Shows
V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #88: V-FM meets Pensions in TenIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren Philp and Nico Aspinall join Broadstone's Simon Kew and David Brooks for a V-FM/Pensions in Ten mashup to discuss Rachel Reeve's first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
2024-10-3144 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #88: V-FM meets Pensions in TenIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren Philp and Nico Aspinall join Broadstone's Simon Kew and David Brooks for a V-FM/Pensions in Ten mashup to discuss Rachel Reeve's first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
2024-10-3144 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #87: Tomorrow's Company's Jonathan MaguireIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico spend time chatting with Tomorrow’s Company Jonathan Maguire. Tomorrow’s Company is an organisation focused on inspiring businesses to be a force for good in society and Jon’s focus is on the state of the education system, particularly the lack of funding for special educational needs and the disconnect between the curriculum and the needs of young people.
Less pensions chat in this episode, but a really positive and insightful discussion where Jon talks about how we can and should be empowering and inspiring young people...
2024-10-251h 09V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #87: Tomorrow's Company's Jonathan MaguireIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico spend time chatting with Tomorrow’s Company Jonathan Maguire. Tomorrow’s Company is an organisation focused on inspiring businesses to be a force for good in society and Jon’s focus is on the state of the education system, particularly the lack of funding for special educational needs and the disconnect between the curriculum and the needs of young people.
Less pensions chat in this episode, but a really positive and insightful discussion where Jon talks about how we can and should be empowering and inspiring young people...
2024-10-251h 09V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #86: Jerry Moriarty, CEO of the Irish Association of Pension FundsIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to the CEO of the Irish Association of Pension Funds, Jerry Moriarty.
As well as finding out what value for money means to Jerry, we learn about the Irish pension system and the proposed introduction of auto enrolment. We talk about lessons from the UK experience of introducing auto enrolment and pick up on the question of the FCA's value for money consultation which closed this week.
We also chat about the recently published Mercer Global Pensions Index (an annual ranking of pension systems...
2024-10-181h 27V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #86: Jerry Moriarty, CEO of the Irish Association of Pension FundsIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to the CEO of the Irish Association of Pension Funds, Jerry Moriarty.
As well as finding out what value for money means to Jerry, we learn about the Irish pension system and the proposed introduction of auto enrolment. We talk about lessons from the UK experience of introducing auto enrolment and pick up on the question of the FCA's value for money consultation which closed this week.
We also chat about the recently published Mercer Global Pensions Index (an annual ranking of pension systems...
2024-10-181h 27V-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM Pensions #85: David PorterIn this episode of V-FM the pensions podcast, Darren and Nico chat to the legend that is David Porter. David is now an independent investment consultant who helps schemes and providers implement new approaches.
As well as talking about what value for money means to David, we also chat Royal Mail CDC, CDC more generally and Willis Towers Watson arguing that DC is 'broken', deaths outnumbering births in the UK and the cost of a pint of beer!
2024-10-111h 18V-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM Pensions #85: David PorterIn this episode of V-FM the pensions podcast, Darren and Nico chat to the legend that is David Porter. David is now an independent investment consultant who helps schemes and providers implement new approaches.
As well as talking about what value for money means to David, we also chat Royal Mail CDC, CDC more generally and Willis Towers Watson arguing that DC is 'broken', deaths outnumbering births in the UK and the cost of a pint of beer!
2024-10-111h 18V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #84: Tackling costs and scaling up...Brightwell's Morten Nilsson talks value for moneyIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat with Morten Nilsson, CEO of Brightwell, about what value for money means to him.
As we move to cover more than just defined contribution pensions we spend time talking about the challenges and rising costs of running defined benefit schemes, the impact and cost of advisers, and conflicts of interest within the pensions industry.
We chat about the importance of consolidation, not just in the DC and LGPS sectors, but also for private sector DB. In Morten's eyes small schemes need to collaborate to...
2024-10-041h 25V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #84: Tackling costs and scaling up...Brightwell's Morten Nilsson talks value for moneyIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat with Morten Nilsson, CEO of Brightwell, about what value for money means to him.
As we move to cover more than just defined contribution pensions we spend time talking about the challenges and rising costs of running defined benefit schemes, the impact and cost of advisers, and conflicts of interest within the pensions industry.
We chat about the importance of consolidation, not just in the DC and LGPS sectors, but also for private sector DB. In Morten's eyes small schemes need to collaborate to...
2024-10-041h 25V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #83: Bravura's Jon Hawkins talks Pensions DashboardsIn this episode of V-FM, the Pensions Podcast, hosts Darren and Nico are joined by Jonathan Hawkins, Propositions Lead at Bravura, to dive deep into what Value for Money (VFM) means in the pensions world.
As we navigate Pensions Dashboard Week, Jonathan shares insights on the challenges and opportunities that the industry faces as it prepares for one of the biggest transformations in recent times. We discuss the impact of technology—or the lack thereof—in delivering VFM, the role of data quality, and the importance of evolving core pension systems to meet future customer needs.
Jo...
2024-09-271h 26V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #83: Bravura's Jon Hawkins talks Pensions DashboardsIn this episode of V-FM, the Pensions Podcast, hosts Darren and Nico are joined by Jonathan Hawkins, Propositions Lead at Bravura, to dive deep into what Value for Money (VFM) means in the pensions world.
As we navigate Pensions Dashboard Week, Jonathan shares insights on the challenges and opportunities that the industry faces as it prepares for one of the biggest transformations in recent times. We discuss the impact of technology—or the lack thereof—in delivering VFM, the role of data quality, and the importance of evolving core pension systems to meet future customer needs.
Jo...
2024-09-271h 26V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #82: Man of the People's.... Patrick Heath-LayIn this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to their former boss and Chief Executive of the People's Partnership Patrick Heath-Lay. Patrick has been at People's (formerly B&CE) for his whole career and has a remarkable story of joining the organisation to deliver the mail and then working his way up to become CEO of one of the largest pension schemes in the country.
We, of course, ask Patrick what value for money means to him, but we also have an in depth discussion about policy and what's in the store for the...
