US - The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has reported a deficit of US$13.1bn in fiscal year 2007, according to the agency's annual management report submitted to Congress.

UK - Four Swiss Life Asset Management ex-staffers have set up an asset manager boutique, focusing on long-only equity funds.

The National Association of Pension Funds has appointed Keith Hollender as business development director.

Moore exits friends after failed merger; Friends may be ready for break-up after chief's departure; Land Securities to split into three after slide in shares; Pension reforms cost £4bn a year; Meryll Lynch chooses new chief; Retiring age cases put on...

Strikes over pensions have been called off on the former Silverlink and Midland Mainline routes to allow discussions with the new franchise holders.

UK - The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has appointed Keith Hollander as business development director, a new role aimed to enhance its offering to members.

AUSTRALIA - Nearly nine out of ten Australians would support ‘soft compulsion' as a painless and flexible way to boost their super, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).

US - The New York State Common Retirement Fund (CRF) is looking to divest from companies doing to business in Iran, if they fail to explain steps they have take to minimise risk to the pension fund.

INCLUDING: UK - Punter Southall recruits principal; UK - Orchard buys property for pension fund; AUSTRALIA - Vanguard announces management restructure; UK - C&W looks at options for pension funds; GLOBAL - State Street appoints European portfolio solutions...

IRELAND - The pensions green paper gathered mainly positive feedback at an Irish Association of Pension Funds (IAPF) debate held last night, after receiving a lukewarm welcome upon its release.