All pension reform articles – Page 9
-
Opinion
Altmann sets out on maiden voyage, industry expectations high
From the blog: Pensions minister Baroness Altmann of Tottenham – commonly known in the industry as Ros Altmann – yesterday delivered her maiden speech to the House of Lords, outlining the government’s thoughts on the state pension, consumer protection and what lies ahead for auto-enrolment.
-
OpinionEditorial: Speed bumps
When the government announced last week it was launching a consultation into the processes underlying the pension freedoms, it came as little surprise to those who foresaw the rollout of these reforms having a bumpy ride.
-
OpinionMinded to make the money last?
From the blog: So, only around one in eight over-40s plans to cash in more than half of their pension pot.
-
OpinionNo wheel-spinning Lamborghinis just yet
From the blog: Here we are in the new era of pension flexibilities and I can’t help but be surprised at the number of Lamborghinis still listed in the classifieds.
-
Opinion
Three unintended consequences of tax relief change
From the blog: Politicians of all colours have gradually eroded the tax relief on pension contributions for high earners.
-
OpinionHow DB-DC can be a win-win for employers and staff
Blog: The revolutionary pension freedoms introduced in April allow employees to transfer out of their employer’s defined benefit pension schemes and take benefits as cash rather than pension.
-
Opinion
Industry starts wish list for new pensions minister
After years of profound legislative change, many people in the pensions industry are calling on new pensions minister Ros Altmann to usher in an era of relative calm. Some of these same people would also like her to push for an independent retirement savings commission.
-
OpinionEditorial: Stability a long way off
The election was unlike any other in recent memory for a host of reasons: its too-close-to-call nature, the shock not-quite-as-close exit poll on Thursday night, Jeremy Paxman ditching his fearsome Newsnight demeanour to dabble in wit on comedy panel shows.
-
OpinionEducate, guide, default – how schemes should deal with DC flex
The new pension flexibility has now been available for one month. Early indications suggest a great deal of interest among pension savers, but it is too early to identify trends in terms of what people will do with their pension savings.
-
OpinionLegislating for change
Talking Head: UK pensions policy is at a crucial point in history. Rob Gardner asks whether the new government will make the right moves.
-
NewsAs the result shock fades, attention turns to next pensions minister
General election 2015: The Conservatives’ election triumph on Friday, alongside a near whitewash by the Scottish National party north of the border, has raised several questions about how the fallout will affect pensions.
-
News
Retirement adequacy slips down DC agendas
DC consultants have called for a refocus on retirement adequacy as new figures show two-thirds of employers prioritise compliance requirements over traditional benefit drivers.
-
OpinionHow scheme life assurance benefits can affect lifetime allowance
From the blog: The standard lifetime allowance is being reduced again, this time to £1m. That’s a reduction of 20 per cent from the current level of £1.25m and 44 per cent from the LTA’s peak level of £1.8m in April 2010.
-
OpinionEditorial: Drivers and disincentives
So taking the politics out of pensions is proving harder than this sensible-sounding phrase suggests.
-
Opinion
The DC Debate – how the freedoms are changing the direction of DC
In the second quarter of 2015, our debate panel members explain how they think the charge cap and wider reforms are reshaping DC provision – and predict what further changes might come.
-
Opinion
DC defaults: One size does not fit all
The continued growth of the defined contribution market was a secondary theme over the past quarter as the industry braced itself for fundamental reforms.
-
Opinion
How DB plans with AVCs are affected by the reforms
The new pension flexibility extends to additional voluntary contribution schemes just as with all pure defined contribution schemes. Stuart O’Brien, partner at Sackers, explores how defined benefit trustees should keep their schemes on the right side of the law.
-
OpinionEditorial: Not Tesco's finest hour
Closing a defined benefit scheme to future accrual is no longer considered a controversial move in the private sector.
-
News
Cultural norms could inform UK DC outcomes, PPI report shows
The Australian experience of defined contribution indicates UK pensioners could deplete their retirement pots too early, a report warns, but experts say what we can learn from overseas systems is limited.
-
News
LGPS funds feel the pressure as local pension boards get off the ground
Public sector pension funds are under pressure to compile their pension boards ahead of the August 1 deadline, but some report being “stretched” by the wait for guidance on the reform.