2024-09-201h 17V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #82: Man of the People's.... Patrick Heath-LayIn this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to their former boss and Chief Executive of the People's Partnership Patrick Heath-Lay. Patrick has been at People's (formerly B&CE) for his whole career and has a remarkable story of joining the organisation to deliver the mail and then working his way up to become CEO of one of the largest pension schemes in the country.
We, of course, ask Patrick what value for money means to him, but we also have an in depth discussion about policy and what's in the store for the...
2024-09-201h 17V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #81: The FCA's value for money consultationIn this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat about the Financial Conduct Authority's value for money consultation CP24-16.
What do we like, what don't we like, what do we think will work, and where is there room for improvement? Listen to find out all this and more.
2024-09-131h 25V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #81: The FCA's value for money consultationIn this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat about the Financial Conduct Authority's value for money consultation CP24-16.
What do we like, what don't we like, what do we think will work, and where is there room for improvement? Listen to find out all this and more.
2024-09-131h 25V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #80: LCPs Steve BudgeIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to DC consultant extraordinaire LCP's Steve Budge. Steve has an amazing career in pensions consultancy and we tap into his significant insights and knowledge of DC pensions as we navigate some of the big issues at the front of the industry's minds.
The podcast was recorded on the launch day of the latest Pension Attention campaign so we discuss that. We also spend a lot of time chatting about the Government's pensions review call for evidence, as well as a new report on the "Capital Markets...
2024-09-061h 24V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #80: LCPs Steve BudgeIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to DC consultant extraordinaire LCP's Steve Budge. Steve has an amazing career in pensions consultancy and we tap into his significant insights and knowledge of DC pensions as we navigate some of the big issues at the front of the industry's minds.
The podcast was recorded on the launch day of the latest Pension Attention campaign so we discuss that. We also spend a lot of time chatting about the Government's pensions review call for evidence, as well as a new report on the "Capital Markets...
2024-09-061h 24V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #79: A golden chat with Claire LincolnIn this episode of V-FM pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to the World Gold Council's Claire Lincoln.
As well as having lots of experience in pensions and investments, Claire is an expert on wine... so, of course, alongside the usual V-FM chat we find out what vino for money means to her!
A very wide ranging discussion this week where we cover the state of the economy and public finances, pensions tax relief, TPT research on the DB endgame, increasing minimum contribution levels, possible increases in employer national insurance contributions and a whole lot...
2024-08-301h 35V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #79: A golden chat with Claire LincolnIn this episode of V-FM pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to the World Gold Council's Claire Lincoln.
As well as having lots of experience in pensions and investments, Claire is an expert on wine... so, of course, alongside the usual V-FM chat we find out what vino for money means to her!
A very wide ranging discussion this week where we cover the state of the economy and public finances, pensions tax relief, TPT research on the DB endgame, increasing minimum contribution levels, possible increases in employer national insurance contributions and a whole lot...
2024-08-301h 35V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #78: TOR's David HarrisIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren, talk to TOR's David Harris about planes, pensions, policy, and, of course, value for money.
David has some amazing international pensions experience and his consultancy (celebrating its 20th year) is well know for creating international connections. He is also known for clocking up the air miles and spends more time in the air than on terra firma.
As well as a bit of the expected cricket chatter, David confesses to being an Ipswich Town fan (Ed: enjoy this season while it lasts, David!). We also...
2024-08-231h 28V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #78: TOR's David HarrisIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren, talk to TOR's David Harris about planes, pensions, policy, and, of course, value for money.
David has some amazing international pensions experience and his consultancy (celebrating its 20th year) is well know for creating international connections. He is also known for clocking up the air miles and spends more time in the air than on terra firma.
As well as a bit of the expected cricket chatter, David confesses to being an Ipswich Town fan (Ed: enjoy this season while it lasts, David!). We also...
2024-08-231h 28V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #77: The PPI's Sarah LuheshiIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to the PPI's current deputy director Sarah Luheshi. Sarah is retiring at the end of August after an amazing career in the financial services industry, culminating with a fantastic 9 years at the Pensions Policy Institute.
In a jam-packed podcast, as well as chatting about the weekly staple of value for money, we talk about Labour's pensions review and the need for it to take a holistic approach, the PPI's pensions framework, pensions adequacy, the launch of a provider transfer rating service, and productive finance think pieces...
2024-08-161h 16V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #77: The PPI's Sarah LuheshiIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to the PPI's current deputy director Sarah Luheshi. Sarah is retiring at the end of August after an amazing career in the financial services industry, culminating with a fantastic 9 years at the Pensions Policy Institute.
In a jam-packed podcast, as well as chatting about the weekly staple of value for money, we talk about Labour's pensions review and the need for it to take a holistic approach, the PPI's pensions framework, pensions adequacy, the launch of a provider transfer rating service, and productive finance think pieces...
2024-08-161h 16V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #76: Policy, politics and pensions with Gregg McClymontIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to IFM's Executive Director of Public Affairs and former Shadow Pensions Minister Gregg McClymont.
Gregg returns to the podcast after being one of our first guests (episode #5) so we take the opportunity to find out what Gregg's been up to and look to get underneath the skin of what's driving change in the pensions industry. We talk about consolidation, scale, productive finance and draw on Gregg's significant experience and insight of the Australian and Canadian pension systems.
2024-08-091h 10V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #76: Policy, politics and pensions with Gregg McClymontIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to IFM's Executive Director of Public Affairs and former Shadow Pensions Minister Gregg McClymont.
Gregg returns to the podcast after being one of our first guests (episode #5) so we take the opportunity to find out what Gregg's been up to and look to get underneath the skin of what's driving change in the pensions industry. We talk about consolidation, scale, productive finance and draw on Gregg's significant experience and insight of the Australian and Canadian pension systems.
2024-08-091h 10V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #75: Boney M's Richard ParkinIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to BNY's Head of Retirement, Richard Parkin. Richard is an industry stalwart with over 30 years experience in the industry and describes himself as a "card-carrying pensions and retirement geek." Perhaps he should also add to that that he is the 'Daddy Cool' of pensions...
