ESG
DWP plans to consult on ESG fiduciary duties from June
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expects to consult on trustees' legal duties to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks from next month.
Trustees need to engage more on climate change risk
Rory Murphy argues there is no excuse for pension trustees to be taking a back seat on climate change risks in the investment chain.
How should trustees approach climate risks?
A report by Pinsent Masons calls on trustees to be more proactive on the risks posed by climate change, warning it is no longer a 'nice to have'. Stephanie Baxter considers the action points
Pension funds could make 'greatest contribution' towards tackling climate change
Schemes could have the biggest impact when it comes to tackling climate change and company boards should embrace low carbon transition, says Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM).
Pre-1997 benefits should not have statutory inflation protection, say half of respondents
Granting statutory protection to pre-1997 benefits in defined benefit (DB) schemes would be an unfair cost to sponsors and would force even more closures, according to this weeks' Pensions Buzz respondents.
FCA mulls expanding IGC remit with social investing duties
Independent governance committees (IGCs) may see their remit expanded to include reporting on social investing issues under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) plans unveiled in its business plan today.
Are asset managers delivering on their ESG claims?
Despite improvements in investment manager attitudes towards responsible investment, research reveals there is a way to go before the majority deliver meaningful action. Victoria Ticha explores why
Insight creates model to identify corporate credit climate change risks
A model aimed at reducing climate change-related financial risk exposure from corporate credit assets has been launched by Insight Investment.
USS members should bear most cost of higher contributions, say respondents
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) members should be responsible for most of the cost of increased contributions if the scheme's defined benefit (DB) section remains open to accrual, Pensions Buzz respondents say.
May commissions taskforce to 'unlock capital to boost impact investment'
An industry taskforce aimed at boosting innovation in the finance industry to enhance the profitability of social impact investment has been commissioned by the prime minister.
Divestment campaigns are 'unethical', says Institute of Economic Affairs
Pension schemes that divest from stocks in sectors such as tobacco, arms, or fossil fuels are acting in an "unethical" manner, according to the Institute of Economic Affairs' (IEA) head of lifestyle economics.
Parliamentary committee probes UK's top 25 pension funds over climate risk mitigation
The UK's 25 largest defined benefit (DB) pension funds are being asked how they deal with climate risk after the government admitted a "widespread misunderstanding" of fiduciary duty.
More transparency needed on ESG fund holdings, government survey finds
Pension scheme members may be unwittingly investing in controversial firms as some ethical funds are not disclosing their full holdings.
Sexual harassment is a rare problem in pensions, says industry
Most men and women in this week's Pensions Buzz believe sexual harassment is not a big issue in the industry.
PLSA urges schemes to vote against directors who ignore ESG risks
Recommendations encouraging pension funds to vote against companies failing to act on climate change have been published by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).
Fidelity International hires Michael Gibb as first head of sustainable investing
Michael Gibb has been appointed as Fidelity International's first head of stewardship and sustainable investing.
All private DB schemes will be closed by 2028, says industry
All private sector defined benefit (DB) schemes will have at least closed to accrual by 2028, according to this week's Pensions Buzz respondents.
Have your say: Will there be any DB schemes open in 10 years' time?
In this week's Pensions Buzz we want to know if you think there will be any private sector defined benefit schemes still open to accrual within a decade.
Government plans to change investment regulations on ESG risks
The government says it plans to clarify legislation around consideration of broader long-term financial risks, and schemes' ability to consider members' non-financial or ethical concerns.
How useful are ESG fund ratings?
ESG fund ratings are an oft-used tool for impact investing, but lack of standardised data means other analysis is necessary. James Phillips explores their usefulness
Trustees must push for greater social impact investing, says govt review
A government review has told trustees they must engage better with their members to build a nationwide "culture of social impact investment".
Have your say: How likely is it the Chancellor will reform tax relief in the Budget?
This week we want to know if the Chancellor will reform tax relief in the Budget and if the government should amend rules around salary exchange arrangements to help lower-paid workers.
How Europe leads the way on ESG investing
Stark differences in approach to ESG issues between Europe and North America show significant cultural markers, James Phillips writes.
DC pensions policy on right track but progress slow
The industry holds mixed views on government policy in defined contribution provision, Professional Pensions research has found.
