With environmental, social and governance factors rising in prominence within the pensions sector, trustees are tasked with demonstrating leadership in an area that is both complex and continually developing.
Latest articles from Tom Higgins
CDC and ESG: A truly long-term game

New collective defined contribution schemes are perfectly placed to embrace the long-term opportunities offered by ESG strategies, experts say.
Ombudsman orders employer to rectify incorrect contributions

On the go: The Pensions Ombudsman has ordered an employer to pay contributions into an employee’s Nest pension, more than three years after deductions had been made from his pay.
Are record energy profits creating an ethical quandary for trustees?

The cost of living crisis is squeezing consumers’ spending power. So much so, that around one in seven UK adults anticipate accessing their pension earlier than planned, according to research by Canada Life.
FCA proposes long-term asset fund and illiquid investment reforms

The Financial Conduct Authority is set to broaden the distribution of long-term asset funds within the pensions sector to self-select options and will push ahead with plans to lift the 35 per cent illiquid investment cap.
Gender pensions gap is present in every UK industry

On the go: Every industry in the UK has a gender pensions gap, including those dominated by female workers, according to new research. Legal & General also confirmed that women can expect a pension pot that is half the size of men’s pots, regardless of their industry.
PASA encourages additional checks for dashboards ‘value data’

On the go: The Pensions Administration Standards Association has issued guidance on ‘value data’ for pension dashboards, advising providers that this “complex” area of the dashboard programme will require additional backend calculations and preparedness.
‘Fundamental duties’ overlooked as claimant misses 12 years of benefits

The Pensions Ombudsman has partially upheld a complaint against the trustee of the Midcounties Co-operative Pension Scheme, criticising the scheme's record keeping, but fell short of awarding the applicant the 12 years’ worth of entitlements he sought.
How to scrutinise advisers over their ESG approaches

With many pension schemes putting environment, social and governance at the top of their strategic priorities, ensuring that consultants and advisers are on the same page is becoming ever more important.
Are derisking strategies at odds with ESG investing?

As endgame targets and net zero deadlines have a part to play in pension funds' journeys, defined benefit schemes must strike a balance to meet these separate goals.