Professional Pensions www.professionalpensions.com The UK's biggest pension consulting firms by revenue <img alt="The UK&#39;s biggest pension consulting firms by revenue" src="https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/80642e9/e64228f3-9b8d-4ff0-b54b-5f1397aa26b0/38/Increase-in-revenue-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> PP has also recorded the turnover (revenue) in their most recent accounts. The full leaderboard is below… <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/80642e9/e64228f3-9b8d-4ff0-b54b-5f1397aa26b0/38/Increase-in-revenue-185x114.jpg https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1023364/-uks-biggest-pension-consulting-firms https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1023364/-uks-biggest-pension-consulting-firms https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1023364/-uks-biggest-pension-consulting-firms Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 Gilt market volatility affected FM performance <img alt="Gilt market volatility affected FM performance" src="https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/0f878c4/9a9b589b-6ace-4cb2-8370-fc10f1e17406/0/Daniels-Peter-Barnett-Waddingham-2023-21-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> The gilt market volatility of last year affected fiduciary manager performance, according to a report by Barnett Waddingham. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/0f878c4/9a9b589b-6ace-4cb2-8370-fc10f1e17406/0/Daniels-Peter-Barnett-Waddingham-2023-21-185x114.jpg https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/4117569/gilt-market-volatility-affected-fm-performance https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/4117569/gilt-market-volatility-affected-fm-performance https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/4117569/gilt-market-volatility-affected-fm-performance Thu, 8 Jun 2023 14:21:49 +0000 Industry Voice: SI dilemmas — is 'E' or 'S' more important? <img alt="Industry Voice: SI dilemmas — is &#39;E&#39; or &#39;S&#39; more important?" src="https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/f2b0d85/c87dcc0c-28e7-4054-9c07-a1e918db3369/5/1343835070-1400-780px-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> Sustainable investing has become mainstream, but it’s not a perfect science, with many challenges that practitioners must face. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/f2b0d85/c87dcc0c-28e7-4054-9c07-a1e918db3369/5/1343835070-1400-780px-185x114.jpg https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4049496/robeco-esg-si-dilemmas https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4049496/robeco-esg-si-dilemmas https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4049496/robeco-esg-si-dilemmas Tue, 17 May 2022 08:00:10 +0000 New research highlights consolidation could address key end game challenges for smaller DB schemes <img alt="New research highlights consolidation could address key end game challenges for smaller DB schemes " src="https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/c215930/e8ebd54c-1099-4a05-b284-cffcf4fd1abc/3/spencer-everett-wrrfbbd260m-unsplash-185x114.jpg" /> <p><!--summary start--> <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/api/v1/wps/c215930/e8ebd54c-1099-4a05-b284-cffcf4fd1abc/3/spencer-everett-wrrfbbd260m-unsplash-185x114.jpg https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4044939/research-highlights-consolidation-address-key-end-game-challenges-db-schemes https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4044939/research-highlights-consolidation-address-key-end-game-challenges-db-schemes https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4044939/research-highlights-consolidation-address-key-end-game-challenges-db-schemes Mon, 21 Feb 2022 07:00:35 +0000 Industry Voice Video: Using nature to offset emissions <p><!--summary start--> <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4040533/sustainable-hub-video-nature-offset-emissions https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4040533/sustainable-hub-video-nature-offset-emissions Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:21:39 +0000 Industry Voice Video: Toughening up on carbon disclosure <p><!--summary start--> <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4040537/sustainable-hub-industry-voice-video-toughening-carbon-disclosure https://www.professionalpensions.com/sponsored/4040537/sustainable-hub-industry-voice-video-toughening-carbon-disclosure Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:11:20 +0000 Eight pension consultants to hold talks over value for money strategy <p><!--summary start--> Investment consultants including the 'big three' have all agreed to participate in discussions to develop a strategy to demonstrate whether they provide value for money to pension fund clients. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/3064098/-pension-consultants-hold-talks-value-money-strategy https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/3064098/-pension-consultants-hold-talks-value-money-strategy Mon, 8 Oct 2018 11:42:00 +0000 How to pick a good investment adviser <p><!