HM Treasury, the department for work and pensions and The Pensions Regulator have launched a consultation on developing a "refreshed and simplified" set of Myners principles.

GLOBAL insurance broker Willis Group Holdings has launched a group self-invested personal pension plan for its 4000 UK employees.

UK - Friends Provident has refused to comment on speculation it is talking to buyout firms about taking on part of its pension fund, to make the company a more attractive takeover target.

ROGER Urwin is set to step down from his role as global head of investment consulting at Watson Wyatt to take on a newly created role within the firm.

UK - The £2bn (US$3.97bn) Teeside Pension Fund is to place its UK direct property mandate out to tender.

NETHERLANDS - De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has reminded pension funds of their obligation to inform the regulator if they fail to meet reserve requirements, as a result of a downturn in the market and lower interest rates.

PRIME RATE has announced the launch of UK domiciled money market fund range aimed at pension fund investors.

US - A majority of institutional investors believe turmoil in international credit markets will push the US into recession in 2008, according to research from Greenwich Associates.

UK - Consulting firm Watson Wyatt Worldwide has chosen Carl Hess to succeed Roger Urwin as global head of investment consulting.

CAPITA HARTSHEAD has launched a investment consultancy practice to expand its services to schemes and trustees.