News

DUET GROUP is set to build-up a structured products division following a management restructuring and the appointment of Osman Semerci as chief executive and partner.

UK - East Sussex County Council has placed two mandates worth £700m (US$1.39bn) out to tender.

THE Pensions Regulator has published an update to its guidance on multi-employer withdrawal arrangements to support trustees, employers and advisers.

Including: US - CalSTRS re-elect chair and vice-chair of board; UK - Middle class families looking to take contribution breaks; NETHERLANDS - PGGM to disclose all investments; UK - Pensions Regulator Determinations Panel reappointed

EUROPE - European pension schemes have increased their exposure to equities in 2008, despite recent troubles, according to a survey from Mercer.

UK - Risk management and governance policies by corporate pension funds have improved but are not being followed through with action, according to PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

CZECH REPUBLIC - Pension fund performance last year was the lowest on record, with an average return of 2.5-3%.

SWEDEN - Three of the AP funds have announced major staff changes with two appointments and a departure.

AUSTRALIA - The downfall of Opes Prime, a Melbourne broker that engaged in securities lending and financing, has spurred calls for greater regulation to promote transparency into short selling and securities lending.

UNITE has urged the government to block private equity companies buying out pension schemes to make a quick profit.