Monthly Archives: December 2013
A race to the top?
We will not get this problem sorted out in a meeting room in the DWP, though the DWP can clear the decks and allow us to operate with a clean sheet of paper. Continue reading
Defined Ambition – the way to properly sort UK pensions
Defined ambition is no more or less than this; it is a way of turning round systemic problems with our pensions. For DB it is about salvaging something from the wreckage created by the unfettered growth in guaranteed benefits that … Continue reading
Posted in pensions
Tagged Ambition, Business, Erisa, Financial services, National Employment Savings Trust, pensions, Safe Harbour, Society, Steve Webb, USA
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At last – a gameplan for annuities
The Financial Services Consumer Panel has published a report into the current state of the UK retail annuity market. It is not a glamorous document, it examines the way the market is working and concludes it it not working very … Continue reading
DA should be at top of the agenda – and it isn’t.
I have been reading the Government’s Defined Ambition paper again. Many might ask “what’s the point?”. The point is this; DC is broken and needs fixing, DB is broken and needs fixing, DA is the answer, but so far the consultation … Continue reading
From old to new – minimising disruption from pension reform
This post puts forward a new paradigm for 2014 , based on adjustments to the 2013 mindset. My assumptions are;- We are about to enter a new world where trail commission, active member discounts and higher cost investment defaults play no … Continue reading
In praise of young actuaries – #Momentum13
Momentum is an event organised by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for nearly or newly qualified actuaries, I was there yesterday speaking on the Future of Pensions. Being around talented committed people who have yet to lose the bright … Continue reading
Posted in actuaries, pensions
Tagged Actuarial science, annuity, Business, Business and Economy, Financial services, pension playpen, Retirement
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Why insurers, not pension schemes, have taken the infrastructure challenge
The announcement this morning of the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) includes the government selling off its 40% stake in the Eurostar rail service. In all, about £375bn of investment in energy, transport, communications, and water projects is planned. You can … Continue reading