Category Archives: Pensions Regulator

Don’t underestimate SME’s hunger for investment know-how!

Posted on March 8, 2015 by henry tapper

I am  frustrated by the capitulation of many in the pension industry to the challenge faced by inducting 1.2m new employers into our funded pension culture. The Pension Apartheid practiced by the investment elite At a recent event, Joanne Segers, CEO … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Education, First Actuarial, Pension Freedoms, pension playpen, pensions, Pensions Regulator | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Knowing the “money” in “value for money”.

Posted on March 4, 2015 by henry tapper

At last we may get to know what we really pay for the management of our funds so we can work out it it’s worth it. Continue reading →

Posted in accountants, actuaries, annuity, investment, pensions, Pensions Regulator, risk | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Will pension freedoms be the death of Defined Benefit?

Posted on March 3, 2015 by henry tapper

  I thought it was the last supper (or at least the last pension playpen lunch). We had twelve men around the table (no women) and there was sombre expectation as we considered the impact small changes in tax legislation … Continue reading →

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The long walk to pension freedom

Posted on March 2, 2015 by henry tapper

There is a walk to pension freedom – it needn’t be that long if we can get advice right. Continue reading →

Posted in annuity, pensions, Pensions Regulator | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Why are we not talking about our pensions? An IFA’s view (guest blog)

Posted on February 28, 2015 by henry tapper

On 6 April 2015, brand new rules that affect the way UK retirees can access their pension will come into effect. To assist people in generating their retirement income the government has guaranteed free guidance to all retirees, yet a … Continue reading →

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Why DB pension promises may need a credit rating.

Posted on February 25, 2015 by henry tapper

How do you rate the creditworthiness of your scheme’s funding? Trustees of defined benefit schemes now have to properly assess the employer’s ability (and willingness) to fund the promises made to the members of the scheme. The assessment helps them in negotiations with the … Continue reading →

Posted in de-risking, defined ambition, Pension Freedoms, pension playpen, pensions, Pensions Regulator | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Payroll can avoid offering pension advice (in 5 easy lessons)!

Posted on February 15, 2015 by henry tapper

The blog in a nutshell This is a long risk-warning to payroll bureau and their software suppliers  who may be considering providing advice to employers by reducing the choice of pension options to one – a default. If you don’t … Continue reading →

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“Beware the mastertrust my son!” 6 reasons to be careful

Posted on February 6, 2015 by henry tapper

  Ok. It may not have jaws that bite or claws that clutch or be quite as frightful as the Jubjub bird, but the mastertrust may be no friendlier than Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwock. This is not a trendy thing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Guidance, Payroll, pension playpen, pensions, Pensions Regulator | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How low can guidance go?

Posted on January 25, 2015 by henry tapper

The FCA have published an important document that sets out to define where guidance ends and advice begins. Thankfully , it’s one you can read without feeling guilty that you aren’t going to answer 150 consultation questions! The FCA has … Continue reading →

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Separation

Posted on January 4, 2015 by henry tapper

Can employers nudge staff into drawdown products? Should there be a degree of separation? If so – how can separation be achieved? Continue reading →

Posted in pension playpen, pensions, Pensions Regulator, Retirement, workplace pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments