and DC merger

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As derisking plans accelerate and sponsors seek to reduce the volatility of defined benefit scheme deficits, buy-ins are becoming increasingly attractive.

The Weekly Wrap: December 1 edition

bee test

A round-up of the pensions news stories published across the FT Group this week, from MPs' scrutiny of advice given to British Steel Pension Scheme members, to an increased focus on responsible investments among European investors.

FirstGroup breaks new ground by merging funds within LGPS

Bloomberg

Transport operator FirstGroup has become the first major private sector employer to consolidate its pension funds within the Local Government Pension Scheme, as experts agree that similar mergers could be on the horizon.

TRW drives up high-yield credit allocation

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Trustees for the pension plan of automotive company TRW have added to the scheme's high-yield credit allocation, but opinions on the outlook for this asset class are divided.

Govt to ban cold calls before 2020, but questions remain

Houses of Parliament

The government is aiming to introduce a cold-calling ban before 2020 and has opposed the idea of compulsory guidance, as the Work and Pensions Committee continues to probe officials as part of its wide-ranging inquiry into pensions freedoms.

Companies must do more to disclose employment practices, report says

Only 10 per cent of FTSE 100 firms are providing meaningful commentary on the stability of their workforce, according to research highlighting pension schemes’ need for information about the employment models of the companies they invest in. 

When bigger is better

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Editorial: When it comes to ensuring value for defined contribution members, bigger may often be better.