More than 60pc of charitable organisations have not assessed the financial consequences of 2012 pensions legislation, research shows.

US - The Securities and Exchange Commission has launched an investigation of Vanderbilt Capital Advisors, a firm that has been accused of making political contributions in exchange for doing business with New Mexico pension funds.

IRELAND - The Irish Exporters Association is calling for legislation that would require compulsory pensions and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions for public sector workers.

US- Merrill Lynch will pay US$550m to the State Teachers' Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) and other investors as the firm settles class action lawsuits brought against it.

UK - Nortel UK has approached the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) seeking rescue for its 43,000-member pension scheme, after the company was placed into administration last week.

UK - Japanese and Asian equities specialist Tokio Marine Asset Management (TMA) has launched its London asset management business, targeting UK and continental European institutional investors.

PUNTER SOUTHALL has appointed Dave Watkins to head up its Wokingham pension administration function.

PENSION schemes, government and fund managers have been urged to back a series of proposals on responsible investment to help address the practices that contributed to the current financial crisis.

Extra pressure on companies with final salary schemes by trustees, investors and government could "seriously weaken" businesses and deepen the recession, employers have warned.

CBI warns of pensions vicious circle; TUC urges pensions to take role in recovery; Equitable Life victims face wait for redress