In another wide ranging episode we chat Mansion House reforms, the Government's decision to means test winter fuel payments, and the Turkish State Pension system. We also discuss presenteeism and Nico throws us a curve ball by talking want to talk about...
2024-08-021h 24V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #75: Boney M's Richard ParkinIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to BNY's Head of Retirement, Richard Parkin. Richard is an industry stalwart with over 30 years experience in the industry and describes himself as a "card-carrying pensions and retirement geek." Perhaps he should also add to that that he is the 'Daddy Cool' of pensions...
In another wide ranging episode we chat Mansion House reforms, the Government's decision to means test winter fuel payments, and the Turkish State Pension system. We also discuss presenteeism and Nico throws us a curve ball by talking want to talk about...
2024-08-021h 24V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #74: Jasper reprised - a whistle stop tour of world pensionsIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Darren and Nico are again joined by the self-styled Jasper boys, John Mitchem and Jorik van Zanden for a whistle stop tour and discussion of world pensions. This episode is very much a Jasper takeover with the co-hosts (Ed: would you believe??) struggling to get a word in edgeways while John and Jorik talk about the common retirement challenges faced by nations around the globe.
A crazy episode even by V-FM standards... but fantastic discussion and insight from Jorik and John.
2024-07-261h 26V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #74: Jasper reprised - a whistle stop tour of world pensionsIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Darren and Nico are again joined by the self-styled Jasper boys, John Mitchem and Jorik van Zanden for a whistle stop tour and discussion of world pensions. This episode is very much a Jasper takeover with the co-hosts (Ed: would you believe??) struggling to get a word in edgeways while John and Jorik talk about the common retirement challenges faced by nations around the globe.
A crazy episode even by V-FM standards... but fantastic discussion and insight from Jorik and John.
2024-07-261h 26V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #73: The Pension Scheme Bill and the pensions reviewIn this special episode of V-FM Pensions, co-hosts Darren and Nico chat about the Pensions Bill and the first phase of the new Government's pensions review.
We discuss the Bill, including small pots consolidation, value for money and at retirement. We also chat about what might be in store from phase one of Labour's much trailed review of pensions, focusing on productive finance and what it might mean for consolidation across the pensions landscape.
2024-07-231h 03V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #73: The Pension Scheme Bill and the pensions reviewIn this special episode of V-FM Pensions, co-hosts Darren and Nico chat about the Pensions Bill and the first phase of the new Government's pensions review.
We discuss the Bill, including small pots consolidation, value for money and at retirement. We also chat about what might be in store from phase one of Labour's much trailed review of pensions, focusing on productive finance and what it might mean for consolidation across the pensions landscape.
2024-07-231h 03V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #72: Wayhome's Nigel PurvesIn this episode of V-FM pensions Nico and Darren chat to CEO and co-founder of Wayhome, Nigel Purves.
Wayhome have got some big ideas looking at how to join up thinking around pensions and housing so it was great to have Nigel on to chat through the societal issues we face and how we can think differently to deliver better outcomes for people.
In an episode recorded on Wednesday morning, we talk about leadership and the resignation of Gareth Southgate, sidecar savings, the King's speech, lifetime savings, and private markets. We chat through some of...
2024-07-191h 17V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #72: Wayhome's Nigel PurvesIn this episode of V-FM pensions Nico and Darren chat to CEO and co-founder of Wayhome, Nigel Purves.
Wayhome have got some big ideas looking at how to join up thinking around pensions and housing so it was great to have Nigel on to chat through the societal issues we face and how we can think differently to deliver better outcomes for people.
In an episode recorded on Wednesday morning, we talk about leadership and the resignation of Gareth Southgate, sidecar savings, the King's speech, lifetime savings, and private markets. We chat through some of...
2024-07-191h 17V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #71: Alison HatcherIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to independent consultant and TPR non-exec director Alison Hatcher.
In an episode that was recorded on the morning after England's win against the Netherlands we chat about the Euros, including a tweet from King Charles 'commanding' the nation to win against Spain on Sunday.
We talk about Taylor Swift causing the Bank of England an interest rate headache, politics, pensions and productive finance, and the need to join up pensions with other forms of assets and savings (especially housing). We also hear about Alison's c...
2024-07-121h 29V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #71: Alison HatcherIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to independent consultant and TPR non-exec director Alison Hatcher.
In an episode that was recorded on the morning after England's win against the Netherlands we chat about the Euros, including a tweet from King Charles 'commanding' the nation to win against Spain on Sunday.
We talk about Taylor Swift causing the Bank of England an interest rate headache, politics, pensions and productive finance, and the need to join up pensions with other forms of assets and savings (especially housing). We also hear about Alison's c...
2024-07-121h 29V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #70: V-FM meets JasperIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to Jorik van Zanden and John Mitchem.
During lockdown, Jorik and John founded the 'Jasper forum' - a community of like-minded international pensions and investment folk who regularly come together to discuss common issues and learnings. A great initiative!
This is the first episode in a two part series. In this episode we do the traditional VFM thing of discussing the news, hearing a bit about John and Jorik's careers and discussing what value for money means to them.
Part two will...
2024-07-051h 26V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #70: V-FM meets JasperIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to Jorik van Zanden and John Mitchem.
During lockdown, Jorik and John founded the 'Jasper forum' - a community of like-minded international pensions and investment folk who regularly come together to discuss common issues and learnings. A great initiative!
This is the first episode in a two part series. In this episode we do the traditional VFM thing of discussing the news, hearing a bit about John and Jorik's careers and discussing what value for money means to them.
Part two will...
2024-07-051h 26V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #69: Smart Pension's Eve ReadIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Smart Pension's Director of Strategic Delivery Eve Read. Eve has seen it all when it coms to pensions having done every role going at Mercer, before joining NEST and now Smart Pension.
A fantastic chat where we cover the Euros, fine wine, singing, renting in retirement, pension consolidation, transfers, conflicts of interest, politics, governance.... the list goes on and on!
