Europe

UK - Dunstan Thomas has launched a software package which allows providers to offer bespoke, enhanced annuity rates to policyholders.

UK - As part of the repositioning of its business as a multi-specialist asset manager, Britannic Asset Management today said that had appointed four chief investment officers for its "core areas".

UK - Pension scheme running costs will soar when third-party administrators face new regulation costs next year, the Society of Pension Consultants warns.

UK - Fund management software provider DST has launched a fixed income attribution solution which analyses the performance of bond funds.

UK - With-profits Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) pension funds have continued to chisel down their equities exposure over the past year, new research shows.

UK - Watson Wyatt is to stop charging fund managers an annual subscription fee for appearing at its conferences in order to dispel perceptions that it operates a "pay to play" policy.

UK - Schemes will have to sign a "book of blank cheques" to provide final salary benefits for Pension Protection Fund staff, the House of Lords heard.

DENMARK - The e5.8bn Danish pension fund for medical support staff, Pen-Sam is expected to tender for high-yield bond managers later this year.

UK - The 1.9bn Lothian Pension Fund has appointed Goldman Sachs Asset Management to run a £100m US equities mandate.

FINLAND - As part of the 2005 pensions reform, the pensions ceiling of 60% of wages on earnings-related private pensions will be abolished.