GLOBAL - International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) has launched new guidelines to raise standards of corporate governance worldwide.

US - MSCI has signed up to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) in support of improved company governance.

US - BlackRock has appointed Chris Leavy as chief investment officer (CIO) of US fundamental equity.

INDIA - A new scheme catering for workers in India's unorganised sector is looking for micro-finance loan providers to help members make their first contributions.

PGGM CIO quits; Threadneedle; AXA; KKR; State Street; EFAMA; Begbies Traynor Group; Amundi

EUROPE - The CFA Institute and Foundation for Governance Research and Education (FGRE) have joined forces to study the challenges facing responsible investors.

SWITZERLAND - Swiss pension funds must take on more risk if they are to meet projected returns, Swisscanto says.

IRELAND - The National Irish Bank is to transfer all members of its defined benefit (DB) scheme to its existing hybrid pension plan.

SWEDEN - Northern Trust has appointed Annika Larsson and Erik Norland as senior relationship managers in Stockholm.

US - CalPERS is supporting Massey Energy's improved corporate governance proposals in the wake of a coal mine explosion which killed 29 of the firm's employees.