Investment

Control of Freedom SIPP has been given to Mattioli Woods by the scheme's liquidators.

TAIWAN - BNP Paribas Investment Partners will strengthen its asset management presence in Asia with a new joint venture in Taiwan.

Asset managers are staying in the "comfort zone of defined benefit" and are failing to seek business opportunities in defined contribution schemes, Spence Johnson says.

UK - Asset managers are staying in the "comfort zone of defined benefit" and are failing to seek business opportunities in defined contribution schemes, consulting firm Spence Johnson said.

CANADA - The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has partnered with investor Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins (CRCD) to invest a total of C$600m (US$573m) between the two in small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs).

GLOBAL - Dutch pension provider ABP and US pension fund California Public Employees' Retirement System posted 2009 results of 20.2% and 11.8% respectively.

ISRAEL - Israel should cut its existing tax break for pensions and increase the pension age for women in order to promote savings among poorer populations, the OECD said.

UK - The confusing nature of UK pensions is damaging competitiveness and could stymie the recovery from recession, top industry figures warned.

Jonathan Stapleton speaks to Barnardo's pensions manager Graham Brown ahead of his retirement at the end of January

Aegon Asset Management has launched a customised asset allocation facility for clients to meet the strategic objectives of each particular pension scheme.