News

UK - The performance of equity markets has been blamed for a worsening of the aggregate funding position of defined benefit schemes, with the surplus dropping by £45bn (US$89.3bn) in June.

INCLUDING: ASIA PACIFIC - HSBC senior appointment; UK - Watson Wyatt expands investment team; HONG KONG - FRM appoints Hong Kong CEO

GLOBAL - Many pension funds continue to shy away from mortgage-backed securities (MBS), despite claims there could be opportunities within the asset class.

ACCOUNTING proposals could lead to further erosion of UK defined benefit pension schemes, the National Association of Pension Funds warns.

A total of 6350 scheme wind-up victims are receiving payments from the Financial Assistance Scheme, the government said.

THE powers of the pensions ombudsman could become far more flexible following a Court of Appeal ruling, a lawyer says.

HERMES has announced a new partnership to manage its Focus Funds from next year.

Compensate Equitable Life policyholders, European Parliament insists; Regulation will not affect legitimate transactions; Short-selling costs double as investors are drawn to new strategy; Credit-rating agencies to face regulation

Market performance in BRIC countries depends on one's vantage point, argues Russell Investments' Kelly Haughton

Jenny Blinch explores the growing convergence between the institutional and retail markets and the impact of this on the asset management industry