Viewpoint archive

Viewpoint archive

Group DC pension schemes face a devilish conundrum that has major implications for their investment strategies.

• Maximising Returns - Pt1: Future of DC Investments

Despite, or perhaps as a consequence of, the increasing sophistication of DC pension scheme investment models, the majority of DC members either ignore or fear the issue of pension investment.

• Investor Psychology - Pt2:Future of DC Investments

Trustees and employers must address the risks associated with defined contribution - but legislation must also change to help them, says Ian Buchan

• A duty of care

The challenges keep mounting. The economic situation is improving, but slowly. A coalition government may foster a culture of uncertainty, and we're seeing constant change in pensions.

• Engaging staff via social media

I'm Donald, a Rewards and Pensions Manager for Souris plc - a FTSE 350 Technology company.

• Dear Donald - Impact of a coalition government

With a general election imminent, it seems certain the electorate will see its pockets picked as the new government - of whichever persuasion - raises taxes to cut the nation's spiralling debt.

• Saving with an open pocket

I'm Donald, a Rewards and Pensions Manager for Souris plc - a FTSE 350 Technology company.

• Dear Donald - Mitigating risks in DC pensions

The latest whitepaper from Standard Life assesses how employers should be reacting in terms of reviewing and implementing best practice to ensure that their DC schemes remain competitive, effective and fit-for-purpose.

• Reality Shock: The major threats to DC Pensions

What the electorate wants - Baby boomers want a future that is active and may involve remaining in work, but on their own terms

• Scrap the retirement scrapheap

Ian Buchan caught up with DC World to discuss Standard Life's recent white paper, Reality Shock: The major threats to DC pensions and how the industry needs to evolve going forward

• Avoiding the cliff edge approach

Ian Buchan of Standard Life reviews the future of pension

• Moving forward the DC agenda

This month Greg Thorley, National Employee Communications Manager at Standard Life, discusses the employee engagement opportunities social networking can present

• Dear Donald - Social Networking

With reform comes opportunity - Andrew Tully, Senior Pensions Policy Manager

• With reform comes opportunity

What separates defined contribution from defined benefit? Ian Buchan examines some of the communication challenges in transferring members between schemes

• Keeping the momentum going

This month Simon Davies, Senior Employee Benefits Manager at Standard Life, discusses the future of workplace pensions with a General Election looming.

• Dear Donald - The future of workplace pensions

Marek Handzel asks Greg Thorley, national communication and education manager at Standard Life, about communication in the workplace

• Staying engaged

Scheme members frequently end up in a position where their funds are invested in extreme portfolios, even though risk preferences tend to bemuchmore moderate. This clearly doesn't make sense and creates real dilemmas for employers and trustees

• Member behaviour complicates pensions

Ian Buchan examines why human nature is the biggest challenge for defined contribution scheme trustees

• Challenges of challenging behaviour

This month Andy Dickson, Senior Business Development Manager at Standard Life, discusses the impact on pensions of the pre Budget report

• Dear Donald - Pre-Budget Report Changes

Marek Handzel talks to Ian Buchan, senior business development manager at Standard Life, on the challenges and opportunities that employers can encounter with trust based defined contribution (DC) schemes.

• Stepping up to the Plate