AGE discrimination regulations could increase scheme costs by as much as 100pc, advisers warn.

US - The Ohio state office treasurer has appointed JPMorgan Worldwide Securities Services to provide custody and accounting services for US$92bn in assets of Ohio's public funds.

BT rings up gains after being open on pensions; Insurers' director steps down; Fined former GLG trader opens new fund in Geneva; Equitable sells University Life

WEST SUSSEX County Council Pension Fund has reappointed Baillie Gifford to manage half of its £1.3bn assets.

AUSTRALIA - John Paterson has been appointed to the Future Fund board of guardians, replacing Robert Elstone who left in July.

US - The Illinois TRS is seeking a new private equity consultant following a spate of key departures from Pacific Corporate Group (PCG).

UK - The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has set its levy estimate for 2007/2008 at £675m - more than double the £324m the fund is expected to collect for 2006/2007.

NETHERLANDS - CFO Dick Sluimers has been appointed executive board chairman of the €201bn stichting pensioen fonds ABP.

New guidance on scheme abandonment by The Pensions Regulator may have been prompted by a drop in clearance applications, a lawyer claims.

MERCHANT Investors has added 71 new funds to its self-invested personal pension range.