Tag: Governance

A Personal Perspective on Transparency

12 January 2017 Governance and transparency have always been key components of my belief framework so I was pleased when Andy Agathangelou of The Transparency Taskforce asked me to write an article for his magazine: The Transparency Times “Transparency is a valuable enhancement of the flow of information which improves governance, trust and outcomes. I do not see it as a primary or intrinsic objective in itself, but significant benefits certainly flow from its introduction though there are cost and other factors that should be taken into consideration … (continued)” A link to the magazine is provided – I hope…

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21st Century Trusteeship and Governance – Pensions Regulator discussion paper

24 August 2016 The Pensions Regulator has issued a discussion paper titled “21st Century Trusteeship and Governance” which continues engagement with the pensions industry in considering how best to support trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities and improving beneficiary outcomes. The paper highlights key findings and challenges from the Regulator’s research into the work of trustees, and poses thirteen key questions to shape future policy decisions. The questions are wide ranging, covering: the role of professional trustee, the role of the chair, the challenge for new trustees and trustee knowledge and understanding, minimum competence and continuous personal development, conflicts of interest,…

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DB to DC transfers – Pensions Regulator consultation

2 March 2015 The Pensions Regulator has produced a useful consultation document on DB to DC transfers and conversions and invited comments by 17 March 2015. The consultation document is pretty clear, concise and accessible and is likely to form the basis of new guidance for DB pension scheme trustees faced with the tricky question of how to handle DB members wishing to transfer to a DC scheme.     For me, there are five key areas: There should be relatively few cases where such a transfer is actually in the best interests of the member – giving up guaranteed…

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Do you have quality DC pension scheme governance?

10 February 2014 The Pensions Regulator has followed up its work on the DC Code and DC Regulatory Guidance with their views on how trustees (both for single- and master-trust vehicles) should assess and communicate their compliance with these initiatives. To recap, the DC Code lays out the legal framework for DC trust-based pensions and provides suggestions of practical guidance on how to comply whereas the DC Regulatory Guidance lays out the Regulator’s view on the quality features underpinning their view of good practice. The Regulator has laid out 31 key quality features in areas such as trustee knowledge, training…

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My Trustee Philosophy

15 January 2014 I’m often asked to summarise my top-level thinking on how I approach trusteeship – my trustee philosophy. This question is most often posed with respect to the investment duties involved but – as there is no such thing as a solely investment-focused trustee – the principles involved serve me in the wider exercise of trustee duties. I hope that you find them interesting … please remember you read them here first !

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The Pensions Regulator – Maintaining DC Contributions

12 June 2013 In September 2012, the Pensions Regulator held a three month consultation on revising their codes of practice on reporting late payments of DC contributions. The consultation results have been analysed and amended draft codes of practice have now been laid before Parliament – with an expectation that these codes will go live in the Autumn. Why is this important? It is clear that the correct identification and payment of contributions is vital to the beneficiaries of a DC scheme. Timeliness is also key: if payments are delayed then there will be a need to reinstate beneficiaries to…

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  • Author: Martin Veasey
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