News

UK - The government has moved to clampdown on companies that force or encourage workers not to save in a workplace pension.

EUROPE - The EUR6.4bn (US$9.9bn) German church pension fund is looking to appoint a master KAG - a multi-manager cum administration firm specific for Germany - as well as a custodian bank, according to MandateWire.

US - The $500m senior pension funding bonds issued by the Employees Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (ERS) have been rated BBB- by Fitch.

THE lack of employee understanding about tax relief and employer contributions is an opportunity to boost retirement savings, the National Association of Pension Funds claims.

UK - Investment style is going to become an increasing focus for UK pension funds who have suffered from a value bias in their global equities portfolios, according to global asset manager MFS Investment Management.

GLOBAL - IMS selected by Nomura; UK - Government fails on pensions; UK - First State increases focus on infrastructure

JAPAN - The outlook for the Japanese economy will improve over the next year, according to one of the country's leading economists.

TWO men - convicted for their part in stealing £2.9m from a Birmingham firm's pension scheme - must repay over £1.5m or face a further jail term.

CANADA - The consortium led by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) has won an appeal to continue with its acquisition of Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE).

AUSTRALIA - Two illegal unregistered managed funds, known as the Super Save Superannuation Fund and Integrity Plus Unit Trust, will be wound up, following an order from the Supreme Court of New South Wales.