NAPF Press Releases

Pre-Budget Report - New Gilt Sales Are A Missed Opportunity To Help Pension Funds

25 November 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In response to the Pre-Budget Report announcement of an increase in planned gilt sales of Â£66.4 billion, Chris Hitchen, National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Chairman, said:

NAPF Calls For Government To Issue More Long-Dated Debt

21 November 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the Pre-Budget Report (24th November 2008), the National Association of Pensions Funds (NAPF) has called for the Government to issue more long-dated Government debt, both fixed and indexed-linked.

NAPF Comments on PPF Consultation on Long-Term Future of the Levy

18 November 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Responding to the announcement by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) on its consultation on the long-term future of the levy, Joanne Segars, NAPF Chief Executive, said:

NAPF Welcomes Government Consultation on Section 75

12 November 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Commenting on the Governments announcement that it will consult on Section 75 regulations, National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Chief Executive, Joanne Segars said:

Pension Funds Continue to Diversify Asset Investments

11 November 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The latest Annual Survey from the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has shown that pension funds are continuing to move their assets out of equities and into other investment classes. The survey received responses from 294 defined benefit funds with Â£450 billion in assets.

NAPF Responds to Government Proposals on Self-Certification

07 November 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Responding to yesterdays announcement (see notes to editors) by Pensions Minister Rosie Winterton MP, the National Association of Pension Funds Chief Executive, Joanne Segars, said:

NAPF Announces Keynote Speakers at Trustee Conference

28 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The new Minister for Pensions Reform, Rosie Winterton MP, will headline a programme of industry speakers at the latest NAPF Trustee Conference in November.

Footage of NAPF Annual Conference Available Now

22 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Video footage of nine key sessions at the National Association of Pension Funds Annual Conference and Exhibition 2008 (Glasgow: 8th-10th October 2008) is now available online.

NAPF Launches Best Practice Principles for Investment Advice

14 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today launched the final version of its Best Practice Principles on investment advice to pension funds (annex 1). These have been endorsed by 12 major consultancies.

Barclays UK Retirement Fund Wins NAPF Investment Competition

13 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Barclays UK Retirement Fund has been named as the winner of the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Investment Competition 20081, sponsored by Henderson Global Investors.

Report Highlights Four Key Issues For UK Pensions Regulation

10 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An independent report written for the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has found four areas where UK pensions regulation is out of step with international practice.

NAPF Announces the Launch of the Pension Quality Mark

08 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today announced that it will start awarding a Pension Quality Mark from 2009 for any employer offering defined contribution (DC) pensions that meet three core tests.

Annual Pensions Survey 2008 Stability Now But Further Change on Horizon

08 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The 34th National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Annual Survey1 has revealed a picture of continuity and change in UK workplace pension provision in 2008. The comprehensive survey covering 502 pension schemes with over Â£460 billion in assets has been launched this morning at the NAPFâ€™s Annual Conference in Glasgow.

Proposals for Pensions Accounting Are Premature

01 October 2008 00:00:00 GMT

NAPF Responds to International Accounting Standards Board on Pensions Accounting

Major Pension Funds Increase Class Action Participation

18 September 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Engagement Survey 2008 of funds with over Â£1 billion in assets, has found that growing numbers are becoming involved in class actions.

Large Funds Increase Engagement and Impact

12 September 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Engagement Survey 2008 shows that large UK pension funds (with over Â£1 billion in assets) are increasing their influence on the companies they invest in.

UK Companies Feel Duty To Help Employees Prepare For Retirement

10 September 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A survey of over 300 HR Managers1 by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has found that pensions continue to be an integral and important part of many company remuneration packages.

NAPF Calls For Greater Flexibility On Risk Sharing Pensions

05 September 2008 00:00:00 GMT

NAPF Responds to Governmentâ€™s Consultation on Risk Sharing

NAPF Launches Specialist Service for HR Professionals

28 August 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today launched HR PensionsConnection, a new specialist service aimed at providing information and support to HR professionals involved in their organisations workplace pension. Pension issues ranging from the impact of Personal Accounts and auto-enrolment, remuneration policy, recruitment strategies and regulations will be covered.

New PENSIONSFORCE Website Launched

26 August 2008 00:00:00 GMT

PENSIONSFORCE, the free-of-charge workplace education service designed to help employers help their employees plan for retirement has launched a new website, www.pensionsforce.co.uk.

