Tag Archives: VFM

Communications that get things done

Carol Young’s concept of “consumer grade” experience has immediately attracted the attention of those entrusted to assess VFM – the comments on this post include one from Fidelity’s IGC and Trustee Chair – Kim Nash. This is the key insight. … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Important amends to my Aviva IGC report.

This report has two important amends from that originally published. In their 2022 report, the Aviva  IGC did indeed conclude that members not protected by the AE charge cap, and paying in excess of 0.75% a year in charges, were … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why did schemes pay those crazy transfer values?

The advisers have left the house, some have seen their businesses grow as they responsibly advised clients on taking sky-high transfer values, some are struggling with insurers and the FIS to keep their business afloat – as claims arise.  Some … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Important amends to my Aviva IGC report.

This report has two important amends from that originally published. In their 2022 report, the Aviva  IGC did indeed conclude that members not protected by the AE charge cap, and paying in excess of 0.75% a year in charges, were … Continue reading

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

Benchmarking workplace pensions is not just for marketing!

Helen Ball has produced a superb article on benchmarking the workplace pension we are in against those of our neighbours. She starts like Jane Austen with a “universal truth – generally acknowledged”. We are all nosey and love to know … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why IGC reports are more relevant than ever this year.

History Since Independent Governance Committees (IGCs) started in 2016, I have been reading their Annual Reports and commenting on thiem. I look at how effective they have been , the credibility of their assessment of value for money and I … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How should our pensions value unlisted equities?

I was shocked when I read that many of the valuations of private equity funds are carried out by employees of the funds. I am pleased to hear that the FCA are looking into this practice and I hope that … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Simon Chrystal’s views on value for money

  Simon Chrystal  is Nico and Darren’s guest this week to talk about value for money. This episode is not really about the value of pensions as the value of advice. Simon Chrystal is keen talk about his work and … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Why my new policy is not to rely on pension policy!

A lot of what we have been discussing with regards pensions this year has been “policy dependent”. We need Government to adopt a policy and then legislate for it and we hope that some of the good ideas that the … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Damian Stancombe – feeling good about winding down

I struggle to pin down what make Damian Stancombe such an engaging character. He has become a pensions celebrity without ever pinning his colours to any particular mast and it’s hard to work out what exactly he does. In his … Continue reading

Posted in pensions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment