Opinion
Sometimes, good things come in small packages….
Andrew Waring says the 'big is better' view does not necessarily stand up to scrutiny when it comes to master trusts.
We need clarity on DB white paper proposals
Malcolm McLean says the green-tinged white paper raised almost as many questions as answers and we are still far from knowing the exact direction of government policy
Sponsoring employers may feel cost of regulatory shift
The regulator's increase in headcount increases its focus on member protection. Jonathan Stapleton says this may have a negative impact on sponsoring employers.
Keeping up with UK longevity trends
David Weeks says pension schemes need to give attention to risks that flow from longevity trends.
The real risk of DC default fund investment
The industry is currently focused on the investment risks of DC default strategies. Maria Nazarova-Doyle says the real dangers could lie elsewhere
GDPR will be a sorely needed wakeup call for the industry
GDPR comes into force at the end of this month. David Brown asks if it will be a positive change for schemes.
The £2.5bn a year cost of pensions consulting
Jonathan Stapleton comments on the cost of pensions consulting and asks if consolidation will drive this down.
We can no longer tolerate unreliable data
Lorraine Harper says without high quality data, scheme sponsors and stewards are at risk of stumbling into bad decisions and damaging the vulnerable
Smaller master trusts need to go big or go home
Paul Budgen says many of the smaller providers with less resource and funding will not make it through the costly and time-consuming months ahead
Trustees need to engage more on climate change risk
Rory Murphy argues there is no excuse for pension trustees to be taking a back seat on climate change risks in the investment chain.
Are admin costs finally starting to make sense?
This year's Professional Pensions Administration Survey finds fewer schemes are seeing cost reductions. Jonathan Stapleton wonders whether common sense has been found in the TPA market.
IGC reports for 2018 remain as diverse as ever
Henry Tapper says while most IGCs are making progress, there is still a long way to go until they fulfill the promises set by the OFT.
Global lessons on financial wellness
David Harris says we should look to experiences and innovations in New Zealand, Australia and the US
A new era for fiduciary management?
Stephanie Baxter says the IC Select performance standard is an important step towards greater transparency, but wonders if it goes far enough
We need a joined-up approach to costs
Caroline Escott says there should be alignment between the various policy and regulatory initiatives on value for money to avoid overburdening trustees.
TPR sends strong message on high dividends
Stephanie Baxter says trustees should welcome the regulator's tougher line on excessive shareholder payouts
We need to get better at explaining what trustees do
Peter Askins says it is important to communicate the role of trustee to members in a way they can understand
TPR's funding statement is a treasure trove of gems but far from unexpected
Patrick Bloomfield says the regulator is being more vocal about its view of what 'fair treatment' means, with the threat of using its powers to intervene
Schemes should look beyond sterling credit
Sorca Kelly-Scholte says the $5.1trn US investment grade corporate bond market offers greater opportunities to diversify.
Shadow minister: The white paper has been a long time coming and is a missed opportunity
Jack Dromey MP says the government had an opportunity to properly tackle the widespread problems facing DB schemes
What is the future role of DB schemes?
Tim Sharp says the government has missed some big opportunities to help workers in the DB white paper.
The role of pensions in building community wealth
John Gray says we should think about investing more locally, but there are a number of serious practical investment problems to overcome
The hidden scandal of net pay and low earners
Ros Altmann calls for urgent action on 'net-pay' schemes, warning the impact on low earners will significantly worsen with contribution rates set to rise to 5%.
Webb: What tax relief changes could mean for DB pensions
Any further changes to tax relief would undoubtedly add to the cost and complexity of running a DB scheme, says Steve Webb