--summary start--> Roger Brown suggests four ways trustees can enhance their probability of selecting the right adviser <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/opinion/1015810/-pick-investment-adviser https://www.professionalpensions.com/opinion/1015810/-pick-investment-adviser Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:18:00 +0000 CMA's provisional decision on consultancy/fiduciary markets due 'in next few weeks' <p><!--summary start--> The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says it will soon publish its provisional decision on whether there are competition problems in investment consultancy and fiduciary management. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1009801/cmas-provisional-decision-consultancy-fiduciary-markets-weeks https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1009801/cmas-provisional-decision-consultancy-fiduciary-markets-weeks Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:45:00 +0000 Why Xafinity is acquiring Punter Southall's businesses <p><!--summary start--> Combining Xafinity and Punter Southall's "highly complementary" businesses to create the "largest pure-play UK pensions consultancy" will be beneficial for clients, according to Xafinity. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/3022639/-xafinity-acquiring-punter-southalls-businesseswhy-xafinity-acquiring-punter-southalls-businesses https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/3022639/-xafinity-acquiring-punter-southalls-businesseswhy-xafinity-acquiring-punter-southalls-businesses Thu, 7 Dec 2017 11:38:00 +0000 Consultant/trustee relationship needs to be more candid <p><!--summary start--> The relationship between consultants and trustees must become more candid and challenging if real improvements are to be made, according to Redington director of strategy Paul Richards. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1021723/consultant-trustee-relationship-candid https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1021723/consultant-trustee-relationship-candid Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:24:00 +0000 What trustees look for in the perfect consultant <p><!--summary start--> The perfect pension consultant should put their clients at the heart of everything they do and not offer off-the-shelf products, according to a panel of trustees. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1012087/-trustees-look-perfect-consultant https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1012087/-trustees-look-perfect-consultant Wed, 9 Nov 2016 12:59:50 +0000 City Noble closes down following low growth <p><!--summary start--> City Noble has closed down following its launch 18 months ago, after the independent advisory firm struggled to get enough business, PP has learned. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1005553/city-noble-closes-following-low-growth https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1005553/city-noble-closes-following-low-growth Mon, 1 Aug 2016 12:59:00 +0000 Nottinghamshire LGPS chooses City Noble as investment adviser <p><!--summary start--> Nottinghamshire County Council Pension Fund has appointed investment advisory firm City Noble following a competitive tender. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2436250/nottinghamshire-lgps-chooses-city-noble-investment-adviser https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2436250/nottinghamshire-lgps-chooses-city-noble-investment-adviser Tue, 24 Nov 2015 11:29:09 +0000 Towers Watson upgrades bond rating to 'neutral' amid rising yields <p><!--summary start--> Towers Watson has urged dynamic investors to take a short-term neutral position on UK and US bond rates after previously recommending a moderately underweight position. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2413357/towers-watson-upgrades-bond-rating-neutral-amid-rising-yields https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2413357/towers-watson-upgrades-bond-rating-neutral-amid-rising-yields Tue, 16 Jun 2015 13:12:57 +0000 How can trustees assess investment consultants? <p><!--summary start--> Conflicts of interest make it increasingly difficult for trustees to assess the performance of consultants, finds Stephanie Baxter <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news-analysis/2397456/-trustees-assess-investment-consultants https://www.professionalpensions.com/news-analysis/2397456/-trustees-assess-investment-consultants Mon, 2 Mar 2015 08:28:00 +0000 Watchdog says trustees struggle to assess managers and consultants <p><!--summary start--> Trustees struggle to assess asset managers and investment consultants, according a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) review that also identified conflicts of interest and a lack of competition in the markets. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1019434/watchdog-trustees-struggle-assess-managers-consultants https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1019434/watchdog-trustees-struggle-assess-managers-consultants Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:36:00 +0000 Schemes target 'overambitious' returns <p><!