Regions

GLOBAL - Mercer realised a 16% increase in specialty consulting revenues in the third quarter, according to parent company Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC).

GLOBAL - A band of institutional investors, including pension funds are rallying to revolt against satellite broadcaster BSkyB's plans to buy back up to 5% of its shares this month.

EUROPE - European institutional investors are buying customised OTC and securitised equity derivative products with a view to selling them on to high-net-worth and other retail customers, Greenwich Associates' research has found.

GLOBAL - Equity markets across the globe posted gains in the third quarter of 2005, according to Mercer Investment Consulting's Defined Contribution Universe Summary.

GLOBAL - Most multinationals lack the desired control over their retirement benefits, according to a Hewitt Associates survey.

GLOBAL - JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) has restructured its emerging markets equity team with the addition of an enlarged global group responsible for both active and structured strategies.

EUROPE - The Volkswagen Group pension scheme has awarded a £51m global custody mandate to European securities bank KAS BANK.

EUROPE - Britannic Asset Management will act as the sole distributor of the Auda hedge fund of funds products in the UK and parts of Europe under an exclusive agreement reached with the New York-based firm.

GLOBAL - The asset management industry lacks recognised reporting standards with discrepancies in performance and risk indicators making it difficult for institutional investors to compare like with like, Fitch Ratings argues.

EUROPE - Federal transfers to the state pension system are the core cause of Germany's structural budget deficit, according to Pimco senior portfolio manager Andrew Bosomworth (pictured).