All LCP articles – Page 23
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Opinion
Four data-cleansing steps to improve your scheme
In the latest edition of Technical Comment, LCP’s Aiden Coloe and Chris Holly set out four steps for scheme managers, trustees and administrators to improve scheme data and reduce costs.
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News
One in four executives taking cash in lieu of pensions
The number of FTSE 250 executives taking taxable cash supplements instead of pensions has risen, according to a survey, as the way high-earners receive benefits has changed in light of lower lifetime and annual allowance limits.
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Features
Islington to build on residential property bet in alts push
Islington Council’s pension fund plans to reduce its allocation to equities and diversify further into alternatives, in a stated desire to gain greater and more stable returns.
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News
Managers boost pre-retirement risk to match DC flexibility
Providers are revising products offered to defined contribution pension scheme members to incorporate greater risk in the decumulation phase, as a result of the greater flexibility afforded by the Budget.
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Features
Avon links up with peers to gain exposure to infrastructure
Avon Pension Fund is looking to invest £150m in infrastructure, in conjunction with other local authority funds.
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Features
Second-tier wins out against core property investments
The ground underneath the bricks and mortar asset class trembled after the downturn in 2008, when a housing and mortgage implosion triggered the global financial crisis.
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Features
Hampshire funding level jumps after sticking with heavy equity weighting
Hampshire Pension Fund has benefited from keeping its faith in equities, seeing its funding level increase by 8 percentage points over three years as a result of strong investment returns and additional employer contributions.
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News
Low-cost passive DC loses ground as schemes seek ‘smoothed’ returns
The number of FTSE 100 trust-based defined contribution schemes using lower-cost, fully passive management for their default options has dropped by almost a half as diversified growth funds become more popular, research has found.
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News
Pension funds drive property surge as index linkage takes off
Schemes are looking towards property for further diversification, having expanded alternative property investments fivefold last year, as experts predict improved economic sentiment and a lack of development sites could stimulate rental growth.
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Features
LPFA boosts in-house investment team as it focuses on illiquids
The London Pensions Fund Authority is strengthening its in-house investment capabilities in order to reduce investment costs and diversify further into illiquid assets.
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News
Consultants expect DC flexibility to drive DB member transfers
Defined benefit schemes could see a short-term increase in requests from members to switch their benefits into defined contribution schemes, due to potential government plans to restrict such transfers, benefit consultants have predicted.
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News
Charge cap consultation ramps up governance, weakens employers
News analysis: Defined contribution scheme representatives will see governance responsibilities increase after the pensions minister announces further reforms to ensure members get value – with a backdrop of industry debate on the charges cap.
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FeaturesStrathclyde rebalances bond portfolio in drive for greater returns
Strathclyde Pension Fund has decreased its allocation to corporate bonds in favour of a wider absolute return bond strategy, to rebalance its portfolio as spreads tighten.
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Opinion
Risk Transfer Index: March 2014
Data analysis: Equity market performance and gilt stability could make it better value for schemes to lock in any funding gains, according to market commentators.
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News
Isle of Wight bolsters governance ahead of LGPS reform
Isle of Wight Pension Fund has identified areas ripe for improvement in its governance, including more frequent funding monitoring, as local government schemes brace for next year's reforms to the sector.
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News
European investors hunt alternatives to diversify growth assets
Data analysis: Fixed income attracted the most money from European investors last year, but alternatives won on future allocations as schemes look to derisk and diversify portfolios.
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News
Charities await guidance to reduce liability squeeze
Not-for-profit employers that belong to multi-employer schemes are waiting for further guidance on dealing with debt risk that could trigger insolvency.
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News
Compliance concerns prompt employers to rethink AE providers
News analysis: Some large employers are considering switching their auto-enrolment provider as their administration needs are not being met, fanning a growing secondary market.
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News
Only seven in 10 DC members use the default
Data analysis: Fewer defined contribution members than expected are invested in default funds, new figures have shown, but experts anticipate this to increase as auto-enrolment continues to roll out.
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News
United Utilities ups interest rate hedge after hitting trigger
United Utilities has increased interest rate hedging in its defined benefit schemes in order to reduce risk, working towards its target of full protection against interest and inflation rate fluctuations.