Europe

UK - JPMorgan has created an international index designed to benchmark and trade longevity risk.

EUROPE - The debate on the blurring of boundaries between asset managers and consultants over the issue of asset liability modelling (ALM) has intensified, with some consultants openly accussing asset managers of encroaching on their turf.

GERMANY - Union members within the German Federation (DGB) protested outside the Bundestag (parliament) today as the lower house passed a law raising the retirement age from 65 to 67 by a vast majority.

UK - The London Pensions Fund Authority (LPFA) has tendered a £150m mandate for global real estate, as the £3.6bn fund undertakes a review of its investment management structure.

UK - The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a consultation paper aimed at simplifying private pensions regulation.

UK - Leaders of the UK T-Charter group, which is working to create a common set of standards in the transition management industry, have met with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to discuss if the industry initiative could come under the regulator's...

UK - The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) said it would be opposed to any possible merger between itself and the Pension Regulator.

FRANCE - French civil servants fund Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations has appointed Augustin de Romanet to the role of CEO - left vacant following the tragic death of Francis Mayer.

UK - A new private members bill could see £4bn in unclaimed bank and building society accounts relocated to a compensation scheme for the victims of failed occupational pension schemes.

EUROPE - Pension funds have welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the European Commission's shareholder voting rights directive, saying it will create opportunity and encourage more active participation.