Eve also talks about the need for pension role models and we, of course, chat about what value for money means to her.
2024-06-281h 23V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #69: Smart Pension's Eve ReadIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Smart Pension's Director of Strategic Delivery Eve Read. Eve has seen it all when it coms to pensions having done every role going at Mercer, before joining NEST and now Smart Pension.
A fantastic chat where we cover the Euros, fine wine, singing, renting in retirement, pension consolidation, transfers, conflicts of interest, politics, governance.... the list goes on and on!
Eve also talks about the need for pension role models and we, of course, chat about what value for money means to her.
2024-06-281h 23V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #68: Standard Life's Mike AmberyIn this episode of V-FM Pensions co-hosts Darren and Nico chat to Standard Life's Mike Ambery. Mike is a pensions industry stalwart who has recently joined Standard Life after a long and illustrious career at Hymans Robertson.
Mike is an Arsenal fan (he promised Darren use of his season ticket...) so he slots straight in to a quality chat about Arsenal, even pondering how England hero Jude Bellingham could fit into the Arsenal team....
Amongst the usual pensions and VFM chatter, we cover politics and the Labour manifesto, social media and pensions, and campaign finance...
2024-06-211h 23V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #68: Standard Life's Mike AmberyIn this episode of V-FM Pensions co-hosts Darren and Nico chat to Standard Life's Mike Ambery. Mike is a pensions industry stalwart who has recently joined Standard Life after a long and illustrious career at Hymans Robertson.
Mike is an Arsenal fan (he promised Darren use of his season ticket...) so he slots straight in to a quality chat about Arsenal, even pondering how England hero Jude Bellingham could fit into the Arsenal team....
Amongst the usual pensions and VFM chatter, we cover politics and the Labour manifesto, social media and pensions, and campaign finance...
2024-06-211h 23V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #67: Pensions Expert's Nick ReeveIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to fellow Gooner and editor of Pensions Expert Nick Reeve.
Nick joins us supping water (not Pina Colada) from a pineapple shaped glass from sunny Barbados for a great chat about pensions, journalism and, of course, value for money. It was nice to turn the tables on Nick and be asking the questions, but he did manage to ask us a few searching questions... that journo instinct never goes away...
Topics discussed this week include pensions dashboards, the Pensions Regulator's Corporate plan, conflicts in...
2024-06-141h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #67: Pensions Expert's Nick ReeveIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to fellow Gooner and editor of Pensions Expert Nick Reeve.
Nick joins us supping water (not Pina Colada) from a pineapple shaped glass from sunny Barbados for a great chat about pensions, journalism and, of course, value for money. It was nice to turn the tables on Nick and be asking the questions, but he did manage to ask us a few searching questions... that journo instinct never goes away...
Topics discussed this week include pensions dashboards, the Pensions Regulator's Corporate plan, conflicts in...
2024-06-141h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #66: Pensions mischief with the Pensions Monkey (Tom McPhail)In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to pensions industry legend and all round PR and policy superstar Tom McPhail. Tom is Director of Public Affairs at the Langcat and also is an external adviser at Guiide.
This episode covers tax relief and the IFS proposals for the LTA, a good discussion about politics and pensions, fiduciary duty as a barrier to investing for the good of people and the planet... and a whole host more. We discuss the Barbie movie and Tom's new AI generated X (Twitter) picture, why he d...
2024-06-071h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #66: Pensions mischief with the Pensions Monkey (Tom McPhail)In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to pensions industry legend and all round PR and policy superstar Tom McPhail. Tom is Director of Public Affairs at the Langcat and also is an external adviser at Guiide.
This episode covers tax relief and the IFS proposals for the LTA, a good discussion about politics and pensions, fiduciary duty as a barrier to investing for the good of people and the planet... and a whole host more. We discuss the Barbie movie and Tom's new AI generated X (Twitter) picture, why he d...
2024-06-071h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #65: John Greenwood talks about Corporate Advisers latest Master Trust and GPP defaults reportIn this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to the editor of Corporate Adviser, John Greenwood.
John returns to the V-FM podcast to chat about Corporate Advisers' latest Master Trust and GPP defaults report - an amazing piece of annual research that looks at performance of default funds and picks up on some key industry trends.
We also discuss what value for money means to John.
2024-05-311h 20V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #65: John Greenwood talks about Corporate Advisers latest Master Trust and GPP defaults reportIn this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to the editor of Corporate Adviser, John Greenwood.
John returns to the V-FM podcast to chat about Corporate Advisers' latest Master Trust and GPP defaults report - an amazing piece of annual research that looks at performance of default funds and picks up on some key industry trends.
We also discuss what value for money means to John.
2024-05-311h 20V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #64: Pangea's Nick StoopIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren talk to Pangea founder Nick Stoop.
As well as the usual V-FM chat we talk about the election, shareholder resolutions, pensions regulation, and the recent IMF report on the UK economy.
We have a great discussion about what Nick is trying to achieve with Pangea - a pension that considers everything through an impact lens.
2024-05-241h 16V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #64: Pangea's Nick StoopIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren talk to Pangea founder Nick Stoop.
As well as the usual V-FM chat we talk about the election, shareholder resolutions, pensions regulation, and the recent IMF report on the UK economy.
We have a great discussion about what Nick is trying to achieve with Pangea - a pension that considers everything through an impact lens.
2024-05-241h 16V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #63: Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen TimmsIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to the Labour MP for East Ham and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee Stephen Timms. Stephen has been an MP for over 30 years and shares his experiences and views on pensions and a whole lot more.
In a V-FM Podcast first, this episode was recorded with a live audience at the DG Publishing DC Strategic Summit.
2024-05-1755 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #63: Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen TimmsIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to the Labour MP for East Ham and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee Stephen Timms. Stephen has been an MP for over 30 years and shares his experiences and views on pensions and a whole lot more.
In a V-FM Podcast first, this episode was recorded with a live audience at the DG Publishing DC Strategic Summit.
