IRELAND - The Irish government is set to consider cuts to public pensions in the upcoming budget in a bid to close a gap in public finances of over €20bn (US$29.6bn).

UK - The British Chamber of Commerce has called for an immediate suspension of the 2010/2011 Pension Protection Fund levy in a bid to support employers affected by the economic downturn.

The British Chamber of Commerce has called for an immediate suspension of the 2010/2011 Pension Protection Fund levy in a bid to support employers affected by the economic downturn.

UK - The National Association of Pension Funds has launched a quality mark for defined contribution schemes in a bid to recognise firms providing good schemes for their staff.

US - Four private equity firms have agreed to return over US$4.5m to the New York State Common Retirement Fund (CRF) to resolve their roles in the ongoing investigation on alleged pay-to-play practices at the scheme.

AUSTRALIA - The median growth superannuation fund returned 3.2% in August, marking the sixth straight month of gains, said research firm Chant West.

The National Association of Pension Funds has launched a quality mark for defined contribution schemes in a bid to recognise firms providing good schemes for their staff.

UK/US - The Financial Services Authority and the US Securities and Exchange Commission are discussing approaches to reporting and other regulatory requirements for hedge funds and their advisers, the respective heads of the two organisations said.

The Financial Services Authority and the US Securities and Exchange Commission are discussing approaches to reporting and other regulatory requirements for hedge funds and their advisers, the respective heads of the two organisations say.

The National Association of Pension Funds has announced the elections of new members of its two main policy-making bodies.