NAPF Launches Specialist Service For Financial Professionals

06 August 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The NAPF has today launched FD PensionsConnection, a new specialist service aimed at providing information and support to financial professionals involved in their organisationâ€™s workplace pension. Pension issues ranging from deficits, rising liabilities, buyouts, conflicts of interest and the impact of pensions on corporate activity will be covered.

NAPF Welcomes Regulator's Decision To Delay Changes On Mortality Assumptions

22 July 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has welcomed the Pensions Regulators (tPR) announcement that September 2008, not March 2007, will now be the date from which it expects pension scheme valuations to show greater recognition of longevity improvements.

Accounting Proposals Could Lead To Further Erosion of UK Defined Benefit Pensions

14 July 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In its response to the Accounting Standards Boards (ASB) proposals in their Financial Reporting of Pensions discussion paper, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today warned that the plans are likely to further weaken and erode UK defined benefit (DB) pension schemes.

NAPF Responds To Myners Consultation

03 July 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In publishing its response today to HM Treasury's proposals and consultation on the 2007 Myners Review conducted by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), the Association broadly welcomes the proposals but has called for energy and focus now to be spent on implementation.

Poor Pensions Understanding Offers Opportunity

24 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The latest findings from the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Workplace Pensions Survey show that more work must be done with employees to build their understanding of the benefits of workplace pensions.

Private Equity Made Simple - NAPF Launch New Guide

20 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today launched Private Equity Made Simple, a new title in its series of guides aimed at making pensions investment easier to understand. The guide has been sponsored by SVG Capital plc.

Ten Weeks Left To Enter NAPF Investment Competition

16 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The chance to win Â£7,500 toward trustee training costs in the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Investment Competition 2008 closes in ten weeks (29th August 2008).

Pensions Bill Must Revise Definition of Qualifying Earnings

16 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

According to the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) and other industry bodies (see notes to editors), the Government risks undermining both retirement savings for lower earners and leaving each pension scheme with a Â£25,000 - Â£100,000 bill if they do not revise the definition of Qualifying Earnings (â€œpensionable payâ€�) in the current Pensions Bill. This issue is due to be debated in the House of Lords on Tuesday 17th June.

NAPF Announces Keynote Speakers at Annual Conference 2008

16 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rt. Hon James Purnell MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Professor Lord Robert Winston, academic, medical expert and broadcaster, will headline a first class list of speakers at the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Annual Conference and Exhibition 2008 - â€˜Better knowledge for better pensions.â€™ Other key speakers include;

PENSIONSFORCE Seeks New Workforces To Speak To

12 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pensions Funds (NAPF) PENSIONSFORCE service, aimed at providing generic information to employees about saving for retirement, has written to over 1,000 pension funds and HR managers encouraging them to take-up the free service for their workforce.

NAPF Welcomes Government Announcement On Pension Risk Sharing

06 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In response to the Government announcement on the risk sharing of occupational pension provision, National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Policy Director, Nigel Peaple, said:

NAPF Welcomes Lord Adair Turner's Appointment

30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In response to Lord Adair Turners appointment as Chairman of the Financial Services Authority, Nigel Peaple, NAPF Director of Policy, said:

T-Charter Eendorsed by NAPF

27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In recognition of the importance of achieving high standards in the transition management industry, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today announced its endorsement of the T-Charter.

NAPF Endorses EFRP Report And Calls On MEPs Not To Undermine Workplace Pensions

23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The European Federation for Retirement Provisions (EFRP) report - IORP Directive - securing workplace pensions, published today, outlines the important role that workplace pension schemes play in dealing with Europes ageing population. The National Association of Pensions Funds (NAPF), as the UK member of the EFRP, endorses thereport and calls on MEPs not to propose extending the Solvency II proposal to company pension funds (IORPs - Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision).

NAPF Welcomes EU Decision On Personal Accounts

16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pensions Funds (NAPF) has welcomed the decision by the European Union (EU) to allow employers to automatically enrol their staff into Personal Accounts when this new pension scheme is introduced in 2012.

Regulator's Proposed Approach Will Place Unnecessary Pressure On Pension Schemes

16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In its response to The Pensions Regulators (TPR) consultation on choosing assumptions for defined benefit schemes (DB) especially regarding mortality, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has raised a number of key concerns. The pensions body argues that, while TPR guidance to trustees is welcome, using long cohort mortality projections as a "trigger" for further TPR review will place unnecessary pressure on DB pension schemes.