2024-05-1755 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #62: Pentech guru Martin FreemanIn this episode of V-FM: the pensions podcast, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Pentech guru Martin Freeman. Martin has seen it all when it comes to pensions technology and administration and has recently set up his own company to help schemes and providers deal with the considerable administration and systems challenges that the pensions industry faces.
We talk pension dashboards, pensions uprating, CDC, coffee, fountain pens and Manchester City (we wanted to get Martin on before the end of the season so he couldn't gloat....). We also, of course, ask Martin what value for money means t...
2024-05-101h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #62: Pentech guru Martin FreemanIn this episode of V-FM: the pensions podcast, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Pentech guru Martin Freeman. Martin has seen it all when it comes to pensions technology and administration and has recently set up his own company to help schemes and providers deal with the considerable administration and systems challenges that the pensions industry faces.
We talk pension dashboards, pensions uprating, CDC, coffee, fountain pens and Manchester City (we wanted to get Martin on before the end of the season so he couldn't gloat....). We also, of course, ask Martin what value for money means t...
2024-05-101h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #61: Honorary Group Captain Sally BridgelandIn this episode hosts Darren and Nico chat to all round pensions industry legend Sally Bridgeland.
Tune in to find out how Margaret Thatcher encouraged Sally to get on her bike, how James Bond style space lasers are nearing reality, and how Sally got into pensions (inducing a discussion on sexism in the city and some of the barriers that Sally and others face). We discussed the People's Pensions new RI policy, Pensions Bee research covering investment in tech giants and why actuaries can't count.
We also, of course, chat about wh...
2024-05-031h 06V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #61: Honorary Group Captain Sally BridgelandIn this episode hosts Darren and Nico chat to all round pensions industry legend Sally Bridgeland.
Tune in to find out how Margaret Thatcher encouraged Sally to get on her bike, how James Bond style space lasers are nearing reality, and how Sally got into pensions (inducing a discussion on sexism in the city and some of the barriers that Sally and others face). We discussed the People's Pensions new RI policy, Pensions Bee research covering investment in tech giants and why actuaries can't count.
We also, of course, chat about wh...
2024-05-031h 06V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #60: Nico and Darren have a chatIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, co hosts Nico and Darren spend an hour chatting about the news, life and some of the the themes coming out of the podcast so far this year. We also, of course, discuss Arsenal.
We chat about AE contribution rates, transfer incentives, at retirement, politics and value for money. And we pay tribute to Frank Field, who recently sadly passed away, for his contribution to politics and welfare reform.
Nico also asks Darren about his new venture as part of Untamed Consulting.
2024-04-261h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #60: Nico and Darren have a chatIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, co hosts Nico and Darren spend an hour chatting about the news, life and some of the the themes coming out of the podcast so far this year. We also, of course, discuss Arsenal.
We chat about AE contribution rates, transfer incentives, at retirement, politics and value for money. And we pay tribute to Frank Field, who recently sadly passed away, for his contribution to politics and welfare reform.
Nico also asks Darren about his new venture as part of Untamed Consulting.
2024-04-261h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM 59: Billiards superstar Jamie Jenkins chats VFMIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Royal London's Director of Policy Jamie Jenkins.
As well as being a star billiards player, Jamie is a bit of a pensions legend having led the policy charge at Standard Life and now Royal London. Jamie is a PPI trustee, PLSA policy board member, and was one of three reviewers looking at how to improve auto enrolment back in 2017.
We chat dashboards, at retirement, earth day, adequacy, and all the topics you would expect us to cover in just over an hour's worth...
2024-04-191h 07V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM 59: Billiards superstar Jamie Jenkins chats VFMIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Royal London's Director of Policy Jamie Jenkins.
As well as being a star billiards player, Jamie is a bit of a pensions legend having led the policy charge at Standard Life and now Royal London. Jamie is a PPI trustee, PLSA policy board member, and was one of three reviewers looking at how to improve auto enrolment back in 2017.
We chat dashboards, at retirement, earth day, adequacy, and all the topics you would expect us to cover in just over an hour's worth...
2024-04-191h 07V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #58: Railpen's John ChilmanIn this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to the CEO of Railpen John Chilman. As well as heading up one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, John is also chair of the PLSA Policy Board and chair of the Pensions Policy Institute's Finance Committee.
We find out about a new Chechnyan law that means that this podcast will now be banned in that country (due to Nico's music...).
We talk about all the classic VFM topics that you'd expect, including what motivates John and, of course, what value for...
2024-04-121h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #58: Railpen's John ChilmanIn this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to the CEO of Railpen John Chilman. As well as heading up one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, John is also chair of the PLSA Policy Board and chair of the Pensions Policy Institute's Finance Committee.
We find out about a new Chechnyan law that means that this podcast will now be banned in that country (due to Nico's music...).
We talk about all the classic VFM topics that you'd expect, including what motivates John and, of course, what value for...
2024-04-121h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #57:The ABI's Rob YuilleIn this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to the ABI's pensions and long term savings guru Rob Yuille. Rob's seen it all in his 12 years at the ABI and, along with his team, has been instrumental in feeding in to the big pensions policy debates and discussions.
A discussion that covers the plethora of changes coming into effect at the beginning of the next tax year (cue discussion about the LTA and pensions tax relief), recent research on pot for life, TPR's climate commitments and a whole lot more, including, of course, Rob's...
2024-04-051h 13V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #57:The ABI's Rob YuilleIn this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to the ABI's pensions and long term savings guru Rob Yuille. Rob's seen it all in his 12 years at the ABI and, along with his team, has been instrumental in feeding in to the big pensions policy debates and discussions.
A discussion that covers the plethora of changes coming into effect at the beginning of the next tax year (cue discussion about the LTA and pensions tax relief), recent research on pot for life, TPR's climate commitments and a whole lot more, including, of course, Rob's...
2024-04-051h 13V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #56: Emma DouglasIn the latest episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Aviva's Managing Director (workplace) Emma Douglas.
The usual canter through the V-FM staples of dashboards, productive finance, fees and charges and investments, is hijacked by some very important and timely health advice, a pop quiz on bamboo toilet roll, bin liners and, to top it all off, we had a very passable Yoda impression. We also had a big announcement with V-FM doing its first show with a live audience!!
