Opinion
Funding negotiations in uncertain times
Joanna Smith says trustees will need to accurately identify if covenant issues are short-term affordability concerns, or the start of more material deterioration.
TPR: Why we must stand together against pension scams
Pension scams are not just about the money lost, but the lives devastated, says Nicola Parish, so the industry must unite to defeat this scourge.
Communication is the key to increasing engagement in pensions
Graeme Bold says the right communications can improve both the level of savings and the outcomes for savers.
Why simpler annual statements could mark the start of better member engagement
Jonathan Stapleton says that, while the production of two-page simpler annual statements is no panacea for member engagement, it is a welcome step in the right direction.
Engage early to help formulate policy
The intricacies of pensions legislation mean industry feedback can be valuable for governmental policy-making, says Sir Steve Webb.
The twists and turns make pensions better
Despite the sagas and scandals of the past 25 years, the pensions industry has grown stronger, says Malcolm McLean
Pension funds should focus on members' broader wellbeing
There is more to being a pension fund trustee than providing members with a pension, says Rory Murphy.
Raising the bar for small DC schemes
As DC schemes face increasing pressures to consolidate, David Snowdon says master trusts are the perfect home.
Sole trustees will want to shout about our code
Escalating standards for sole trustees will become a norm for reputable firms, even if they are voluntary, says Nigel Hill.
EXCLUSIVE - Guy Opperman: Why we are consigning dozen-page pension statements to the dustbin
Guy Opperman says two page, simpler statements as well as an annual ‘season’ in which to issue them could be transformative steps for the UK pensions industry
Investments and the importance of reporting: Stick or twist?
Trustees need clear reporting from their investment advisers to meet their scheme's needs, says Donny Hay
Justin Corliss: Making the case for partial DB transfers
Half-way house
Schemes must face the future to drive better outcomes
Julian Mund writes about planning for the future and the four challenges he sees for the pension industry over the next five years.
Master trusts lead the way in pensions
As TPR prepares to kick off its first master trust supervisory cycle, Kate Smith explores how the market has changed and may continue to
Saving money is no goal for tax reform
Richard Butcher says the past 25 years has been a mixed bag when it comes to pension reform but says more change is still needed to fix the system.
Celebrating 25 years of Professional Pensions
Lesley Carline says a lot has happened over the past 25 years in the industry but, despite the negatives, she remains positive about pensions
A Covid-19 tax relief raid could exacerbate generational pensions divide
With rumours once again swirling around the future of pensions tax relief in the run up to this year's Budget, any reduced incentive for long-term savers could risk further exacerbating the generational divide in pensions, says Tom Selby
Time for some quid pro quo on scams
If authorities really want to stop scams, they ought to make it safe for trustees to refuse a transfer that shows red flags, says Margaret Snowdon
Industry must fight Pension Schemes Bill mission creep
While the Pension Schemes Bill is continuing its route through the parliamentary process, there are still some loose ends to tie up - including section 107. Here, Richard Butcher, looks at what the implications of that clause could mean for DB schemes....
Scheme governance going public: a member's foe or friend?
While designed to boost member understanding, published statements of investment principles could muddy the waters and put members off altogether, says Anna Copestake.
Keep messaging simple and follow the science
Simplicity and cohesion are key to effective pension communication and will help get us through this time of uncertainty, says Henry Tapper.
Cohesive and specialist response needed on scams
Law enforcement, financial regulators and the private sector need to do much more and work together to protect savers from fraudsters, says Phil Brown.
How does culture affect custodians?
Pat Sharman looks at how an organisation’s culture can deliver better service and outcomes for pension scheme clients.
Is there a future for the amateur trustee?
Stuart Southall looks at whether Covid-19 has hastened or reinforced the role of member-nominated and other lay trustees.