Monthly Archives: February 2014

“Let them eat cack” – why does Government still think individual annuities can work?

Posted on February 18, 2014 by henry tapper

Steve Webb has been at it again, suggesting that the annuity crisis could be solved if we had a one year cooling off period after we’d bought an annuity in which we could take it back (with a receipt) and exchange it … Continue reading →

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The GAD numbers that scream for annuity changes

Posted on February 17, 2014 by henry tapper

(we need) terms of reference for the debate on annuities Continue reading →

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Auto-enrolment for HR managers

Posted on February 15, 2014 by henry tapper

It’s the employer’s job to get their staff to save. This is the simple message of this guide. Unfortunately, the devil’s in the detail and this guide is quite technical. re being Auto-enrolment is not just about complying with regulations, … Continue reading →

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Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Posted on February 15, 2014 by henry tapper

  I am glad to see that Sam Broadbeck of Pensions Insight has not allowed the State Street scandal to fall off the radar just yet. Writing in Pensions Insight, Sam points out that while Transition Management is not the … Continue reading →

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“You’d better shop around” – oh really?

Posted on February 14, 2014 by henry tapper

The FCA have reported after their thematic review and told us what we already knew, the annuity market is not serving those who are buying annuities. Has this review anywhere to go? Micky Clarke on radio 5 live this morning … Continue reading →

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Money is no object? So long as you’re Etonian!

Posted on February 12, 2014 by henry tapper

The water laps at the patio of our Eton waterfront house. Our next door neighbour has requested help as he is old and the water is at his door. We are the lucky ones, 40o yards down stream, past Romney … Continue reading →

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Honey Honey you’ve got me – living on the floodplain!

Posted on February 11, 2014 by henry tapper

This is my lock-keeper; they are the people who run the river. They do not live in ergonomically towers in Bristol, they are dedicated people who always go the extra mile for people who live, work and play on the … Continue reading →

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Buying pensions with certainty need not cost the house

Posted on February 10, 2014 by henry tapper

it’s time that the Government progressed its role as a partner in private provision, further than the tentative steps it has taken this parliamentary term. Continue reading →

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The shape of things to come? US class action on DC fees

Posted on February 9, 2014 by henry tapper

Thanks to my favourite Swedish lawyer, Per Andelius for this extraordinary story. Fidelity are being taken to court by members of their DC plan for charging $355 record keeping fees per member against an underlying cost of $10. Why this matters because … Continue reading →

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Reputational damage?

Posted on February 8, 2014 by henry tapper

If you ain’t got nothing , you ain’t got nothing to lose! So sang Bob Dylan and this appears to be the tactical approach of some financial services companies who continue in their endeavours in the face of massive reputational … Continue reading →

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