V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

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The podcast from Darren Philp and Nico Aspinall talking all things pensions and investments.

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    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 10m AVG DURATION
    • 120 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

    V-FM Pensions #120: Darren and Nico discuss the Pensions and Investment Review Phase 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 67:12


    In this V-FM Pensions special, hosts Nico and Darren discuss the outcome of the Government's Pensions and Investment Review phase 1. Tune in to hear about what the review had to say and also hear the hosts' views on what's hot, what's not, and what's still just simply confusing....

    V-FM pensions #119: Guiide's Kevin Hollister

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 90:12


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Guiide Founder and CEO Kevin Hollister. Not surprisingly, this is a decumulation-heavy episode with Kevin using the opportunity to talk about a new Guiide D2C proposition that has just been launched with the aim of helping people achieve sustainable retirement outcomes. We also chat a lot about how to help people manage their money in retirement and, of course, defaults vs engagement, as well as the FCA's advice/guidance regulatory boundary. We cover the Pensions Investment Review (watch out for the special incoming...), consumer satisfaction with pension transfers, and, of course, find out what value for money means to Kevin. Enjoy!

    V-FM Pensions #118: Eversheds' Michael Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 94:01


    In this episode of VFM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Eversheds Sutherland's Partner and Head of DC, Michael Jones, about all things value for money. Michael has the honour(?) of being the first actively practicing pensions lawyer on the podcast and he timed his appearance perfectly being a Spurs fan (recording the morning after a lucky Europa Cup win...) As well as finding out how Michael got into pensions and what value for money means to him, we have a wide-ranging discussion covering: Recent statements from the Pensions Minister concerning DB Surpluses The latest WPI report on scale and independence Angela Rayner's proposed tax hikes - will we / won't we see the reintroduction of the Lifetime Allowance? Pension investment and fiduciary duty The use and evolution of AI in pensions And a crowd funding campaign seeking a KC opinion on the retrospective nature of the Government making DC pensions subject to IHT. Enjoy!  

    V-FM Pensions #117: XPS' Mark Searle

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 73:43


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to XPS' Head of DC Investments Mark Searle. As well as finding out what value for money means to Mark and how he got into the pensions industry we, of course, kick off by talking about the gig news of the week, the Mansion House Accord. We also chat pensions adequacy, at retirement solutions and investing in the US. Enjoy!

    V-FM Pensions #116: Fidelity International's James Monk

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 103:48


    In this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Fidelity International's James Monk. As well as finding out what value for money means to James and how he got into pensions, the wide-ranging discussions covers: Mansion House and local investing, and a general discussion about UK economic developments; Trump's crypto play; TPT's announcement that it is planning to introduce multi-employer CDC; a report from the SPP urging savers not to panic; and the pros and cons of life vs custody platforms. Listen to hear all this and more!  

    V-FM Pensions #115: Looking forward, looking back - a Nico and Darren special

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 67:26


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico spend time reflecting on some of the key pension and investment topics of the moment, building on comments from guests over the last few episodes. We chat about Tony Blair's latest comments on climate change, the latest gossip about the next iteration of Mansion House and productive finance, assessing value for money by scratching the ITCH, next steps for collective defined contribution schemes, and a whole lot more... We also get an update on Nico's injury woes and Nico shares some amazing news!

    V-FM Pensions #114: Steve Delo, Chair of Pan Trustees

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 79:37


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Nico and Darren chat with the Chair of Pan Trustees, Steve Delo. Steve is a Trustee on many schemes and was chair of the People's Pension for 10 years from its inception (he had the pleasure of working closely with the podcast hosts for a good few years). We take a trip down memory lane discussing some historical pensions issues that schemes and trustees are still grappling with, focussing on the complexity of administration and data. We also chat about Steve's time at the People's Pension and some of the challenges in providing pensions at scale, the DWP announcement confirming its solution to deal with small pension pots, and the fiduciary challenges and lack of clear guidance on assessing and addressing climate risks in pension schemes. We also find out how Steve got into pensions and, of course, find out what value for money means to him. Enjoy!

