Europe

UK - The government is facing a "messy" three-year legal battle over the compensation of ASW pension scheme members, lawyers claim.

UK - Standard Life Investments has opted for Citigroup Global Transaction Services as its preferred provider for fund administration, custody and related services.

UK - Key Asset Management (KAM) has appointed James Freeman as senior relationship manager and Phelim Bolger as marketing and sales executive.

UK- Markets Wizards Fund Plus, the flagship fund of the London-based Fortune Group, has celebrated its second anniversary with majority gains.

UK - Specsavers Optical group has selected Investec Asset Management to manage the funds available in its new DC scheme.

UK - Despite growing awareness that pension fund investment is about meeting long-term liabilities, there is little to suggest progress in awarding longer term mandates, according to one leading fund manager.

UK - Barclays Bank has launched its hybrid pension scheme for new staff members.

UK - Morley Fund Management has appointed David Watson chief financial officer - subject to regulatory approval - and a board member.

UK - Government proposals over the distribution of funds during scheme wind-up have been branded "pathetic" by the City's most senior pensions lawyers.

UK - Consultants have called on the government to clarify moves to push guaranteed minimum pensions down the priority list.