Pensions Buzz

Many buzz respondents were concerned that The Pensions Regulator's proposed approach to regulating trust-based defined contribution schemes could overload trustees.

Respondents are undecided over whether the NAPF is good value

It would seem most contributors still think there is life left in defined ambition. But sadly a closer inspection of responses reveals that many who said the accelerated ending of contracting out had not killed DA thought this was because the idea was...

There was concern among Buzz contributors that the recent focus on boardroom remuneration had overshadowed other important corporate governance issues. But a significant minority thought campaigners were right to continue shining a light on the issue....

More than half of Buzz respondents said The Pensions Regulator's new objective to consider employers' growth prospects would result in lower contributions to schemes. But the majority of these respondents said this would only be the case for a minority...

The vast majority of respondents supported the prospect of asset managers disclosing total annual costs to institutional investors. Fewer than one in 20 rejected the idea.

Contributors were split fairly evenly over whether the National Association of Pension Funds offered good value for members. Trustees were divided 50:50 on the question while three out of five scheme managers said the organisation was value for money....

Pensions Buzz respondents were sceptical as to whether schemes could benefit from stepping into the role of lending directly to businesses.

The majority of contributors were satisfied that defined contribution investment strategies adequately reflected the differing risks associating with people of different ages. But a third of respondents said there was room for improvement.

Most contributors thought the failure of the Wheels test case would not have a big impact in schemes. The bid to secure tax relief on VAT paid on investment management charges was rejected by the European Courts of Justice earlier this month.