Investment
USS to convene more talks in new year
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) will hold further discussions in the new year to agree on how to proceed with the scheme.
Net Pay Action Group urges government to deliver pensions tax manifesto pledge
The Net Pay Action Group (NPAG) is urging the government to deliver on its manifesto pledge to review unfair tax rules in pensions.
Recruitment agency and managing director fined £10,890 for avoiding workplace pension
A Hertfordshire-based recruitment agency and its managing director have been ordered to pay £10,890 after misleading The Pensions Regulator (TPR) over its workplace pension arrangements.
Nest to bolster climate change strategy to support carbon cuts
Government auto-enrolment provider Nest has mapped out how it will aim to help tackle climate-related risks, by testing ways to support cutting carbon emissions to 1.5 degrees.
Unilever sets out plans to overhaul DB offering; Unions join forces to quash proposals
With one of Europe’s most well-known companies planning its most significant pension scheme overhaul to date, unions have stepped in to ensure workers are not short-changed. Hope William-Smith reports.
Hymans Robertson publishes third annual master trust report; flags concerns over investment risk
Master trusts have enjoyed positive returns across the three investment journey phases but there are some “early signs of concern” emerging around risk profiles, a Hymans Robertson master trust report reveals.
HSBC launches master trust after TPR authorisation
The HSBC Master Trust has become the first new master trust to be authorised by The Pensions Regulator (TPR), after having applied after the regime kicked off.
Pension master trusts: The list of providers
Professional Pensions has compiled a list charting the progress of master trust authorisation. View our list in full here...
Partner Insight: ESG: Moving up the trustee agenda
Newton Investment Management’s Rob Stewart considers how DC schemes can respond to new rules on disclosing ESG policies
CMA fiduciary manager comparison metrics a win for sector transparency
Metrics that will allow pension funds to compare providers’ performance for the first time will provide a much-needed boost to transparency, according to Dalriada Trustees.
USS joint panel dual discount rate proposal 'broadly aligns' with TPR views
The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Joint Expert Panel’s (JEP) proposals for future valuations have received broad support as a way protecting the long-term interests of its members.
Aon paper guides trustees to opportunities for public equity impact
Aon has published a paper offering pension scheme trustees insight into investment areas if they are looking for competitive financial returns and to deliver a positive social and environmental impact.
Partner Insight: What next for DC pensions?
With master trusts coming of age in 2019, Newton Investment Management’s Julian Lyne looks at what 2020 has in store for DC schemes
Election result gives markets 'Boris bounce' but uncertainty remains
The Conservative Party’s election success has delivered a rally for UK equity markets and sterling but uncertainty over a future trade deal with the EU remains.
Sterling spikes on Conservative majority
The pound surged against both the US dollar and euro after the Conservatives won a landslide majority at the UK General Election on Thursday (12 December).
DB trustees make moves to engage members with financial advice
Over a third of defined benefit (DB) trustees have helped their members source financial advice in the lead up to their retirement, research shows.
Why trustee power over ESG is limited
ESG is increasingly important for schemes but trustees have little influence over manager decisions. Pádraig Floyd asks what they can do to redress the balance.
DB funding - November 2019: 'Temporary respite' for DB schemes as deficit falls £33bn
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the November 2019 estimates on the various measures…
The smaller scheme's ABC of ESG
While it may be tough for small schemes to manage their approach to ESG-related investment risks, there are ways to meet this fiduciary responsibility, says Richard Butcher
The value of an option: How schemes can use convertible bonds
Using convertible bonds could help pension fund investors to mitigate volatility while also sharing in upside during periods of growth, says Justin Craib-Cox.
Industry Voice: How do ESG concerns impact fixed income investors?
Across the globe, fixed income investors are increasingly interested in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. MFS Research Analyst Mahesh Jayakumar explains how MFS® incorporates ESG factors into fixed income research and looks at the opportunities and challenges facing investors.
Pension funding levels on the up
Pensions schemes are better funded now than this time last year, according to PwC’s annual Pension Scheme Funding Survey.
