Appointments

Mercer has made two appointments within the manager research team in its investment consulting business.

Ray Martin and Joy Moore have been elected as the chairmen of the National Association of Pension Fund's two main policy making councils.

US - Hedge fund manager Gregory Bell and his firm Lancelot Management have been accused by national prosecutors of facilitating a multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme allegedly operated by Minnesota businessman Thomas Petters.

Cardano has hired Bart Heenk and Steven Catchpole to manage and develop client relationships.

Living Time has appointed 15 people to its IFA account management team, 13 of whom were former Hartford employees.

The Pensions Management Institute has announced that Lesley Carline, Fiona McDonagh and Kevin LeGrand have been elected to serve on the professional body's council.

Hewitt Associates has appointed Anne Swift as chief investment officer within its UK defined contribution team

Mercer has hired Katharine Photiou as a principal in its strategic benefits consulting and delivery team.

The Universities Superannuation Scheme is in talks with global hedge fund managers to build up a direct exposure to the asset class.

Consultancy firms Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby and Watson Wyatt will merge, the two firms announced yesterday.