Pensions Buzz

Contributors were sceptical as to whether social media could provide information to improve scheme governance. Although more than three out of ten thought it unwise to ignore this data, almost half of contributors thought trustees should do just that....

Contributors were pretty relaxed about The Pensions Regulator's reliance on staff seconded from major consultants. Although a third were worried about the conflicts of interest that could arise from these arrangements the majority thought the benefits...

Almost half this week's contributors backed the use of lifestyling in DC schemes, while just over a quarter said it did not ultimately help savers. Some cautious supporters suggested it was better to say the technique reduced the chances of members getting...

The latest views from the industry

More than two thirds of respondents believe the cost of equalising guaranteed minimum pensions (GMPs) will exceed the monetary risks posed.

Most Buzz respondents were fairly relaxed over the exit fees charged by some third party administrators (TPAs). Although 28% of contributors said these were impeding trustees who wanted to switch providers, 34% said this was not the case.

Contributors enthusiastically backed the latest call for a single regulator for all workplace pensions. More than three quarters said this was the way forward, while fewer than one in five backed the current system.

Buzz respondents were split equally over the prospect of scrapping compulsory limited price index (LPI) inflation protection for DB schemes.

Taxing surpluses was the measure introduced in the 1980s that most respondents wished had never happened.

Just over half of respondents were concerned there was insufficient competition in the bulk annuity market, while 37% said the dominance of a handful of big players was not worrying.