Malcolm McLean
2019 has been frustrating for pensions but will next year be any better?
While the pension schemes bill was said to command cross-party support, Brexit and acrimonious parliamentary debates are leaving its success in doubt, says Malcolm McLean.
Is the current pensions tax relief system fit for purpose?
The government must conduct a fundamental review of tax reliefs and allowances to reduce complexity and confusion, says Malcolm McLean
Pensions and Benefits UK: Over 400 schemes attending so far - have you registered yet?
Delegate places at Pensions and Benefits UK (PBUK) are filling up fast - with over 600 scheme representatives having registered for PP's flagship event so far.
Pension freedoms - still rather controversial but surely now here to stay
Malcolm Mclean says although he initially supported Freedom and Choice, he is now less certain it was such a good idea given the consequences for the consumer
Good communications are more important than ever
Malcolm Mclean says getting the channels of communication right and engaging more openly is a good starting point
Bosses who play 'fast and loose' with pensions face seven years in prison
Company directors who deliberately or recklessly put their workers' pension funds at risk face seven years in prison under plans to crack down on "acts of astonishing arrogance and abandon".
Think tank urges government to cap tax-free lump sums at £40,000
Capping the pension tax-free lump sum at £40,000 would raise £2bn a year for the government, new research by the Resolution Foundation suggests.
The top 20 opinion articles of 2018
What were the most read opinion pieces on Professional Pensions over the last 12 months? We look at some of the top pieces from our commentators during the year.
WASPI campaign continues - but to what end?
Malcolm McLean says the chances of an equitable solution for Women against State Pensions Inequality campaigners do not seem very likely now
30 master trusts leaving market as TPR's authorisation regime comes into force
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has confirmed that 30 master trusts have or will exit the market, leaving 58 which will either need to apply for authorisation or exit in the coming months.
Treasury confirms Budget date; Radical tax relief reform 'more likely'
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has confirmed he will deliver the government's annual budget on 29 October.
Pension freedom withdrawals hit record £2.3bn in Q2
A record £2.3bn was withdrawn from pensions under Freedom and Choice in the second quarter of this year, according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
TPR hits all targets but 'clarity of expectations'
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) missed one of its 19 performance targets over the last year, it confirmed in its annual report and accounts.
Pension Prophets: A blueprint for the industry
A panel of pension experts spoke at Pensions and Benefits UK to debate lay trustees, the 'disastrous' freedoms and the problem with having two regulators. Stephanie Baxter reports from the conference
We need clarity on DB white paper proposals
Malcolm McLean says the green-tinged white paper raised almost as many questions as answers and we are still far from knowing the exact direction of government policy
FCA and TPR launch joint strategy to tackle pension problems
The FCA and TPR have announced their joint strategy for tackling the key risks facing pensions in the next decade. Victoria Ticha explores the plan and the industry's initial reaction.
Is TPAS/TPO integration a sign of things to come?
Malcolm McLean says the transfer of TPAS's dispute resolution function to the TPO raises again the question of whether there should be a single pensions regulator
TPR and FCA to launch joint pensions strategy
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are to produce a joint strategy on how they will collaborate to regulate the sector over the next decade.
ONS: Private pension wealth boosted by £900m
The aggregate total private pension wealth of all households in the UK in July 2014 to June 2016 increased to £5.3trn, according to the Office for National statistics (ONS).
Pensions tax relief to climb to £41bn this year
The estimated cost of pensions tax relief for employees to the government is expected to hit £24bn in this tax year, according to government data.
2.7 million more pension cold calls since freedoms
Pension-related cold calls have increased by around 2.7 million since Freedom and Choice was introduced in April 2015, according to research commissioned by Aviva.
Top analysis of 2017: Plumbers' pension plight and BA judgement
What were the most read analysis articles on Professional Pensions over the last 12 months? Here are the top stories of the year
The pros and cons of pension freedoms
Malcolm McLean says we must look hard at the delivery of the pension freedoms and ensure consumer protection is as good as it can be
Budget 2017 (number two): What's in store for pensions?
Ahead of the second Budget of 2017, industry experts tell James Phillips what they think the chancellor will seek to change on 22 November.
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