Opinion
Girish Menezes: Why technology is for life, not just for a pandemic
The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the need for the industry to embrace technology in order to improve administration processes and data, says Girish Menezes.
The real deal? Buy-in and buyout pricing during Covid-19
Chris DeMarco explains why the Covid-19 has increased opportunities for schemes to de-risk via bulk annuities.
Flying felines: The uncertainty of today's markets
Sectoral diversification has shown its worth in this economic crisis, says Robert Scammell, but whether this is a ‘dead cat bounce’ is yet to be determined.
Ineffective regulation breeds inequitable outcomes
Costly DB scheme regulations can result in abuses of equitable relations among stakeholders, say Iain Clacher and Con Keating.
McClymont: The power of AE inertia is not too powerful
Gregg McClymont says AE schemes make it easy to opt-out should members feel contributions are not in their best interest
Coronavirus crisis underscores urgent need for superfunds
As new figures from the Pension Protection Fund show the shortfall of final salary schemes in deficit grew to £256.4bn during April, Joe Dabrowski examines how the superfund structure could help…if only we had one.
DB funding code: It's a matter of principle
David Fairs set outs why the regulator believes the economic fallout from Covid-19 is not a reason to abandon revisions to the DB funding regime.
Introducing the Maslow-style hierarchy of data-enabled communication
Karen Quinn and Rhys Williams explain how data can be used to improve pension scheme engagement.
Sanctions should not deter advisers from their work
With great power comes great responsibility, Vassos Vassou says, as he welcomes the Pension Schemes Bill’s drive to improve adviser accountability.
Six key takeaways from TPR's 2020 funding statement
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) issued its 2020 Annual Funding Statement last month in the midst of the global Covid-19 crisis. Marian Elliott address some of the issues trustees will be facing when completing a valuation in this environment.
Hold on to positives in oppressive times
While the Covid-19 pandemic will see many feel the pinch on their pension savings, it has the potential to drive real positives in the workplace, says Malcolm McLean.
TPR's 2020 Annual Funding Statement: Something Old, Something New
The Pension Regulator’s (TPR) Annual Funding Statement (AFS) is a fixture in the defined benefit (DB) pensions calendar but its arrival this year could not be against a more changed backdrop: new leaders for the two largest political parties, the country...
Where now for the pensions dashboard?
Enormous amounts of work are still required in order to deliver the pensions dashboard. Ros Altmann looks at the issues involved and urges politicians not to abandon the idea of an independent public dashboard.
Pulling together will get us through
Julian Mund says the pensions industry, regulators and government are all working together to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on savers.
Could coronavirus infect the Consumer Prices Index?
Covid-19 has presented the ONS with significant problems calculating inflation during lockdown. Latest Institute for Fiscal Studies research examines the challenges faced.
A day in the life of a CIO at a time of crisis
Noel O’Halloran gives an ‘in the trenches’ dispatch from the front line during the Covid-19 crisis.
Where next for fixed income? 10 thoughts
The fixed income year started with low yields and tight spreads but developed into a 'brutal' March. Mark Holman looks at where we are today and shares his thoughts for the future
Overcoming DB challenges is vital to bring the dashboard to life
The dashboard is reliant on all schemes having data readily available, but this is not yet the case for many DB schemes. Paul McGlone says this is a challenge the industry must work to overcome
A potent mix for a stronger regulator
With the DB funding code set for a major revision at the same time as upgraded powers for the regulator, Paul McGlone says it is important to watch how these interact with each other.
Covid-19 has changed the world, not TPR's focus on protecting savers
As the Covid-19 outbreak brings new threats from scams, it is important the message to members about avoiding knee-jerk reactions isn't lost in the panic, says David Fairs.
Isolation does not mean we are alone
As the UK's workforce works from home, Andy Lewis looks at how the pensions industry can respond together to Covid-19.
How coronavirus could change our working lives (and the climate)
Tools that can reduce business travel have long been available. The coronavirus is forcing us to use them, and the climate could benefit, says Simon Webber.
Improving standards with pension trusteeship
Voluntary accreditation of professional trustees will act as a quality mark and drive up scheme governance standards, argues Lesley Carline.
Coronavirus shows need for automation
Business resilience is not just ensuring people can work from home, but that administration can continue without human help, says Kim Gubler.
