December 2023

UK. Govt urged to adopt new policies to take advantage of increased longevity

A new government should introduce a range of new policies on retirement, health and social care, to release a potential “longevity dividend” worth half a trillion pounds, as well as deliver a range of social benefits, according to the International Longevity Centre (ILC). Policies outlined in its new white paper include an auto-enrolment (AE) savings scheme to run alongside AE pensions, auto-escalation of minimum AE contributions, and ideas to help self-employed and gig economy workers save for retirement. Other ideas floated...

This is what Canada will look like in 20 years – are we ready for an aging population?

The rapid growth expected among Canada’s senior population in the coming years is one of the “most significant demographic trends” in the country’s history, says demographer Doug Norris. While this growth may present some challenges for younger generations, industry experts say it will also offer opportunities to pave the way for a better future. Residents aged 65 and older are part of the fastest-growing age group in Canada today, said Norris, who is chief demographer at Environics Analytics, a marketing...

U.S. pension funds heavily invested in China despite crackdown

U.S. proposals to clamp down on investments in China may be being undermined by continued funding from some of America's biggest institutional investors, new analysis shows. The majority of U.S. public pensions, as well certain universities and non-profit organizations, have committed funds to China and Hong Kong, including in sensitive technologies — some as recently as this year, according to a report by Future Union, a non-partisan trade organization. The 74 largest contributors have allocated more than $70 billion to companies...

U.K. Pensions Regulator updates cyber-risk guidance

U.K. pension trustees should be vigilant about cybersecurity and report significant events, The Pensions Regulator said in updated guidance released Dec. 11. "Pension schemes are at risk of being targeted by cyber-attacks because of the large amounts of personal data and assets they hold," TPR said in a release, saying the guidance will help trustees and plan managers as well as suppliers and advisers. The latest guidance calls on trustees and providers to report significant cyber incidents to help it build a better...

The new longevity: Stanford center examines societal impacts of a population living longer

BY 2030, ONE in four Californians will be 60 years or older. By 2060, the percent of Californians in the 60+ age group will have increased three times faster than the total population. People are living longer than ever. Worldwide, the average life expectancy of a newborn has more than doubled since 1900, from 32 years to 71 years. Half of 5-year-olds in the United States today will likely live for 100 years or more. The Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL)’s mission is to...

UK. Over two thirds of savers unsure how to switch to a greener pension

While most Brits are well aware of how to reduce their carbon footprint through changing their behaviours, more than two thirds (67 per cent) don’t know how to switch to a ‘green pension’, research from Scottish Widows has revealed. Scottish Widows’ second annual Green Pensions Report found that there is growing appetite for responsible retirement savings propositions among employers and employees, with nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of savers expressing a keen interest in obtaining more information about sustainable options for...

Managing inflation expectations may be tougher in aging societies: Expert

Monetary policymakers in aging economies may be perceived to have a comparatively lesser influence on the public’s inflation expectations when compared to those in nations with a different age structure, according to a leading scholar in investor behavior. Speaking at the 2023 Annual Conference on Asia-Pacific Financial Markets (CAFM) held in Seoul on Friday to Saturday, Professor Stefan Nagel from the University of Chicago said that investors adjust their inflation expectations based on experience rather than the language of monetary...

US is not prepared to house a growing number of older Americans

As skyrocketing housing prices persist across the country, the resulting homelessness crisis is growing, and more Americans are in need of assistance. However, some industry experts have noted an uptick in the average age of unhoused populations. “It's very tough. Very tough. Not knowing where you're going to go at night is very tough. I can't even get stable work because you have to have a stable place,” said Latia Griffin, who is experiencing homelessness in Ohio. A recent report from Harvard University's...

UK’s PensionBee Comments on the Negative Impact of Greenwashing, Key ESG and Fintech Trends for 2024

PensionBee notes that in recent years, the spotlight has intensified “on the role of investments in the climate debate.” As most consumers would hopefully know by now, ‘ESG‘ stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. This is a framework used to “measure a company’s sustainability, workforce and ethical practices.” Many companies have ESG ratings, which could “help consumers make informed choices.” It is well accepted that savings, “including pensions, can help shape a sustainable future.” Sustainable investing considers ESG factors “alongside financial returns.” It has gained popularity, but also “criticism...

BP pension nears deal to sell portfolio worth as much as $800m

The defined benefit pension scheme of one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies is close to offloading a portfolio of private market fund stakes, Secondaries Investor has learned. BP’s DB pension has been shopping a portfolio around $700 million to $800 million, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Campbell Lutyens is understood to be the adviser on the deal. The sale of the portfolio started in the second quarter of this year, according to the two sources. The...