Regions

EMEA - JPMorgan Treasury Services has hired Steve Groppi as regional executive for Europe, Middle East and Africa in a bid to develop business and initiatives in the region.

GLOBAL - Corporate pension plans in the Eurozone and the UK recorded a massive 46% drop in funded status since 2000 - the largest fall among the world's major retirement markets, according to new research.

CENTRAL/EASTERN EUROPE - Unlocking opportunities in the labour market is key to solving Europe's pension problems, according to ministers from European Union accession states.

CENTRAL/EASTERN EUROPE - Unlocking opportunities in the labour market is key to solving Europe's pension problems, according to ministers from European Union accession states.

EUROPE - A growing number of institutional investors think that corporates should plug debts such as pensions fund deficits before focusing on growth to improve their profits.

EUROPE - Private equity returns have "remained solid" despite a depression in the world economy, the 2003 Pan-European Investment Benchmarks Study reveals.

GLOBAL - International Pensions News is fast approaching its three millionth hit since its launch in April 2001.

NeoNet to buy Lexit Group

UK/EUROPE - American Express Financial Advisors has acquired Threadneedle Asset Management for £340m (US$570m/e488m) as the former eyes opportunities in Europe in light of pension reforms.

GLOBAL - Revenues at financial software provider Trema rose 17% last year to e47.3m (£33.7m).