    V-FM Pensions #113: Fulcrum's Matt Roberts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 83:02


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to Fulcrum's Head of Alternative Solutions Matt Roberts. Matt takes the podcast by storm and rips up the usual podcast format by kicking off with his views on what value for money means to him... We also cover tariffs, consolidation, zero cost equity investing, British Steel and... would you believe it... stamp collecting...

    V-FM Pensions #112 NEST's Phil Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 85:49


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to NEST policy guru Philip Brown about all things pensions and all things policy. As well as talking about the 100th anniversary of the Great Gatsby and celebrating Arsenal's 3-0 win over Real Madrid, we chat pension freedoms, market volatility, the role of NEST, Hymans proposals for reform of the pension system, CDC and a whole load more! We also find out how Phil got into pensions and discuss what value for money means to him.   Enjoy!

    V-FM Pensions #111: The PMI's Helen Forrest Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 78:05


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico Chat to the PMI's new Chief Strategy Officer, Helen Forrest Hall. Helen has been in the industry for 20 or so years and has just recently joined the PMI following a glittering career spanning time at The Pensions Regulator, the NAPF, and the DWP. Helen is a self-confessed pensions and policy geek, and we get stuck into topics such as pensions and housing, TPR's approach to supervising professional trustee companies, a recent talk by the Regulator at the PMI's excellent Master Trust and DC Symposium, glide paths and investment allocation, the latest report from the IFS, and a whole lot more. We also find out how Helen got into pensions and, of course, ask what value for money means to her.

    #VFM Pensions 110: Nico and Darren discuss the Spring Statement and some of the themes emerging from recent podcasts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 49:12


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico pick up on some of the key topics from the last few episodes. Our one-one 'specials' have often been based around responses to consultations, but, in an evolution of the podcast format, once a month we're going to explore in more depth some of the issues raised on the regular podcast. So tune in and hear about the Spring Statement and the role of the Office for Budget Responsibility; systemic stewardship and fiduciary responsibility, including the role of pension funds in addressing society's big issues; and systems thinking in financial services. And we also discuss the recent acquisition of Barnett Waddingham by Howdens.

    VFM Pensions #109: Drumming up support for pensions: Money Alive's Ian Beestin

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 82:51


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Nico and Darren chat to Money Alive co-founder Ian Beestin. Best known for his love of music and drumming - and his Thursday lunchtime drum quizzes during lockdown - Ian is helping to change the face of how pension schemes and providers communicate and engage with people in the digital age. As well as finding out how Ian got into Pensions and discussing what value for money means to him (hint: not Ryan Air...) we chat: AI and innovation in pensions communications, the need for engaging content and personalisation, The Pension Regulator's new innovation zone and what appears to be a deregulatory agenda, Torsten Bell's first big keynote speech including the continued drive for consolidation, and recent moves by USS to end reporting on emissions. Ian also flags a recent news story in Professional Pensions highlighting their 30th Anniversary. A big shout out to Jonathan Stapleton and the team in their anniversary year - many congratulations!

    VFM Pensions #108: Every little helps - Ruston Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 85:31


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren talk to Ruston Smith. Ruston was formerly Director of Pensions at Tesco and now holds several non-exec roles at pension funds, asset managers, private businesses and charities, and is the Chair of the Pensions Management Institute. We, of course, talk about how Ruston got into pensions and what value for money means to him. We also cover many of the big topics affecting the pensions industry and start by talking about International Women's day and Schroders' recent Women and Wealth Report. We chat a lot about pension fund investments and productive finance, fiduciary duty, and the ethics of pension fund investment in defence. And we also discuss Ruston's work on the Lifetime Savings Initiative, pensions adequacy and work Ruston has done with the government regulators and industry to improve transparency and simplify communication.  And, in what must be a V-FM podcast first, we also touch on ‘the unkillables' of the Patch Plant world and Ruston squeezes in a few pop star name checks. A great listen!

