As pension schemes struggle with data on modern slavery in global chains, corporate engagement takes the lead in the battle to tackle social issues.

When it comes to guidance on environmental, social and governance matters, pension professionals prefer to rely on their peers instead of asset managers, consultants and industry bodies, as clear messaging is dependant on transparent data, experts say.

The deficit of the Universities Superannuation Scheme now exceeds £15bn as an increase in assets was outweighed by rising liabilities, in a year the pension fund’s portfolio performed below its benchmark for the first time since 2013.

Bus and train operator FirstGroup is to engage in “strategic discussions” with its trustees, after the funding valuation for the First UK Bus Pension Scheme was finalised and improvements were made to its technical provisions.

This week — A mega-merger is abandoned after a US Department of Justice intervention, an employer seeks damages from Plumbing Pensions, TPR is reviewing the schemes eligible for fraud compensation and the government is to open a new public sector scheme for judges

On the go: The Department of Work and Pensions' proposals on consolidation within the defined contribution market go “too far, too soon”, and risk eroding the involvement of employers in their workforce’s retirement outcomes, experts have warned.

Detailed analysis of triennial valuations with due dates up to January 2021 shows that almost one in three defined benefit and hybrid schemes are in surplus, but many pension funds face a headwind due to falling interest rates.

The Pensions Regulator and the Pension Protection Fund are undertaking a review of schemes that may be eligible for the Fraud Compensation Fund, following uncertainty surrounding instances where no independent trustee has been appointed to a scheme.

After new details about UK’s first sovereign green bonds were received positively by the pensions industry, the excitement seems to be dissipating, since the summer 2021 launch date will be missed and scepticism remains about the motives and effectiveness of the scheme.

On the go: Improved regulatory clarity and rising inflation rates could mean now is the time for DB pension schemes to consider offering a pension increase exchange to their members, according to LCP.