United Kingdom

UK/US - Experts fear the future of "hybrid" pensions could be in the balance after a US judge ruled that cash-balance schemes were discriminatory on grounds of age.

UK - The Financial Services Authority has published a discussion paper on its money laundering regime.

UK - State Street Global Advisors has named Yvonne Franklin as head of its consultant relationship management team, based in London.

UK - Chemicals manufacturer DuPont SA has played down fears about its scheme's health after a dramatic change in member profile.

UK - Accounting giant KPMG is being given extra time to make cash-equivalent transfers to nine scheme members.

UK - Royal Mail workers are being urged to strike after union leaders rejected a 14.5% pay rise - and a boost to the pension fund.

UK - Schemes have slammed a £1.3m payoff to NTL president and chief executive Barclay Knapp who led the firm to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

UK - Asset managers are developing structured funds that will enable small schemes to eliminate risk from their bond portfolios.

UK - The government has escaped having to top up the the £9.8bn Mineworkers' Pension Scheme - despite a £390m deficit in the main part of the fund.

UK - Commercial property investment markets will remain resilient to the downturn in occupational markets, Jones Lang LaSalle predicts.