The current MPs' pension scheme should be closed to new entrants and replaced with defined contribution arrangements, the Conservatives say.

US - Pension Governance and the Michel-Shaked Group have teamed up to launch a fee-based database with over 1,500 retirement plan legal actions for use by attorneys, trustees, board members and policy-makers.

Inquiry launched into Hain donations; Cameron call on MP pensions; Pensions deficits treble in a month; Fidelity reopens Magellan fund; Pensioner fraudster gets five years

The self-invested personal pension market grew by more than a quarter to exceed £50bn in 2007, Suffolk Life believes.

UK - Lachlan French has been appointed managing director and head of transitions management for Europe and Asia (ex-Japan) by Barclays Global Investors (BGI).

INCLUDING: GERMANY - Combined division for AllianzGI KAG; UK - Development actuary joins Hymans Robertson; Switzerland - ORTEC opens Swiss office

UK - The manufacturers' association, EEF, has urged the government provide powers to the Pensions Regulator to ensure potential employees are not discriminated against, following the introduction of the Pensions Bill 2007.

Defined benefit pension scheme deficits rose to an aggregate of £19.6bn in December from £5.2bn in November last year, figures from the Pension Protection Fund shows.

US - The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) has launched an attack on HSBC bank over what it views as corporate failings and poor financial performance.

NETHERLANDS - Pensions management firm Cordares has announced two senior appointments.