All Trustee boards articles – Page 2
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PodcastsPodcast: Ball in TPR’s court as DB funding code consultation launches
Podcast: The consultation into the defined benefit funding code by the Department for Work and Pensions hints at a prescriptive regime to come, but the Pensions Regulator must improve on its “rubbish” code of practice draft, according to Zedra client director Richard Butcher. He and Hymans Robertson partner Laura McLaren discuss the next steps, stronger nudge concerns, and assess the health of pensions post-Maxwell.
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NewsPPF to cover costs of scheme Fraud Compensation Fund claims
The Department for Work and Pensions is consulting on regulatory amendments that would allow the Pension Protection Fund to make interim payments to cover scheme fees and costs during Fraud Compensation Fund claims, and remove a loophole regarding child dependants.
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NewsGovt writes off £483,000 as Aon completes Maxwell scheme wind-up
Aon has overseen the wind-up of the AGB Pension Scheme, the last of the so-called “Maxwell pension schemes” supported by Aon Trustees Limited, with the aid of a £483,294 write-off by the government.
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NewsDWP fails to end transfer ‘war’ between PensionBee and providers
Attempts by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Pensions Regulator to clarify the intent behind rules governing pension transfers have failed to settle the matter between PensionBee and providers it accused of wrongdoing, as critics say intent does not trump law.
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NewsDWP’s consultation on DB funding regulations expected in July
On the go: A long-awaited Department for Work and Pensions consultation into regulations underpinning the new defined benefit funding code is expected towards the end of July, putting the code on track to launch in late 2023, according to a spokesperson from the Pensions Regulator.
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NewsEmployers call for UCU backing over USS governance review
On the go: Universities UK, the group representing 340 Universities Superannuation Scheme employers, has called for the backing of the University and College Union over the scheme's governance review.
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NewsAon and Mercer issue ‘urgent’ call to action over LDI strategies
Consultancies Aon and Mercer have urged pension schemes, trustees and sponsors to prepare to intervene to protect their schemes, as bond market volatility puts strain on liability-driven investment strategies.
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NewsTrustees urged to include ESG factors in covenant assessment
On the go: Accounting for Sustainability and the Employer Covenant Practitioners Association have teamed up to launch a “top tips” guide for considering environmental, social and governance risk in the employer covenant process, hailed by the Pensions Regulator chair Sarah Smart as “an important first port of call for trustees”.
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NewsIndustry calls for clarity on TPR’s enforcement powers
Industry experts, though broadly supportive of the Pensions Regulator’s approach to its new enforcement powers, have nonetheless called for additional clarity in how they will be used, with some concerned that outcomes could be determined in part by “luck”.
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NewsCost of discretionary increases to combat inflation could hit £18bn
The cost of awarding discretionary increases to members could now add £18bn to defined benefit schemes' liabilities, experts have warned, as inflation continues to rise.
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NewsPASA guidance addresses ‘ever-changing’ DC landscape
On the go: The Pensions Administration Standards Association has updated its defined contribution guidance to account for the “ever-changing” complexities in the sector.
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NewsTPR’s new DB funding code expected in September 2023
The Pensions Regulator expects its much-anticipated new defined benefit funding code to be in place and operational by September 2023, according to its latest corporate plan.
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NewsLecturers’ USS lawsuit frustrated by centuries-old precedent
A lawsuit against Universities Superannuation Scheme directors alleging climate inaction and breaches of duty has failed on a technicality dating back to 1843, though the judge in the case did find that beneficiaries of a pension fund corporation do sometimes have the right to sue directors.
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NewsCrisis-driven mortality increase to reduce scheme liabilities
On the go: An increase in mortality rates brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, pressures on the healthcare system, and the cost of living crisis could see schemes’ liabilities reduced by around 2 per cent in the coming years, according to analysis from LCP.
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PodcastsPodcast: Uncertainty around inflation leads to ‘casino pensions’
Podcast: High levels of volatility around inflation will force trustees to “take a bet” on the future, as it is very difficult — absent a crystal ball — to predict inflationary pressure and its impact on scheme liabilities, says Pension Playpen chief executive Steve Goddard. He is joined by Cardano managing director Emily Goodridge to discuss inflation, technology in pensions, and the future of environmental, social and governance disclosure.
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NewsElectricity pensioners launch campaign amid inflation fears
The Association of Electricity Supply Pensioners has launched a campaign to protect the benefits of more than 100,000 members of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, amid fears that pension increases that do not match inflation could amount to significant losses.
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NewsTPR funding statement flags uncertainty impact for valuations
High levels of uncertainty surrounding inflation, interest rates, mortality, energy prices and economic growth will put additional pressure on trustees completing their tranche 17 valuations this year, according to the Pensions Regulator’s annual funding statement.
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NewsContribution notice of £3.6mn hints at ‘new era’ of TPR powers
Legal commentators have hailed what could be the start of a “new era” in the Pensions Regulator’s enforcement powers after its determinations panel handed down a contribution notice for more than £3mn to two individuals connected with the Meghraj Group Pensions Scheme.
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NewsProfessional trustee market expected to grow and consolidate
Data crunch: The professional trustee market is expected to grow further over the next five years as up to 90 per cent of schemes make appointments, but the number of large companies is expected to almost halve, according to new research.
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OpinionTPR: The Green Cross Code man
Broadstone’s technical director David Brooks details how trustees must help scheme members to avoid bad transfer decisions as the regulator takes a ‘Green Cross Code’ approach.