Pension funds have huge and unrealised potential to influence the corporate governance of the companies they invest in, Hermes Equity Ownership Services chief executive Colin Melvin claims.

GLOBAL - The US Private Equity Council has launched a set of comprehensive responsible investment guidelines its members will apply prior to investing in companies and during their period of ownership.

NETHERLANDS - Financial consultant bfinance has appointed Frans Verhaar to lead its expansion into the Netherlands.

Myners calls on shareholders to challenge reward cultures; Madoff agrees not to contest Ponzi civil charges; Bullion sales hit record; Brown under pressure to scrap part sale of Royal Mail

UK - Pension funds have huge and unrealised potential to influence the corporate governance of the companies they invest in, Hermes Equity Ownership Services chief executive Colin Melvin claims.

The aggregate funding position of the 7800 defined benefit funds monitored by the Pension Protection Fund improved to a deficit of £190.6bn in January.

Annuity rates fell across the board this month, however, most providers increased rates on retail price index-linked products, Alexander Forbes says.

Hotel group Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin has seen employee benefit uptake increase 60% since online information videos were launched in English and Polish.

NUFFIELD HEALTH has appointed Mercer as its corporate adviser on pension liabilities.

GLOBAL - Barclays Global Investors profit before tax decreased 19% in 2008, to £595m (US$888m) from £734m posted in 2007.