December 2019

Canada’s second largest pension fund gets deadly serious about climate crisis

As world leaders converge at this week’s climate summit in Madrid to debate how best to shift to a net zero-economy, Michael Sabia is leaving the helm of Canada’s second-largest pension plan having firmly placed Quebec’s retirement savings at the forefront of the global movement for low-carbon investing. Sabia, who recently announced he’s stepping down from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) in early 2020, ushered in a fundamental change in how the $326 billion Quebec...

With France in Uproar Over Pensions, Macron May Need One Early

By Adam Nossiter With his country in turmoil, more chaos looming and no resolution in sight, President Emmanuel Macron of France tried changing the subject. Last Thursday, nearly a million people had taken to the streets to protest his plan to remake France’s uniquely generous pension system. But a day later, Mr. Macron, instead of addressing what was on everyone’s minds — how to get out of the standoff, which has stranded thousands of commuters — delivered a lyrical tribute far...

UK. What does 2020 hold for pensions?

By Andrew Tully Many changes will be taking place in the world of pensions as we move towards the end of 2019 and into 2020. Ongoing regulatory developments seem inevitable, but nonetheless it is important for firms to be aware of what changes are due and what they will mean to clients. Wake-up packs New requirements to provide wake-up packs to clients were introduced on 1 November. Traditionally, these packs were issued between four and six months before the selected...

France pensions overhaul to go ahead despite huge protests

The French government has vowed to press ahead with its overhaul of the pensions system despite a hardening nationwide strike that will keep transport at a standstill next week amid another round of planned massive street protests. Four days after at least 800,000 people took part in one of the biggest demonstrations of trade union strength in a decade on Thursday, transport remained virtually at a halt over the weekend as the president, Emmanuel Macron, held talks with ministers...

Greece. Mechanism for retirees with low pensions

The government is planning to abolish the so-called 13th pension, i.e. the handout to pensioners the SYRIZA administration distributed before the elections this year, though the 971 million euros handed out to 2.5 million retirees will stay in their pockets. The Labor Ministry is already working on the creation of a permanent mechanism for the support of recipients of low pensions, within the social security system. The amount of the support and the width of the pensioner catchment will...

KPMG agrees to management buy-out of UK pensions division

KPMG has agreed a deal for the buy-out of its UK pensions division, which will continue to serve clients under the ownership of its current management team. The management buy-out is understood to have been backed by Exponent Private Equity, the private equity firm which entered into exclusive talks with KPMG for the purchase in October. In recent months, KPMG has been conducting a continuous restructuring of its UK operations. The Big Four firm sunk a £45 million investment...

Pakistan. PMYAP ‘Social Protection’ programme to provide social security, legal aid to youth

Prime Minister Youth Affairs Programme (PMYAP)has worked out its first comprehensive “Social Protection” programme aimed to provide social security and legal aid to the youth facing community issues and conflicts. A PMYAP official told APP, the programme would provide protection and security to the youth who were indulged in drug addiction and other wrong practices leaving their household in pathetic condition adding,“It would create awareness among the youngsters to prevent from social evils and wrong practices and would also...

US. Workers Across All Income Levels Are Making This Major Retirement Plan Mistake

By Maurie Backman Without independent savings, retirees risk struggling financially during their golden years. That's why workers are advised to sock away funds in an IRA or 401(k) -- to ensure that they have enough money to cover their living expenses when they're older. But data from J.P. Morgan Asset Management reveals that workers across all income levels are borrowing money from their retirement plans. And that's a troubling trend. The problem with borrowing from your retirement plan Though middle-income...

A Look at France’s Heated Debate Over Pensions

The planned overhaul of the French pensions system aims to streamline a complicated patchwork of provisions, but workers argue it will require them to work longer and will reduce their income. The heated debate over the changes to the retirement system are laid bare in the nationwide strike and protests taking place Thursday. The popular discontent will test the resolve of the government of President Emmanuel Macron, who says it remains determined to pass the reform next year. Here's a look at...

ESG investing to move faster in Asia

Although in its initial stages and faced with challenges, opportunities in ESG investing are rising in Asia. Thanks to a governmental push as well as growing ESG awareness and compliance among institutional investors, sustainability is quickly picking up in Asia, though challenges still exist. Featuring Christopher Hui, executive director, Financial Services Development Council; Karine Hirn, partner, chief sustainability officer, East Capital; William Ng, ESG engagement analyst, investment team, HSBC Global Asset Management; and Paul Milon, sustainability and ESG integration specialist, BNP...