    V-FM Pensions #107: Dalriada's Paul Tinslay

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 95:08


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat with accredited professional trustee, Paul Tinslay. Paul was previously a financial adviser before being a trustee and this comes through loud and clear in the podcast. As well as chatting about Paul's career and finding out what value for money means to him, we discuss Make My Money Matter's closure, Fidelity's approach to pension defaults, the challenge around pensions admin and its impact on dashboards, the 'four chapters of life' approach to modern careers and retirement, and People's Pension moving the vast majority of its assets away from State Street. Darren also goes off on a bit of a rant re a recent interaction with the DWP on behalf of a relative claiming the state pension (you might want to fast forward this bit....). A lot in this episode!  

    pension pensions state street dwp make my money matter dalriada
    VFM Pensions #106: ABI Annual Conference 2025 - Yvonne Braun and Michele Golunska

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 75:49


    In this week's episode of V-FM Pensions, Darren and Nico chat to the ABI's Yvonne Braun and Aviva's Michele Golunska on the fringe of the ABI's 2025 Annual Conference. We spoke to Michele and Yvonne straight after an excellent panel session looking at savings adequacy and longevity, continuing a wide ranging and in depth discussion building on the topics discussed during the panel. We chatted about pensions policy, adequacy, productive finance, pensions dashboards, advice and guidance, technology and a whole lot more.... and, of course, we asked Yvonne and Michelle what value for money means to them.

    VFM Pensions #105: Benefits consulting leader Mark Pemberthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 77:47


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Benefits Consulting Leader at Gallagher, Mark Pemberthy. A self confessed 'regular' listener to the podcast, we've been trying to get Mark on to the pod for a little while and it was great to have a chat about all things pensions. As well as the staple topic of value for money, and, of course, finding out about how Mark got into pensions, we have a wide-ranging discussion about the pensions and savings landscape, auto enrolment, small pots and the future of regulation. Mark had clearly done his homework ahead of appearing on the podcast and came armed with news stories galore to demonstrate the complexity of our pensions and savings system.

    V-FM Pensions #104: BESTrustee's Alan Pickering

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 79:30


    In this episode of V-FM, hosts Darren and Nico chat to trustee extraordinaire and President of BESTrustees Alan Pickering. As well as Alan giving the podcast a scoop about the renaming of Yorkshire, we discuss: the importance of balancing the interaction between regulation, growth and consumer protection; the thorny questions of governance and conflicts of interest in the pensions industry; and Make My Money Matter's annual review of master trusts and climate change. We chat about Alan's amazing career and how he got into pensions and, of course, ask what value for money means to him. We also give a huge V-FM shout out to our first ever podcast guest, David Butcher, for the launch of his new mindfulness coaching programme. Congratulations David!  

    president yorkshire pensions pickering make my money matter david butcher
    V-FM Pensions #103: LCP's David Fairs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 83:11


    In this episode of VFM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to LCP partner and PASA Board member David Fairs. David has had a long and distinguished career in the pension industry, including a 5-year stint at The Pensions Regulator as Executive Director responsible for Regulatory Policy, Analysis and Advice. The pensions chat covers DB surplus extraction, Trump (again) and DEI/ESG, NEST taking a stake in IFM and People's Pension appointing itself as its own investment consultant. We also chat conflicts in the pensions industry, how David found the transition from the private to public sector, how David got into pensions, and a whole lot more.... including what value for money means to him. The podcast also has a scoop regarding David's future.... you'll have to listen to find out more! 