We had some technical issues while recording the podcast (basically Darren's computer m...
2024-03-281h 15V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #56: Emma DouglasIn the latest episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Aviva's Managing Director (workplace) Emma Douglas.
The usual canter through the V-FM staples of dashboards, productive finance, fees and charges and investments, is hijacked by some very important and timely health advice, a pop quiz on bamboo toilet roll, bin liners and, to top it all off, we had a very passable Yoda impression. We also had a big announcement with V-FM doing its first show with a live audience!!
We had some technical issues while recording the podcast (basically Darren's computer m...
2024-03-281h 15V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #55: Making money matter with Tony BurdonIn this episode hosts Darren and Nico spend an hour chatting to the CEO of Make My Money Matter Tony Burdon.
We talk about what Tony is trying to achieve (alongside Richard Curtis) with Make My Money Matter, his innovative campaigns (have you checked out Oblivia Coalmine...?), and the power that pension schemes and insurers can leverage in delivering meaningful change to help tackle the world's climate challenges. We also chat pension freedoms ten years on and whether we need two regulators.
Tony has had a really interesting purpose-driven career having wo...
2024-03-221h 10V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #55: Making money matter with Tony BurdonIn this episode hosts Darren and Nico spend an hour chatting to the CEO of Make My Money Matter Tony Burdon.
We talk about what Tony is trying to achieve (alongside Richard Curtis) with Make My Money Matter, his innovative campaigns (have you checked out Oblivia Coalmine...?), and the power that pension schemes and insurers can leverage in delivering meaningful change to help tackle the world's climate challenges. We also chat pension freedoms ten years on and whether we need two regulators.
Tony has had a really interesting purpose-driven career having wo...
2024-03-221h 10V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #54: Lifetime savings with James BarhamIn this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to Executive Chair of Schroders Solutions James Barham.
As well as the usual V-FM chat and a discussion about the news and topical pensions issues (including Jeremy Hunt's disclosure drive for UK pension funds and Hymans latest retirement research), we talk about the recently launched Lifetime Savings Report that Schroders have carried out with the Pensions Management Institute. We also, of course, ask James what value for money means to him.
2024-03-151h 03V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #54: Lifetime savings with James BarhamIn this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to Executive Chair of Schroders Solutions James Barham.
As well as the usual V-FM chat and a discussion about the news and topical pensions issues (including Jeremy Hunt's disclosure drive for UK pension funds and Hymans latest retirement research), we talk about the recently launched Lifetime Savings Report that Schroders have carried out with the Pensions Management Institute. We also, of course, ask James what value for money means to him.
2024-03-151h 03V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #53: Pensions for a Purpose with Charlotte O'LearyIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Nico and Darren chat to the CEO of Pensions for Purpose, Charlotte O'Leary.
This episode was recorded on the morning of Jeremy Hunt's 2024 Budget, so we had a bit of speculation, alongside discussion of some of the pre-announced pensions measures. We discussed the gender pensions gap, something Charlotte campaigns passionately about, moves by the Chancellor to force DC schemes to disclose their assets held in the UK and the introduction of Aus-style performance league tables, and the recent investment changes by The People's Pension. We also discuss systems change a...
2024-03-081h 22V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #53: Pensions for a Purpose with Charlotte O'LearyIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Nico and Darren chat to the CEO of Pensions for Purpose, Charlotte O'Leary.
This episode was recorded on the morning of Jeremy Hunt's 2024 Budget, so we had a bit of speculation, alongside discussion of some of the pre-announced pensions measures. We discussed the gender pensions gap, something Charlotte campaigns passionately about, moves by the Chancellor to force DC schemes to disclose their assets held in the UK and the introduction of Aus-style performance league tables, and the recent investment changes by The People's Pension. We also discuss systems change a...
2024-03-081h 22V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #52: NEST CEO Helen DeanIn this episode of V-FM Pensions Darren and Nico chat to one of the architects of auto enrolment in the UK and current NEST CEO Helen Dean.
Helen talks about her role in helping to deliver the biggest pension reform ever seen in the UK and the creation of NEST. This episode has it all.... pensions, the need for scale, productive finance, wider savings and financial wellbeing, and, of course, we ask Helen what value for money means to her.
2024-03-011h 24V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #52: NEST CEO Helen DeanIn this episode of V-FM Pensions Darren and Nico chat to one of the architects of auto enrolment in the UK and current NEST CEO Helen Dean.
Helen talks about her role in helping to deliver the biggest pension reform ever seen in the UK and the creation of NEST. This episode has it all.... pensions, the need for scale, productive finance, wider savings and financial wellbeing, and, of course, we ask Helen what value for money means to her.
2024-03-011h 24V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #51: Joanne Segars talks gender pensions, productive finance and value for moneyIn this episode of V-FM, the Pensions Podcast, hosts Darren and Nico spend an hour chatting to Joanne Segars.
Having been in the driving seat behind the NAPF and PLSA for a number of years, and a stalwart of the pensions industry, Joanne now has an impressive portfolio career including chairing the Now Pensions trustee board, the LGPS Central Pool and Legal and General's Independent Governance Committee. She is also a member of CERN's pensions governance board (cue a couple of dodgy one liners from Darren).
We talk about the gender pensions gap, pensions engagement...
2024-02-231h 05V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #51: Joanne Segars talks gender pensions, productive finance and value for moneyIn this episode of V-FM, the Pensions Podcast, hosts Darren and Nico spend an hour chatting to Joanne Segars.
Having been in the driving seat behind the NAPF and PLSA for a number of years, and a stalwart of the pensions industry, Joanne now has an impressive portfolio career including chairing the Now Pensions trustee board, the LGPS Central Pool and Legal and General's Independent Governance Committee. She is also a member of CERN's pensions governance board (cue a couple of dodgy one liners from Darren).
We talk about the gender pensions gap, pensions engagement...