--summary start--> Pension schemes are targeting overambitious returns that could jeopardise their deficit reduction plans, according to a survey by Create Consultancy. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1006526/schemes-target-overambitious-returns https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1006526/schemes-target-overambitious-returns Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:04:00 +0000 Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority hires Buck for investment advice <p><!--summary start--> Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority Pension Scheme has appointed Buck Consultants for actuarial and investment advice. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2224037/tees-hartlepool-port-authority-hires-buck-investment-advice https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2224037/tees-hartlepool-port-authority-hires-buck-investment-advice Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:31:39 +0000 Mercer chief executive Whalley retires <p><!--summary start--> Mercer has confirmed its UK chief executive Alan Whalley has retired from the company, leaving a gap in its senior team. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2213474/mercer-chief-executive-whalley-retires https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2213474/mercer-chief-executive-whalley-retires Mon, 1 Oct 2012 10:33:50 +0000 Public sector schemes save 10% on fees through pooled procurement <p><!--summary start--> The Environment Agency Pension Fund and six local government pension schemes have cut their consultancy costs through an innovative collective procurement process. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2121257/public-sector-schemes-save-fees-pooled-procurement https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2121257/public-sector-schemes-save-fees-pooled-procurement Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:34:24 +0000 The Dorchester scheme appoints Barnett Waddingham <p><!--summary start--> Trustees of The Dorchester's retirement benefit scheme have appointed Barnett Waddingham to provide a range of services including administration, actuarial and investment consultancy. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2116154/dorchester-scheme-appoints-barnett-waddingham https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2116154/dorchester-scheme-appoints-barnett-waddingham Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:01:00 +0000 Week on the web <p><!--summary start--> GLOBAL - Have you missed the biggest stories in pensions this week? Find out below, as we list the top 10 most popular stories on www.globalpensions.com over the past seven days. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1017653/web https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1017653/web Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:37:00 +0000 Towers Watson fiduciary assets hit $50bn <p><!--summary start--> GLOBAL - Towers Watson has raked in $50bn in assets under advisement globally through its implemented investment services business, the firm's fiduciary management offering. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2094462/towers-watson-fiduciary-asset-hit-usd50bn https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2094462/towers-watson-fiduciary-asset-hit-usd50bn Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:58:00 +0000 CalSTRS puts managers under the microscope, hunts for new providers <p><!--summary start--> US - The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) plans to bring more assets in house, scrutinise global equity managers and issue or complete at least seven requests for proposals across its portfolio this year. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1012770/calstrs-managers-microscope-hunts-providers https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1012770/calstrs-managers-microscope-hunts-providers Thu, 7 Jul 2011 14:57:00 +0000 Mercer overhauls EMEA structure with key hire <p><!--summary start--> UK - Mercer has become the latest consultant to revamp its Europe, Middle East and Africa offering with the appointment of Martine Ferland from rival firm Towers Watson. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2084123/mercer-overhauls-emea-structure-key-hire https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2084123/mercer-overhauls-emea-structure-key-hire Tue, 5 Jul 2011 13:51:00 +0000 Ohio budget holds off on employee contribution hike <p><!--summary start--> US - Ohio employees last week escaped a potential increase in contributions when a plan to shift 2% of contributions from employer to employee failed to make it into the state's biennial budget. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2084053/ohio-budget-holds-employee-contribution-hike https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2084053/ohio-budget-holds-employee-contribution-hike Tue, 5 Jul 2011 11:21:00 +0000 Aon Hewitt set to lure insurance clients <p><!