Europe

UK - Alan Bartlett has quit Aon Consulting after less than a year to take up a new position at multi-managers Attica Asset Management.

EUROPE - Total assets held in investment funds throughout Europe rose 8.3% in 2001 to EUR4,594bn during the fourth quarter, on the back of investors flocking towards equities, according to FEFSI, the European investment fund body.

DENMARK - Denmark's DKr15bn Industriens Pensionsforsikring has started the ball rolling on its private equity portfolio with a new appointment.

UK - The Government needs to reverse its strategy on pensions by significantly raising the basic state pension and restoring the earnings link, according to new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

UK - The decision by retailer Marks & Spencer to close its DB scheme has been branded "illogical" by the Trades Union Congress.

UK - One shareholder meeting is of significance in the week beginning March 18, according to corporate governance specialists Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS).

UK - An issues paper published by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) considers the need for insurance companies to have an appointed actuary, suggesting that the responsibilities currently covered by the role might already be adequately addressed...

UK - DLA has made an addition to its pensions and employee benefits team with the appointment of Michael Cowley.

UK - Consumers and firms will both benefit from a sweeping away of regulatory clutter and smarter regulation of insurance, Financial Services Authority (FSA) managing director, John Tiner, has said.

FRANCE - The EUR535m Caisse de Retraite et de Prévoyance des Clercs et Employés de Notaires - the pension fund for employees of legal practices - has hired Credit Lyonnais Asset Management to run a EUR100m balanced mandate.