GLOBAL - A global poll carried out recently by SEI's Pension Management Research Panel has found the number of defined benefit pension funds using LDI strategies in five key markets has doubled since 2007.

UK - The chief executive of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), Partha Dasgupta, will stand down from his role in June 2009.

ICELAND - Net assets for pension payments increased by ISK200bn (US$2.4bn) during 2007, a report by the Icelandic Financial Supervisory Authority (FME) has found.

UK - The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has expressed disappointment over the departure of the Pension Protection Fund's CEO Partha Dasgupta, but said it hopes more can be achieved before he leaves in June.

NETHERLANDS - ABP has committed US$75m to a private equity fund managed by BlueOrchard, in what is its first investment in a private equity microfinance fund.

IRELAND - The €19.4bn (US$30.5bn) National Pension Reserve Fund has allocated €600m to emerging market equities, split between three asset managers.

UK - The government is being urged to encourage innovation in pension scheme design, following the release of its risk-sharing consultation.

RECRUITMENT specialist Sammons Pensions has launched its seventh annual salary survey.

SWEDEN - AP1's fixed income and alternative investments generated positive returns in the first half of 2008, despite a total negative return of -8%.

Tube Lines chief warns of Metronet pension cost; Pensions rate switch adds to the liabilities burden; Henderson warns of tough year ahead; BSkyB chief exec Jeremy Darroch's pay package nears £2m; Economists forecast year of recession in 2009