News

US - Consultants in the US have been told to brace themselves for major changes in the consultancy profession with specialisation and adaptability becoming the keywords for success.

US - The newly formed National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) has announced the appointment of Beth Almeida, to act as its first executive director. She will take up this position in early November.

GLOBAL - The majority of pension funds remain confident on quantitative (quant) management, despite the losses suffered by quant strategies in the wake of August's market turbulence, show the results of the latest Global Pensions 100 Panel.

EUROPE - AEGON Pension Network has confirmed that a tax-transparent pooling vehicle it is currently developing should be launched in 2008.

US - Michigan-based Sterling Heights Police & Fire Retirement System has brought a class action lawsuit against Mattel, following mass recalls of the company's toys.

A senior West Midlands councillor has urged ministers to delay implementing the new-look Local Government Pension Scheme.

Pension scheme membership falls; Standard Life seeks bid partner; Treasury underwrites ailing bank's bailout; RBS seals success with ABN Amro nomination

IRELAND - Irish pension fund trustees have shunned alternatives as they do not trust the managers, according to participants at a recent Global Pensions Irish pensions roundtable.

SCOTTISH LIFE is expanding its pension portfolio product to include an integrated income release plan which allows members to access tax free cash while still making contributions.

CHINA - The Chinese Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MOLSS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to study second pillar pension provision.