What were the best read features in 2016?

clock • 4 min read

PP Online takes a look at the top 20 feature articles of 2016.

1. Case study: Deal with GMP reconciliation sooner rather than later

GMP reconciliation is a major issue and needs careful planning if it is to go according to plan. Helen Morrissey talks to two schemes about their experiences so far.

2. TPR probe into BHS Pension Scheme could be watershed case

The collapse of the famous High Street retailer raises questions for pension regulators. Michael Klimes finds out why.

3. Will the lifetime ISA go down in history as the Trojan horse of pensions?

George Osborne's latest surprise divided opinion in the industry, finds Michael Klimes.

4. How Nationwide raised contribution levels

Nationwide Building Society chose to appeal to members' hearts as well as minds when looking at how to increase contribution rates. Nationwide's head of pensions Ian Baines tells Helen Morrissey how it can be achieved.

5. What is the future of the British Steel Pension Scheme?

With the fortunes of the steel industry hanging in the balance, Michael Klimes investigates the prospects for the pension fund.

6. Will tax relief restrictions on higher earners lead to the death of pensions?

As tax relief reductions are already forcing higher earners out of pensions, there could be a mass exodus if the Chancellor goes ahead with more reform. Rebecca Shahoud looks at how it could damage pensions.

7. How employers are embracing a preventative approach to health and wellbeing

Employers are increasingly realising they have a responsibility to change employee behaviours around health and wellbeing. Nick Martindale looks at the steps they can take.

8. The mounting controversy around BHS

The tale of BHS took a dramatic turn after the first Work and Pensions Committee hearings into the retail giant. PP looked at what had happened in the first week.

9. Master trusts face mounting scrutiny from politicians and regulators

The potential failure of a master trust is inspiring hard thinking in the industry. Michael Klimes looks at what solutions are being considered.

10. What a difference A-Day makes - or maybe not…

Ten years on from A-Day Padraig Floyd asks what impact it has had on the industry.

11. How can we close the DB funding gap?

As the issue of DB deficits continues to cause headaches, Charlotte Moore looks at how they can be dealt with.

12. Could the BHS trustees and TPR have done more?

As MPs investigate the factors behind BHS's collapse, Michael Klimes looks at whether the regulator and trustees could have done anything differently.

13. What can be done to prevent people having to work until their 80s?

Pension contribution rates will need to be increased to stop people being forced to work and save until their 70s or 80s. Action must be taken now, writes Rebecca Shahoud.

14. Lay trustees are facing a very challenging future

Member nominated trustees have their work cut out for them over the next five years Michael Klimes hears.

15. Case study: When fiduciary management ends in buyout

When J. Whitaker & Sons Final Salary Plan appointed a fiduciary manager it was targeting self-sufficiency. However, strong investment returns and the ability to react quickly to changing market dynamics have led to a different result finds Helen Morrissey.

16. BHS report exonerates TPR from failure and blames Green

MPs have concluded the regulator was not responsible for the collapse of plans to rescue the BHS pension schemes. Michael Klimes examined the report

17. Santander scheme defies Brexit gloom to post £750m gain in June

Professional Pensions speaks to Santander UK director of pensions Antony Barker about how his fund achieved record returns in June and the road ahead for scheme investment and the economy at large.

18. How trustees could be at risk from confusion over DC chair's statement

Trustees must ensure the new DC governance statements are accurate to avoid future liability, as they will be not scrutinised by the auditor. Stephanie Baxter looks at the potential risks and what trustees must do.

19. Why the use of annual benefit windows is coming to an end

Nick Martindale looks at why annual benefit windows are becoming increasingly anachronistic in a 24/7 world and assesses the challenges and benefits for employers offering more frequent updates.

20. Should trustees have more powers to hold sponsors to account?

The BHS case has raised questions about the powers of trustees to hold sponsors to account. Michael Klimes looks at whether they should have more control.

 

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