    VFM Pensions #102: TPR's Sarah Smart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 92:53


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Chair of the Pensions Regulator Sarah Smart. In a wide-ranging episode we chat about a lot of things including diversity (spoiler: Trump was mentioned...), climate change and climate investing, the doomsday clock ticking ever closer to midnight, surplus extraction for defined benefit schemes and the role of trustees (which caused Darren to semi-rant about conflicts of interest), and the need for innovation and scope for the use of AI in pensions and pensions regulation. We chatted about how Sarah transitioned from the investment world to become an independent trustee, driven by a desire to make the pension system work better for people. We also, of course, discussed value for money and current regulatory initiatives in this area, with Sarah highlighting the need for.... [well... you'll need to listen to the podcast....]. And, following hot on the heels of last week's episode, we covered the need for balance between achieving scale through consolidation and allowing for innovation and competition in the pensions market. Lots in this one... enjoy!  

    V-FM Pensions #101: Smart chat with a smart fella - Jamie Fiveash UK CEO of Smart Pension

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 79:22


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to CEO of Smart UK, Jamie Fiveash. Jamie is a DC and master trust expert, is on the PLSA Board, and has had the pleasure of being Darren's boss, not once, but twice....  As it's our 101st episode (finally we've got a new numbering system...) we play a little game of Room 101... what will our guest and hosts consign to history (hint: first Brexit rant of the year from Darren)? Given the timing of the episode we had to talk about Trump.... but we spend most of our time chatting DC, productive finance, scale and consolidation, pensions reform and IHT. We find out how Jamie got into pensions and, of course, ask what value for money means to him.  

    V-FM Pensions #94: Robin Ellison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 84:09


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to pensions lawyer extraordinaire, Robin Ellison. Robin is not shy with his views on policy and regulation and the podcast takes a whistle stop tour through many of the issues the pensions industry is grappling with currently. As well as welcoming the new pensions minister, we talk about Robin's foray into politics with the 'U' party, his views on regulatory policy and regulation including current initiatives to promote value for money and force consolidation, and a pension scheme investing in bitcoin. We also discuss climate change and the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We find out how Robin got into pensions and ask Robin what value for money means to him. Tune in to hear all this and a whole lot more!  It's celebration time for VFM as this is the 100th episode of the podcast (including a number of specials that we have recorded over the past couple of years). Here's to the next 100 episodes!

    V-FM Pensions #93: The podcast's response to the Government's Consultation on its proposed reforms to the DC pensions market

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 97:55


    A Happy New Year to all our listeners!! In this episode of V-FM Pensions, Darren and Nico kick off the year with an in depth discussion of the UK Government's consultation on reforms to the Defined Contribution pension market. This consultation is part of the Mansion House package of measures published on 14 November 2024. We chat through the main elements of the consultation including: the (flawed?) premise behind the Mansion House agenda; what scale really means and what we actually mean by a default; bulk transfers without consent; and the role of employers and advisers in choosing a pension scheme. This is our response to the Government's consultation. Fair to say it asks more questions than it answers, but we hope it helps and that others find it useful as they go about pulling together their own responses.

    V-FM Pensions #92: A Merry Mansion House Christmas from Darren and Nico

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 66:11


    After a few weeks break due to illness, V-FM Pensions is back for a Christmas special where Darren and Nico chat about Pensions and the Mansions House reforms and look forward to 2025.   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our listeners. Here's to a fantastic 2025!

    V-FM Pensions #91: Richard Sweetman

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 60:17


    In this episode of V-FM pensions, hosts Nico and Darren chat to Broadstone's Richard Sweetman. Due to illness, publication of this episode has been delayed, but not to worry as you can see how Richard's Mansion House predictions match up to what Rachel Reeve's announced during her maiden Mansion House speech. We also discuss a Private Eye Article on the Budget, money and inflation in ancient Rome, pre-Budget tax speculation that never materialised, and the recent Lord Mayor's speech which called for more investment by pension funds into the UK.