2024-02-231h 05V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #50: Aon's Jo SharplesIn this episode of V-FM, your hosts Nico and Darren talk value for money with Aon's Jo Sharples. An actuary by trade, Jo has spent her career in a variety of different roles at Aon and is currently CIO of Aon's DC solutions.
As well as the usual V-FM chat, this episode covers the latest inflation figures and the PLSA's retirement living standards, calls from the People's Pension for a new Pensions Commission and a recent FT piece highlighting how climate change is affecting insurance and reinsurance availability.
2024-02-161h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #50: Aon's Jo SharplesIn this episode of V-FM, your hosts Nico and Darren talk value for money with Aon's Jo Sharples. An actuary by trade, Jo has spent her career in a variety of different roles at Aon and is currently CIO of Aon's DC solutions.
As well as the usual V-FM chat, this episode covers the latest inflation figures and the PLSA's retirement living standards, calls from the People's Pension for a new Pensions Commission and a recent FT piece highlighting how climate change is affecting insurance and reinsurance availability.
2024-02-161h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #49: Sir SteveIn this episode of V-FM, Darren and Nico chat to Sir Steve Webb about politics, pensions and his time leading the pensions charge during his time as pensions minister.
Steve was in post for 5 years and broke the mould of having a new pensions minister every nine months or so. He was instrumental in reviewing and helping to deliver the auto enrolment reforms and in the introduction of the single tier pension. He also had his finger prints on the pensions triple lock; the Lib Dem manifesto commitment that made its way into the Coalition A...
2024-02-091h 12V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #49: Sir SteveIn this episode of V-FM, Darren and Nico chat to Sir Steve Webb about politics, pensions and his time leading the pensions charge during his time as pensions minister.
Steve was in post for 5 years and broke the mould of having a new pensions minister every nine months or so. He was instrumental in reviewing and helping to deliver the auto enrolment reforms and in the introduction of the single tier pension. He also had his finger prints on the pensions triple lock; the Lib Dem manifesto commitment that made its way into the Coalition A...
2024-02-091h 12V-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM #48: The PPI's Chris CurryIn this episode of V-FM, the pensions podcast, Darren and Nico chat the Pension Policy Institute's Chris Curry. Chris is also Principal of the Pensions Dashboards programme.
As usual, topics for discussion are wide and varied: labour's pensions review, DC priorities for 2024, consolidation, the PPI's Policy Wheel, state pensions, admin, data and dashboards and, of course, what value for money means to Chris! (spoiler: it's the PPI!)
As an added bonus, and in a V-FM podcast first, Nico gets to crack the first quantum mechanics joke on V-FM!
2024-02-021h 06V-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM #48: The PPI's Chris CurryIn this episode of V-FM, the pensions podcast, Darren and Nico chat the Pension Policy Institute's Chris Curry. Chris is also Principal of the Pensions Dashboards programme.
As usual, topics for discussion are wide and varied: labour's pensions review, DC priorities for 2024, consolidation, the PPI's Policy Wheel, state pensions, admin, data and dashboards and, of course, what value for money means to Chris! (spoiler: it's the PPI!)
As an added bonus, and in a V-FM podcast first, Nico gets to crack the first quantum mechanics joke on V-FM!
2024-02-021h 06V-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM Special #6: Lord Willets of HavantIn the first V-FM special of 2024, Nico and Darren talk to Lord David Willets of Havant.
Lord Willets served as Minister of State for Universities and Science from 2010 until July 2014, as well as being in John Major’s Government in the mid 1990s. He became a member of the House of Lords in 2015 and is President of the Resolution Foundation.
This podcast has it all: intergenerational inequality and his book titled 'The Pinch', state pensions, housing, auto enrolment, and productive finance.
We also, of course, ask Lord Willets what value for money means to...
2024-01-3054 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM Special #6: Lord Willets of HavantIn the first V-FM special of 2024, Nico and Darren talk to Lord David Willets of Havant.
Lord Willets served as Minister of State for Universities and Science from 2010 until July 2014, as well as being in John Major’s Government in the mid 1990s. He became a member of the House of Lords in 2015 and is President of the Resolution Foundation.
This podcast has it all: intergenerational inequality and his book titled 'The Pinch', state pensions, housing, auto enrolment, and productive finance.
We also, of course, ask Lord Willets what value for money means to...
2024-01-3054 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM #47: The second most dynamic duo in pensions - Pete Glancy and Rob CochranIn this season opener, Darren and Nico chat to Scottish Widows' Pete Glancy and Rob Cochran.
We welcomed Rob back to the pod to talk about his Mountain Warehouse rucksack, and Pete joined us to talk snooker and fine wines.
In the podcast we look forward to the year ahead and chat about the importance of communicating effectively. We talk Big Zuu and pensions attention, pot for life, the pensions mirror, understanding members, and, of course, value for money and consolidation.
2024-01-261h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastVFM #47: The second most dynamic duo in pensions - Pete Glancy and Rob CochranIn this season opener, Darren and Nico chat to Scottish Widows' Pete Glancy and Rob Cochran.
We welcomed Rob back to the pod to talk about his Mountain Warehouse rucksack, and Pete joined us to talk snooker and fine wines.
In the podcast we look forward to the year ahead and chat about the importance of communicating effectively. We talk Big Zuu and pensions attention, pot for life, the pensions mirror, understanding members, and, of course, value for money and consolidation.
2024-01-261h 08V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Special #5: Nico and Darren look back on the yearIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Nico and Darren look back on season one of the podcast, picking out some of the key themes and talking points that have been raised by our fantastic guests over the past year. We cover value for money, dashboards, at retirement, Mansion House reforms, small pots and a whole lot more!
Seasons greetings to all our listeners! We'll be back with season two in 2024...!!
2023-12-151h 07V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Special #5: Nico and Darren look back on the yearIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Nico and Darren look back on season one of the podcast, picking out some of the key themes and talking points that have been raised by our fantastic guests over the past year. We cover value for money, dashboards, at retirement, Mansion House reforms, small pots and a whole lot more!
Seasons greetings to all our listeners! We'll be back with season two in 2024...!!
