Latest articles from Tom Dines

Break up or make up? How to handle a split with your advisers

In trying to get the best outcomes for members, schemes may have to dump advisers from time to time. This can be costly, stressful and time-consuming, so what is the best way to ensure a smooth transition?

TPAS: 'Joined-up' guidance guarantee essential

The Pensions Advisory Service has said those organisations tasked with delivering the guidance guarantee should be “joined up” with the adviser community to improve member outcomes.

Vodafone revisits scheme comms after bringing onboard 6,200 members

Vodafone is reviewing its communication strategy after a significant increase in the size of its defined contribution pension plan, following auto-enrolment and an influx of members from its Cable & Wireless acquisition.

Tax changes: how they affect scheme rules

Schemes have been urged to move quickly to prepare for forthcoming changes to pension tax legislation, with the new ‘uncrystallised funds pension lump sum’ expected to prove popular among members.

Royal Mail rachets up hedging derivatives to reduce risk

The Royal Mail Pension Plan has extended liability hedging in its portfolio by substantially boosting its use of swaps and gilt repurchase agreements, as it seeks to reduce risk in the scheme.

How to avoid a social media #fail at your scheme

Any other business: There may indeed be such a thing as too many tweets. Last week, UK police forces revealed there had been investigations into 828 breaches of social media guidelines, with many ending the individual’s career in the force.

Regulator nets £184m from Lehmans as cases treble

Lehman Bros. (Getty)

The Pensions Regulator’s unprecedented £184m settlement for the members of the Lehman Brothers pension scheme is its biggest trophy in a growing anti-avoidance campaign, with the number of investigations trebling since last year.

Dixons Carphone uses restaurant discounts to win 80% sign-up for online portal

Electronics retailer Dixons Carphone has seen close to 80 per cent of employees log in to its new benefits portal since it was launched in June, after it offered members incentives in a bid to drive engagement.

RBS reviews recovery plan as interest rates hurt funding level

RBS (Getty)

The Royal Bank of Scotland has extended its pension fund recovery plan and increased contributions following a slip in the funding level.

Nest sizes up green technology as it sharpens ESG focus

Nest is looking to benefit from a low-carbon economy through investments in green technology, in a triennial update of its investment beliefs announced today.