US - Companies are increasingly considering phased retirement programmes as they face an unprecedented talent shortage, according to Hewitt Associates.

ACE European Group deputy chairman Emma Watkins is set to move to MetLife to head up business development.

Mercer is expanding its benefits outsourcing business in a bid to lead the market in customer service delivery.

AUSTRALIA - Australia's superannuation industry has been described as a multi-billion dollar "battleground" in Deloitte's Actuaries and Consultants latest analysis of the industry.

US - US district judge Marsha J. Pechman has issued an order certifying a class of participants in the pension plans sponsored by Washington Mutual, Inc. (WaMu) and three predecessor banks.

Women need more information on pension benefits and communication about entitlements needs to be improved, The Pensions Advisory Service says.

GLOBAL - Recommendations for credit rating agency (CRA) reform have today been released by the Securities and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).

Only 25pc of FSTE350 directors are currently building up new defined benefit pensions, Watson Wyatt analysis shows.

Trustees have been ordered to personally repay £130,000 after being found guilty of a breach of trust.

UK - Paternoster urged regulating bodies to impose a clear framework for companies offering cash inducements to scheme members transferring out of a scheme.