CHINA - Global Pensions has exclusively learnt that New Star International will appoint Francis Leach in a newly created position to develop and manage institutional relationships within the Asia Pacific region.

JAPAN - Economics Nobel Prize winner Myron Scholes has revealed his investment firm is seeking a license to advise Japanese pension funds after opening an office in the country.

BLACKROCK has launched an online modeling tool to give scheme members a realistic prediction of their likely standard of living in retirement.

CHINA - HSBC Holdings has revealed it is considering establishing a joint venture pension fund firm with BoComm, China's fifth largest bank.

DENMARK - PensionDanmarks has reported a bumper first quarter of 2007 as its assets under management grew by 18% to DKK64.2bn (€8.6bn), and its investment return was boosted by large holdings in equities.

THE PENSIONS Regulator has updated its guidance on cross-border activities.

EMPLOYERS organisation the EEF is disappointed a contribution cap was put in place.

RREEF Norway moves

Trade union Unite is consulting council workers over the revamped Local Government Pension Scheme.

Governance seminar