Society of Pensions Professionals
Industry raises significant concerns over FCA consultation on advising on pension transfers
The industry has raised serious concerns that Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) transfer advice proposals on illustrative figures could hamper schemes’ ability to help members to understand their retirement options and force many to take full regulated...
Modernising the SPP
The Society of Pension Professionals is looking to make dynamic changes in a bid to stand out from the growing number of trade bodies catering for a dwindling audience.
DWP disappoints with 'unfortunate' decision to hike general levy by 10%
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says it will press ahead with a 10% increase to the general levy from 1 April, despite a severe industry backlash to a consultation on the issue.
General levy increase gets broadly negative response from industry
The Department for Work and Pensions’ consultation on increasing the general levy has closed. Holly Roach looks at the industry’s response to its proposals
Esther McVey's key priorities for pensions
Esther McVey must ensure current pension projects are not neglected and continue the success of auto-enrolment (AE) as a priority, industry commentators say.
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.
Is winning hearts and minds the key to better member outcomes?
Michael Klimes explores how the Pension Quality Mark's new communications guide can help the industry can improve engagement with members
Pension Awareness Day: Engagement remains a huge challenge
Experts have called for improvements surrounding pension communications, on the UK's third annual Pension Awareness Day.
Why are pensions so unfair?
Latest SPP research shows the majority of pension professionals believe the current system is unfair. Jonathan Stapleton agrees, but says we shouldn't expect the government to provide a fix
UK pension system unfair on young people, survey says
The UK pension system is unfair on young people and the self-employed, a poll by the Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has said.
Alan Rubenstein to quit PPF to 'seek fresh challenge' next year
Alan Rubenstein is to step down as chief executive of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) after nearly nine years in the role.
Tory plan to water down state pension inflation protection divides industry
The Conservative Party's plan to replace the state pension triple lock with a double lock has provoked mixed responses.
Has the FCA found the right solution for hidden transaction costs?
As the FCA closes its consultation on improving transparency of costs and charges in pension schemes, James Phillips asks the industry whether the watchdog has the right solution.
Why employees should be able to opt-down AE contributions
Hugh Nolan believes members struggling with increased auto-enrolment contributions should be offered a chance to opt back down to the previous level rather than making it an "all or nothing" choice.
Going for gold: What makes a top quality DC scheme?
The corporate pensions market has changed radically over the past five years. Jonathan Stapleton asks a range of industry experts what now makes a gold standard offering to employees.
TPR: Trustees must hold TPAs to account on cyber security
Trustees must ensure they hold third-party administrators (TPAs) to account on cyber security, says The Pensions Regulator's (TPR) chief executive Lesley Titcomb.
Eight things you need to know about the new DC code
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has today released its updated defined contribution (DC) code of practice, as well as six guides on complying with legal obligations.
Working group launches guide on medically underwritten bulk annuities
A guide has been published to help trustees and other industry professionals understand how medical underwriting can be used to de-risk defined benefit (DB) schemes.
DB liabilities could change by £70bn due to Brexit
A shift in longer dated gilt yields of 0.3% triggered by a Brexit could change defined benefit (DB) liabilities by £70bn according to the Society of Pension Professionals (SPP).
SPP names Nolan as president
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has elected Hugh Nolan as president effective from 1 June, succeeding Duncan Buchanan who is stepping down.
Employer Covenant Working Group launches and issues first guidance
The Employer Covenant Working Group (ECWG) has announced its formal launch as it publishes a guide for advisers, trustees and sponsors of defined benefit (DB) schemes.
ACA and SPP welcome updated Incentive Exercises Code
A number of firms and bodies have given their support to the revised Incentive Exercises Code which has been updated in light of the pension freedoms.
DWP urged to establish permanent mechanism for regulatory simplification
The Department for Work and Pensions should establish a permanent contact to whom the industry can send suggestions on how to reduce the regulatory burden, the Society of Pension Professionals says.
NIESR says TEE is not sustainable long-term
Changing from EET to TEE will be a short term, not a long term tax solution, says National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).
