David Fairs
David Fairs: Regulation in this new normal
The Pensions Regulator is anxious to meet the industry’s expectations, but this latest challenge does not come with a manual. Hope William-Smith speaks to David Fairs.
Hard-hit DB valuations a sour note on three-year contribution gains
The actuarial valuations of at least a quarter of UK defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are likely to have been “badly impacted” by coronavirus-related disruption to markets, says Aon.
Legislation is holding back chair's statements
Maggie Williams looks at whether chair's statements are having the desired effects, and what lies in their future.
TPR issues Covid-19 guidance for administration and extends DB funding code consultation
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has issued another set of guidance for coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, with trustees urged to act work flexibly with administrators.
How professional trustees are meeting the challenge of a new decade
Jonathan Stapleton speaks to eight senior professional trustees about accreditation, diversity and the issues they face in their roles.
PASA issues Covid-19 guidance for administrators
The Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA) has issued special guidance for administrators as they grapple with the Covid-19 crisis.
Consider suspending DRCs for three months if necessary, TPR says
Defined benefit (DB) scheme trustees should be open to employer requests to reduce or suspend deficit recovery contributions (DRCs) if there is a good reason to do so, The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has said.
Video: TPR's David Fairs on employers suspending deficit contributions
In a video shared with Professional Pensions, XPS Pensions Group co-chief executive Paul Cuff speaks to The Pensions Regulator executive director David Fairs about employer suspension of deficit contributions and other regulatory guidance in the current...
What TPR has proposed for the future of DB funding
A two-track approach to DB funding valuations is expected to improve regulatory compliance while maintaining a level of scheme-specific flexibility where needed. James Phillips looks at some of the proposals
TPR opens 'robust and lengthy debate' on future of DB funding
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has set out plans for twin-track defined benefit (DB) funding rules mixing clearer regulatory expectations with scheme-specific flexibility.
UPDATED: PMI launches accreditation regime for professional trustees
The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has launched an alternative accreditation programme for professional trustees.
UPDATED: APPT to launch professional trustee accreditation framework in April
The Association of Professional Pension Trustees (APPT) will open to applications for its professional trustee accreditation framework from the start of the 2020/21 financial year.
TPR holds back from mandating use of professional trustees
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has announced new measures around the appointment of professional trustees following concerns that poor governance is putting members’ savings at risk.
Nine in 10 people save into the largest master trusts
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has revealed 90% of people are saving into the largest master trusts, creating a “safe and stable” workplace pension market.
Why the role of scheme secretary needs to evolve
There is a growing need for schemes to improve governance. John Reeve says better trustee support will improve their ability to meet these increasingly onerous requirements
TPR further delays DB funding code consultation until 'things have settled down'
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) will now seek to publish the first of two consultations on a revised defined benefit (DB) funding code in the new year, depending on the political environment.
TPR begins crackdown on poor record-keeping
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has ordered the trustee boards of 400 schemes to urgently conduct a data review as part of its crackdown on poor scheme record-keeping.
Why changes to SIPs will be positive but not radical
From October, trustees need to show how they are factoring ESG issues into investment decisions. Holly Roach explores why the changes may not be radical but could boost member engagement.
Why TPR is asking whether professional trustees should be mandatory
Professional trustees can improve scheme governance, clear up misunderstandings, and ensure regulatory compliance, argues David Fairs
David Fairs: Trustees have a tremendous responsibility, so it is right to expect knowledge and understanding
Member-nominated trustees bring clear value to scheme boards, but it is important their knowledge is up to scratch, says David Fairs
David Fairs: Can sole trustees govern pensions effectively?
In the first of a series of exclusive articles for Professional Pensions, TPR's David Fair's explores the role of sole trustees, outlines some of the regulators' concerns and calls for evidence from the industry.
What the future could hold for trusteeship
Professionalisation of trustee boards remains on the agenda as the regulator asks the industry whether they should be mandatory. James Phillips explores the latest consultation.
TPR launches consultation on future of trusteeship
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has launched a consultation on scheme governance and trusteeship, urging "badly-run schemes" to improve or consolidate.
David Fairs: Why we're pushing schemes out of the market
The regulator is looking to accelerate the consolidation of pension schemes. David Fairs explains why.