Category Archives: Big Government

Should we have a say over the voting of our shares?

Posted on September 22, 2021 by henry tapper

It’s not often that you see a Linked in post that reads like this. But it’s not often that you read a Government paper that is this forthright. There is a gap between demand from clients – which needs to … Continue reading →

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A Standard for pension VFM is the practical way forward

Posted on September 17, 2021 by henry tapper

The FCA and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) have published a joint discussion paper on developing a common framework for measuring value for money (VFM) in defined contribution (DC) pension schemes. The aim of the two regulators is to drive a … Continue reading →

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“Sooner being better than perfect” a model for our times.

Posted on November 25, 2020 by henry tapper

There’s a tremendous  post on social media from Tan Suee Chieh , president of the IFOA which outlines the principles that enabled Louis Gerstner to transform IBM. Gerstner Principles • Manage by principle, not process • Market driven (or membership … Continue reading →

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Sharon Bowles has thrown the Minister a lifeline, he should grab it with both hands.

Posted on November 8, 2020 by henry tapper

  The DWP is in an awkward spot over the funding of defined benefit pensions. The 130 responses to its regulator’s consultation paper are likely to be making uncomfortable reading to those scrutinizing them in Brighton and the Pensions Minister … Continue reading →

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A calm hand needed for this pension face off

Posted on July 19, 2020 by henry tapper

Mark Twain reported that reports of his death were exaggerated. A journalist had in fact mistaken his state of health for his brother’s (who was in a much worse way). The same could be said for the Open Defined Benefit … Continue reading →

Posted in advice gap, Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

One love or schism?

Posted on June 29, 2020 by henry tapper

“Batley and Spen is a gathering of typically independent, no-nonsense and proud Yorkshire towns and villages. Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration. While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Posted on May 29, 2020 by henry tapper

I am very pleased that Con Keating and Iain Clacher’s recent article has got so much attention , both in terms of readers and in terms of social media comment. Though I am one of those who thinks the Pension … Continue reading →

Posted in actuaries, Big Government, coronavirus, pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The end of furlough and what it means for pensions.

Posted on May 7, 2020 by henry tapper

A question was asked of the DWP on April 24th filed under  “Pensions: Advisory Services”  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on when the FCA … Continue reading →

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Squeaky-bum-time for start-ups

Posted on May 3, 2020 by henry tapper

Plenty of promises! Running a start-up at this moment is spooky. The Government promises support. but each new product seems to apply to someone like you – but not you! We haven’t furloughed anyone because what we do – help … Continue reading →

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“Nine years ago today, the Budget nearly killed me” – Guy Opperman

Posted on April 27, 2020 by henry tapper

    This blog is about and by Guy Opperman – our  pensions minister; it’s re-published with his permission. It was first published April 26th here Today’s date is etched on my memory, and it will be forever. On Tuesday … Continue reading →

Posted in age wage, Big Government, pensions | Tagged , , | 3 Comments