Pension Fund And Industry Body To Bring Joint Legal Challenge

12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wheels Common Investment Fund (WCIF)1 and the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) have agreed that they will jointly bring a legal challenge against HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on the application of VAT on the investment management services supplied to occupational pension funds. WCIF is an Â£8 billion multi-employer scheme covering Ford Motor Company Limited, Jaguar Cars Limited and Land Rover.

NAPF Welcomes Consultation and Clarification on the Pensions Regulator's Powers

25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the publication of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) consultation on The Pension Regulators powers, The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Chief Executive, Joanne Segars said:

2008 Buyout Seminar - NAPF Comments

23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the successful National Association of Pension Funds Buyout seminar today (23rd April), Chief Executive, Joanne Segars said:

NAPF Announces 2008-09 Council Membership

10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After this years National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) council elections, the following leading pension experts have been elected to serve on either the Benefits Council or Investment Council for four year terms:

Investment Conference 2008 (Video Footage Now Available)

8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Video footage of four key sessions at the National Association of Pension Funds Conference 2008 (Edinburgh : 3rd- 5th March 2008) is now available online

NAPF Welcomes HM Treasury Update On Myners Principles

31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today welcomed the launch of the HM Treasury consultation on updating the Myners Principles. This followed the NAPFs year-long consultation with the pensions industry, trustees and other stakeholders which resulted in a comprehensive progress review with recommendations published by the NAPF in November 2007

Stock Market Falls - NAPF Comments On Pension Funds Impact

17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has reiterated today that pension funds are long-term investors and stock market volatility will not have an enduring effect on workplace pensions.

NAPF Welcomes Re-Think On Small Pensions

12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) welcomes the announcement concerning trivial commutation made in todays Budget. The new measures mean a partial reversion to the pre-2006 position for occupational pension schemes whereby a one-off cash sum can be paid as an alternative to a regular pension without having to obtain details of pension entitlements held elsewhere.

NAPF Calls For Caution - Response To IMA Proposals To End Compulsory Annuitisation

11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In response to todays announcement by the Investment Management Association (IMA) on ending compulsory annuitisation, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) believes the proposals should be treated with caution.

NAPF Launches Independent Pension Trustee Toolkit Assessing Investment Consultancies

6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As part of its core aim to raise standards within the UK pensions industry, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today launched an independent toolkit to help trustees assess the performance of investment consultancies.

Investing In Commercial Property Made Simple - NAPF Launch New Guide

6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The first title in 2008 from the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Made Simple series has been launched today at the Associations Investment Conference in Edinburgh.

NAPF Launches Investment Competition 2008

5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As part of its aim to identify and share best practice, The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has today launched Investment Competition 2008.

Thoresen Review - The Inclusion Of The Workplace Welcomed

3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In response to todays publication of the Thoresen Review, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) welcomes the recommendation of a Money Guidance service including the emphasis placed on the workplace as an avenue for delivering generic financial advice. The NAPF, through its PENSIONSFORCE service, has found that face to face group meetings are the most preferred method for receiving information about retirement planning.

Workplace Pensions Valued But More To Be Done On Confidence)

3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Workplace Pensions Survey has revealed that a workplace pension is the most important company benefit an employer can offer.

Executive Contracts and Severance (Joint ABI and NAPF Statement)

22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has welcomed the announcement (21 February 2008) by the Government that it will be consulting on the issue of conditional indexation and risk sharing in June 2008. However, it urges the Government to include legislation in the current Pensions Bill to enable the quick introduction of any changes resulting from the consultation.

Risk Sharing Consultation Welcomed But Swift Action Needed

22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

NAPF Comments On The Pensions Regulator's Mortality Consultation

18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In response to The Pensions Regulators announcement today on its mortality consultation, The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Chief Executive, Joanne Segars, said: We want to see schemes properly funded and it is right that improvements in life expectancy should be recognised. Many schemes have already taken account of longevity improvements in their funding assumptions.

NAPF Announces Keynote Speakers at Investment Conference

1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lord Eddie George, former Governor of the Bank of England and P.J.ORourke, leading political satirist and best-selling author will headline a first class list of speakers at the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) 2008 Investment Conference.