United Kingdom

UK - A new financial website which will enable schemes and their members to get real-time information on share values launches today.

UK - Ashmore Investment Management's flagship emerging markets bond fund, the Emerging Market Liquid Investment Portfolio, posted an 18.5% return during 2002.

UK - Manchester tram operator Serco Metrolink has appointed Jardine Lloyd Thompson to provide actuarial, consulting, administration and strategic investment advice to its final salary pension scheme.

UK - Amvescap-owned Invesco has strengthened its DC pensions team with three new hires.

UK/US - Hedge fund manager Trafalgar Capital Management is launching a US equity market neutral fund aimed at schemes as part of its expansion plans.

UK - Six people charged with conspiring to steal £2.9m from the Cheney Pension Scheme are to stand trial at Birmingham Crown Court on September 22.

UK - Lawyers have criticised the Department for Work and Pensions for continuing to drag its heels over extending the pensions ombudsman's remit to include class actions.

UK - ABN Amro and Mellon have received regulatory approval for their 50-50 custody joint venture, ABN Amro Mellon Global Securities Services.

UK - Phased retirement will be an "administrative nightmare" for schemes, consultants warn.

UK - Susan Timbrell has quit the Environment Agency Pension Fund as head of pensions to take up a similar position at the Transport for London scheme.