ALLIANCE TRUST is set to launch an asset management business in a bid to boost its earnings.

GLOBAL - Mercer Investment Consulting is set to expand its research of alternative investments on the back of increased demand from institutional clients.

BALANCED pooled funds achieved a median return of 0.7pc in August, latest figures from CAPS figures from Mellon Analytical Solutions reveal.

M2M MANAGEMENT has launched a hedge fund focusing on physical and futures maritime freight fund, Global Maritime Investments.

Employers will need a comprehensive government support package if its pension White Paper proposals are to succeed, the Conferderation for British Industry warns.

MERCER has appointed Chris Evans as leader of its bundled pension services operations in the UK - Mercer Retirement Solutions and Mercer Employee Benefits.

THE KLM (UK) Pension and Life Assurance Scheme has hired Blue Sky to manage its assets after completing a full investment strategy review.

US - The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) of Illinois has launched seven additional lifecycle funds for its members.

UK - Financial services consultant Mercer Oliver Wyman has stated that the National Pension Savings Scheme (NPSS) "will not close Britain's £27bn savings gap".

CHINA - Chen Liangyu, Shanghai Municipal Committee secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), has been fired for his alleged involvement in embezzling pension fund assets.