Europe

UK / IRELAND - BNY Mellon Asset Servicing has been awarded a global custody mandate valued at US$4.2bn of assets by Ireland's largest building society.

UK - The sub-prime crisis could actually enable pension funds to improve their funding positions, claim some industry professionals.

EUROPE- Pioneer Investments has appointed Mats Langensjo to the newly created role of head of institutional business for the Nordic region.

NORWAY - An upswing in global equity markets in the second quarter of 2007 contributed to solid performance figures for the Government Pension Fund - Global.

UK - A deadlock has developed between trustees at J Sainsbury plc's pension scheme and Delta Two Limited, the Qatari-backed investment group which has approached the retail group.

UK - Staffordshire County Council pension fund has issued a tender for a specialist currency manager.

UK - Global Pensions has learnt that Pensions Corporation has entered into an exclusive deal worth £700m for a company within the UK manufacturing sector.

UK/IRELAND - As the credit crunch rumbles on, actuaries and industry professionals have sent out a clear message to pension funds - do not panic, yet.

UK - The Pensions Regulator has taken companies to court over outstanding levy payments, as part of a programme to collect monies due, and ensure future payments are made on time.

UK- The Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund has appointed Barnett Waddingham as actuary to the portfolio.