United Kingdom

UK - Thames River Capital has appointed Paul Thursby and Peter Geike Cobb to its fixed income team.

UK - The corporate finance chief who masterminded the Boots Pension Fund's shift from equities to bonds, John Ralfe, has launched his own consulting firm.

UK - Brown Brothers Harriman has appointed William Condé as technical and compliance director responsible for trustee and depositary services in the UK.

UK - The London Pension Fund Authority is looking to allocate up to 5% of its assets to private equity - a mandate that will be worth between £50m-75m.

UK - The financial ombudsman has ruled against beleaguered insurer Equitable Life in five "lead cases".

UK - The £749m West Sussex County Council Pension Fund is reviewing the arrangements for the management of its £62m direct property portfolio.

UK - The pensions payments of executive directors must be considered in the context of their overall pay package, Baring Asset Management claims.

UK - Occupational scheme members do not understand many aspects of their pensions, a survey by business adviser PKF reveals.

UK - Councils are split over implementing changes that allow councillors access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

UK - The £2bn Lancashire County Council Pension Fund has gone out to tender for a global custodian to replace its current line-up of six.