2023-12-151h 07V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #46: The Aussies are coming: Nick Sherry talks V-FMIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Nico and Darren chat to former Australian politician and now Super trustee, Nick Sherry. Nick squeezes in a cheeky reference to the cricket, but discussion quickly moves on to Aussie Rules (phew...!).
Nick was Australia's first Superannuation Minister and has been instrumental in shaping the highly-regarded Australian system. We talk about all the topics you'd expect us to discuss and more: certainly lots of lessons for UK pensions from our friends down under.
2023-12-081h 09V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #46: The Aussies are coming: Nick Sherry talks V-FMIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, Nico and Darren chat to former Australian politician and now Super trustee, Nick Sherry. Nick squeezes in a cheeky reference to the cricket, but discussion quickly moves on to Aussie Rules (phew...!).
Nick was Australia's first Superannuation Minister and has been instrumental in shaping the highly-regarded Australian system. We talk about all the topics you'd expect us to discuss and more: certainly lots of lessons for UK pensions from our friends down under.
2023-12-081h 09V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #45: Don’t mention cricket... ’Super’ legend Paul Watson discusses lessons from AustraliaIn this episode of V-FM Darren and Nico chat to Paul Watson who has had a distinguished career shaping and helping deliver the Australian Superannuation system.
We ban Paul from talking about cricket... but we cover loads of ground including illiquid investments, the mansion house reforms, dashboards, admin, net benefit and value for money, and pot for life to name just a few topics. Paul's visit was incredibly timely given the Chancellor's Autumn Statement announcements and it was great to hear Paul's perspective and insights on what this all might mean.
2023-12-011h 19V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #45: Don’t mention cricket... ’Super’ legend Paul Watson discusses lessons from AustraliaIn this episode of V-FM Darren and Nico chat to Paul Watson who has had a distinguished career shaping and helping deliver the Australian Superannuation system.
We ban Paul from talking about cricket... but we cover loads of ground including illiquid investments, the mansion house reforms, dashboards, admin, net benefit and value for money, and pot for life to name just a few topics. Paul's visit was incredibly timely given the Chancellor's Autumn Statement announcements and it was great to hear Paul's perspective and insights on what this all might mean.
2023-12-011h 19V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #44: Railpen’s Caroline Escott talks stewardship, investment, NextGen and what value for money means to herIn this episode of V-FM: The Pensions Podcast Darren and Nico have a great chat with Railpen's Caroline Escott. Caroline wears many different hats and, in addition to being a senior investment adviser at Railpen, is Chair of NextGen and a trustee director for the Standard Life mastertrust.
We, of course, discuss aspects of the autumn statement. But we also discuss stewardship, responsible investment and Caroline's fantastic work with Next Gen.
2023-11-241h 00V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #44: Railpen’s Caroline Escott talks stewardship, investment, NextGen and what value for money means to herIn this episode of V-FM: The Pensions Podcast Darren and Nico have a great chat with Railpen's Caroline Escott. Caroline wears many different hats and, in addition to being a senior investment adviser at Railpen, is Chair of NextGen and a trustee director for the Standard Life mastertrust.
We, of course, discuss aspects of the autumn statement. But we also discuss stewardship, responsible investment and Caroline's fantastic work with Next Gen.
2023-11-241h 00V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #43: DE&I and governance specialist Uche EnemchukwuIn this episode of V-FM, Nico and Darren talk to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and governance specialist Uche Enemchukwu. Uche is a passionate employee benefits champion and co-founded Nelu, a US-based employee benefits consultancy. We chat the FCA diversity and inclusion consultation, research showing 'wasted' spend by employers through their employee benefit strategies, Labour's proposed pensions review and a whole host of things covering employee benefits and DE&I. We also chat a bit about value for money.
2023-11-171h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #43: DE&I and governance specialist Uche EnemchukwuIn this episode of V-FM, Nico and Darren talk to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and governance specialist Uche Enemchukwu. Uche is a passionate employee benefits champion and co-founded Nelu, a US-based employee benefits consultancy. We chat the FCA diversity and inclusion consultation, research showing 'wasted' spend by employers through their employee benefit strategies, Labour's proposed pensions review and a whole host of things covering employee benefits and DE&I. We also chat a bit about value for money.
2023-11-171h 14V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #42: Tim Gosling chats pensions policy and value for moneyIn this episode Darren and Nico chat to the People's Partnership's pensions policy guru Tim Gosling. Tim is a real policy expert, loves getting stuck into the detail and offers his views on a wide range of topics including the Covid inquiry, productive finance, small pots, pension levies, at retirement, and costs and charges. We also ask Tim what value for money means to him.
2023-11-101h 09V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #42: Tim Gosling chats pensions policy and value for moneyIn this episode Darren and Nico chat to the People's Partnership's pensions policy guru Tim Gosling. Tim is a real policy expert, loves getting stuck into the detail and offers his views on a wide range of topics including the Covid inquiry, productive finance, small pots, pension levies, at retirement, and costs and charges. We also ask Tim what value for money means to him.
2023-11-101h 09V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #41: Dashboard guru Richard SmithIn the longest episode so far of V-FM: the Pensions Podcast, Darren and Nico are joined by Richard Smith for 90 or so minutes of pure pensions dashboards delight. Richard kindly surprises Darren and Nico with a gift, gives an amazing (and unexpected) answer to the value for money question and chats through the latest dashboard developments, including highlighting the findings from his recent dashboard tour of Europe. Richard's commitment, energy and passion towards pension dashboards is infectious.
2023-11-031h 28V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #41: Dashboard guru Richard SmithIn the longest episode so far of V-FM: the Pensions Podcast, Darren and Nico are joined by Richard Smith for 90 or so minutes of pure pensions dashboards delight. Richard kindly surprises Darren and Nico with a gift, gives an amazing (and unexpected) answer to the value for money question and chats through the latest dashboard developments, including highlighting the findings from his recent dashboard tour of Europe. Richard's commitment, energy and passion towards pension dashboards is infectious.
2023-11-031h 28