BT is set to replace its two trustee-based defined contribution schemes with a single contract-based arrangement in a landmark proposal.

Let’s face it, most of us who are in pensions are here because we gain some nerdy satisfaction from the data and rules most people would recoil at.

AWD Chase de Vere Wealth Management has been fined £1.12m for mis-selling pensions transfers, annuities and income withdrawal.

Scheme members who choose to retire late live longer than others, according to research from Hymans Robertson’s new venture Club Vita.

The pensions industry has widely supported the government’s efforts to relax legislation on section 75 debt.

One of the first impacts of the recession on pensions has been more pessimistic estimates of when we will all retire.

The increase in the Pension Protection Fund’s (PPF) 7800 Index deficit must not be used as an excuse to increase levies, says consultant Barnett Waddingham.

More than half (53%) of third-party pension scheme administrators (TPAs) have suffered financial losses because of errors in processing investment instructions.

It will be the pension industry’s role to ‘sell’ personal accounts to the public if they are to be successful, according to conservative MP Philip Hammond.

Most companies and schemes have failed to discuss personal accounts at a governance, trustee or board meeting, according to Aon Consulting.

Alex Weiland, senior investment consultant at HSBC Actuaries & Consultants, considers the rationale for diversified growth funds, and whether they have delivered in the recent period of exceptional volatility in markets.

Research has prompted suggestions that seeking buyout deals could increase the value of an employer’s share price.

A debate on what the future holds for workplace pensions is being held at Deloitte’s main London office on November 27.

International electronics and systems group Thales has awarded the pensions administration contract for its 20,000-member scheme to Xafinity Paymaster.

Pension funds are moving out of equities to aid diversification and minimise the impact of market volatility.

Mercer has launched a service that determines the environmental impact of institutional investments by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.

“Institutional investors should not be deterred from investing in alternative assets by the extreme volatility,” said Ewen Cameron Watt, lead portfolio manager of the diversified alternatives strategy at BlackRock.

Analysis: As the ability to ignore the gulf between private and public sector pensions falls away, lively discussion of proposals for a workable solution has begun, says David Rowley.

The mega falls in share prices raise acute questions about the government’s pension reform strategy. While it throws up a major challenge to Gordon Brown, it offers the Tories a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jump ship.

I sometimes hear people say that you only have six years to sue. This generalisation is wrong – many claims can be brought much later. By Mark Blyth.

Judgment/judgmental

Making a decision based on experience and a view of the future, rather than relying on a set of rules, a mathematical formula or other unwavering mechanism.

While there are many indicators used by actuaries and insurers to predict longevity, there is a lack of innovation in coming up with a more concrete model with which to judge liability. By Colin Mouque.

When even the best managers struggle with ESG issues, trustees must keep on top of policies, says Tom Powdrill.

NAPF Trustee Conference:
Understanding and controlling risk
November 26, 2008
One Great George Street

Pensions consultants work long, tiring hours these days. Dealing with clients’ queries, assessing the latest announcement from the Pensions Regulator, calculating how the latest interest rate cut will affect annuity rates – all in all, it’s a fairly laboursome job.

In this month’s Trusty 30 survey, Pensions Week asks schemes how the threat of recession is likely to affect pensions.

Watson Wyatt has bolstered its investment consulting team with three senior appointments.

Paul Nevin (pic), previously head of global equity derivatives for the UK, Ireland and Africa at Credit Agricole Investment Bank, has joined Watson Wyatt as a senior investment consultant.

KPMG has appointed Greg Wright as a director in its investment advisory practice to help develop the business.

Hymans Robertson has appointed Mike Taylor, chief executive of the London Pension Fund Authority (LPFA), as a non-executive director of Club Vita, its longevity research firm.

Punter Southall has promoted Alan Wilkes (pic) and Neil Lalley to become principals in the firm’s Wokingham and Guildford offices respectively.