--summary start--> Senior officials tell Raquel Pichardo-Allison pension services could easily be exported to suit insurers <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/feature/1063262/aon-hewitt-set-lure-insurance-clients https://www.professionalpensions.com/feature/1063262/aon-hewitt-set-lure-insurance-clients Fri, 6 May 2011 18:45:55 +0000 Towers Watson boosts stake in Fifth Quadrant <p><!--summary start--> SOUTH AFRICA - Towers Watson has doubled its stake in South African actuarial and employee benefits firm Fifth Quadrant and appointed Nigel Biggs as managing consultant in the country. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2031806/towers-watson-boosts-stake-fifth-quadrant https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/2031806/towers-watson-boosts-stake-fifth-quadrant Mon, 7 Mar 2011 14:50:00 +0000 Investment consultancy tenders fall in first six months of 2010 <p><!--summary start--> UK - The number of investment consultancy tenders by defined benefit schemes fell in the first half of 2010, research shows. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1929002/investment-consultancy-tenders-fall-months-2010 https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1929002/investment-consultancy-tenders-fall-months-2010 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:39:00 +0000 Kirton on path to grow Mercer investment business <p><!--summary start--> GLOBAL - Within the next five years, revenues brought in by Mercer's investment management functions could outpace those brought in by its massive $3.5trn in advisory assets, Andrew Kirton, global chief investment officer said. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1896116/kirton-path-grow-mercer-investment-business https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1896116/kirton-path-grow-mercer-investment-business Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:52:35 +0000 Mercer appoints Kirton to new global CIO slot <p><!--summary start--> GLOBAL - Mercer has reshuffled its top ranks and moved Andrew Kirton to the new role of global chief investment officer. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1895694/mercer-names-kirton-global-cio https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1895694/mercer-names-kirton-global-cio Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:20:00 +0000 Mercer US axes public DB investment consulting <p><!--summary start--> US - Mercer is to cease providing investment consulting services to public sector defined benefit schemes in the US. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1741648/mercer-axes-public-db-investment-consulting https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1741648/mercer-axes-public-db-investment-consulting Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:13:00 +0000 Towers Watson EMEA head Trickett leaves for GSAM - UPDATED <p><!--summary start--> UK - Paul Trickett, head of investment for Europe, Middle East and Africa at consultancy Towers Watson, will be leaving the firm. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1740588/towers-watson-emea-head-trickett-leaves-gsam https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1740588/towers-watson-emea-head-trickett-leaves-gsam Tue, 5 Oct 2010 15:20:00 +0000 Aon Hewitt merger completes <p><!--summary start--> GLOBAL - Aon Corporation has announced it has completed its merger of Hewitt Associates with Aon Consulting to create Aon Hewitt. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1740277/aon-hewitt-merger-completes https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1740277/aon-hewitt-merger-completes Mon, 4 Oct 2010 09:43:16 +0000 Towers Watson acquires Swedish firm HRS - UPDATED <p><!--summary start--> SWEDEN - Towers Watson has expanded its footprint in the Nordic region with the acquisition of consulting firm HRS. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731505/towers-watson-acquires-swedish-firm-hrs https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731505/towers-watson-acquires-swedish-firm-hrs Mon, 6 Sep 2010 14:19:00 +0000 PwC will close DB schemes to future accrual <p><!--summary start--> PricewaterhouseCoopers is to close its two defined benefit pension schemes to future accrual from next April. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731448/pwc-close-db-schemes-future-accrual https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731448/pwc-close-db-schemes-future-accrual Mon, 6 Sep 2010 11:02:02 +0000 Hewitt completes EnnisKnupp acquisition <p><!--summary start--> Hewitt Associates has completed its previously announced acquisition of US consulting firm Ennis Knupp. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731196/hewitt-completes-ennisknupp-acquisition https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731196/hewitt-completes-ennisknupp-acquisition Fri, 3 Sep 2010 12:20:39 +0000 Hewitt completes EnnisKnupp acquisition <p><!--summary start--> US - Hewitt Associates has completed its previously announced acquisition of US consulting firm Ennis Knupp. <!--summary end--></p> https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731019/hewitt-completes-ennisknupp-acquisition https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1731019/hewitt-completes-ennisknupp-acquisition Thu, 2 Sep 2010 14:04:13 +0000