Tag Archives: VFM

Investment beliefs – Steely Dan and my Pretzel Logic

Posted on April 8, 2024 by henry tapper

A pessimist looks at the UK and European markets and considers America expensive while the optimist calls the UK and Europe cheap. This Monday morning Robert Armstrong tries to steer a middle course suggesting that value for money is in … Continue reading →

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A sensible outcome to the General Levy Consultation

Posted on March 5, 2024 by henry tapper

There are two ways to react to the Government’s u-turn on their “option 3” proposal for the General Levy. Option 3- aka “the nuclear option ” would have seen small occupational schemes having to stump up an extra £10,000 in … Continue reading →

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Nick Sherry and pension realpolitik

Posted on December 11, 2023 by henry tapper

Nick Sherry, the Tasmanian Devil of Australian pensions is back in the UK and – courtesy of David Harris – finds his way to Darren and Nico’s VFM podcast. Pot for life? This post is picking up on a couple … Continue reading →

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Communications that get things done

Posted on October 23, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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Important amends to my Aviva IGC report.

Posted on October 18, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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Why did schemes pay those crazy transfer values?

Posted on October 10, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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Important amends to my Aviva IGC report.

Posted on October 8, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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Benchmarking workplace pensions is not just for marketing!

Posted on October 5, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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Why IGC reports are more relevant than ever this year.

Posted on October 1, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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How should our pensions value unlisted equities?

Posted on September 28, 2023 by henry tapper

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 →

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