Con Keating
A history and the rationale for DB schemes - part three: TPR and its Foucauldian disciplinary powers
In the third feature of a three-part series, Iain Clacher and Con Keating look back at the UK’s defined benefit universe, exploring how the arrival of TPR impacted scheme funding
A history and the rationale for DB schemes - part two: Maxwell and his impact on scheme funding
In the second feature of a three-part series, Iain Clacher and Con Keating look back at the UK’s defined benefit universe, exploring how the Maxwell scandal impacted scheme funding regulations.
A history and the rationale for DB schemes: Where they came from
In the first feature of a three-part series, Iain Clacher and Con Keating look back at the UK’s defined benefit universe, exploring why the schemes were set up, how they have changed, and the case for their creation.
Ineffective regulation breeds inequitable outcomes
Costly DB scheme regulations can result in abuses of equitable relations among stakeholders, say Iain Clacher and Con Keating.
The real concerns about the transition to CPIH
The transition from RPI to CPIH could have a significant impact on pension funds. However, as Con Keating says, the real challenges of this shift may come from an unexpected area.
Towards a value for money metric
Costs and fees are just a small part of the overall value for money definition, argues Con Keating
Is there a problem with limited liability?
It may be time to create variations of limited liability, but each alternative has its own problems, Con Keating argues.
The inequity of DB scheme funding
Funding standards for DB schemes have increased exponentially over the past decades. Con Keating says such significant overstatement of liabilities will lead to pushback through the courts.
Con Keating: A library of scrutiny
The last month has seen a flurry of reports, studies, consultations and discussion papers published. Con Keating takes a look
Con Keating: Discount rates and DB pension scheme valuation - A history lesson
It is important to look back at how the discount rate methodology came about in the first place, says Brighton Rock Group's head of research
Blockchain a 'natural solution' to overcome CDC challenges
Blockchain is a "natural solution" to many of the challenges a collective defined contribution (CDC) structure poses for pension governance and administration.
Being 'economical' with the truth with discount rates
Iain Clacher and Con Keating say there is much confusion over pension valuations and argue all the methods currently used are wrong. They say a pragmatic resolution could be to use the expected return on assets
Royal Mail experience shows CDC is a good news pension story
Con Keating says the Royal Mail pension story is a rare piece of pension good news. And there are a number of major listed firms watching developments in CDC closely.
Con Keating: Defined ambition - a trap avoided
Con Keating explains why the application of mark-to-market accounting for valuations will result in inequitable outcomes.
The Belly of the Beast
Con Keating has been hearing rumblings from within the beast that the FCA and DWP's work on disclosure templates is redundant and a waste of time and money
Why criticisms of CDC are flawed
Con Keating says the mutuality of CDC schemes is viable, and they can deliver attractive pension benefits over the long term
Con Keating: The purpose of a pension scheme
Con Keating explains why he believes we need a debate to determine the precise role of DB pension schemes and their funds.
USS deficit talk is 'scaremongering', Altmann says
Coverage of the growth of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) deficit is 'scaremongering', former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann has told the House of Lords.
An open letter to Frank Field MP
Con Keating writes an open letter to Frank Field MP, the chairman-elect of the Work and Pensions Committee, about the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). Here it is in full…
Should the DB framework be relaxed?
The Pensions Institute argues RAA processes should be streamlined and trustees should be able to reduce benefits in a bid to help those struggling with deficits, James Phillips reports.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week's top stories include coverage of a green paper response which said The Pensions Regulator needs to be investigated and the Pension Protection Fund privatised.
Conservative manifesto gets stamp of approval
The industry believes the Conservative proposals for pensions are the best approach, with some stating the commitment to ditch the triple lock is a 'bold but correct' move.
Investigate 'arrogant and abusive' TPR and privatise PPF, says paper
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) should be investigated by a Royal Commission, according to a response to the government's green paper on defined benefit (DB) schemes.
Blame shifting: Pre-packs are not a moral hazard problem
Con Keating says pre-pack administrations do not pose a moral hazard issue, and the problem is actually perverse incentives
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