    V-FM Pensions #90: Žiga Vižintin from Slovenia's Pension Fund A

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 95:41


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Darren and Nico chat to Žiga Vižintin, Director of Retirement Solutions at 'Pokojninska družba A pension fund' ('Pension Fund A') and author of the Irrational Retirement Blog. We chat the US election, a news story about Nordic regulators sending a joint letter to European regulators urging simpler pension regulation, statistics from the European regulator EIOPA showing low pensions participation across Europe, an unnamed UK pension scheme allocating 3% to Bitcoin, and the presence of microplastics in the human brain and their potential health impacts. We also discuss pension reform plans in Slovenia, including the potential introduction of auto-enrolment, and, of course, what value for money means to Žiga.

    V-FM Pensions #89: Tan Suee Chieh

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 75:22


    In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Tan Suee Chieh, former CEO of Prudential Singapore, former CEO of Singapore's NTUC (National Trade Union Congress), and past President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. As well as chatting to Suee Chieh about how he got into pensions and value for money, we spend some time focussing on the proposed sale of Singapore's NTUC Income to Allianz - a strong example of the importance of speaking up. We also chat about the proposed acquisition of Redington by Gallagher, the launch of the new trustee company Aretas Trustees, and we send Andrew Warwick-Thompson our heartfelt best wishes.

    V-FM Pensions #88: V-FM meets Pensions in Ten

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 44:13


    In 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. 

    V-FM Pensions #87: Tomorrow's Company's Jonathan Maguire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 69:59


    In 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, developing their skills, and connecting them with local businesses and mentors. Investing properly in our kids' futures… what could be better value for money than that!?

    V-FM Pensions #86: Jerry Moriarty, CEO of the Irish Association of Pension Funds

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 87:30


    In 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 worldwide based on adequacy, sustainability, and integrity) and discuss the proposed sale of a mutual insurer in Singapore including the objection and backlash it has created.  

    VFM Pensions #85: David Porter

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 78:50


    In 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! 

    V-FM Pensions #84: Tackling costs and scaling up...Brightwell's Morten Nilsson talks value for money

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 85:45


    In 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 reach a scale that allows for better management and value for money.  We also chat about what the future holds and Morten is clear that DB pensions will remain important for decades, despite many schemes now being closed; there are exciting opportunities for trustees and sponsors to manage surpluses creatively.

    V-FM Pensions #83: Bravura's Jon Hawkins talks Pensions Dashboards

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 86:41


    In 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. Jonathan doesn't hold back on highlighting where the industry needs to improve, from outdated tech to how the sector can better engage with underrepresented groups.

    pensions dashboards bravura jonathan hawkins vfm jon hawkins
    V-FM Pensions #82: Man of the People's.... Patrick Heath-Lay

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 77:10


    In 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 future. We chat pensions adequacy, the Government's pensions review and productive finance. We also cover transfers, consolidation and scheme quality and the evolution of pensions in the UK, including how Patrick (and others) came together to truly disrupt the pensions market with the launch of the People's Pension back in 2011. The most surprising thing about this episode though... Patrick is even complimentary about Nico's piano playing!

    V-FM Pensions #81: The FCA's value for money consultation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 85:24


    In 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.

    V-FM Pensions #80: LCPs Steve Budge

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 84:38


    In 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 of tomorrow" that looks at unlocking pension fund investment for the future. We speculate about the speculation around reforms to pensions tax relief and, of course, ask Steve what value for money means to him.  

    V-FM Pensions #79: A golden chat with Claire Lincoln

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 95:10


    In 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 more.

    V-FM Pensions #78: TOR's David Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 88:24


    In 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 discuss pension transfers (following the excellent article in Professional Pensions looking at incentives), tax relief, contribution rates, investment in defence and nuclear, David's aviation business and a whole lot more!

    V-FM Pensions #77: The PPI's Sarah Luheshi

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 76:54


    In 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 from the PLSA and Policy Exchange. We wish Sarah all the best for her retirement.....but we don't think for a second that she'll totally break connections with an industry she has contributed so significantly to!

    V-FM Pensions #76: Policy, politics and pensions with Gregg McClymont

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 70:05


    In 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.

    V-FM Pensions #75: Boney M's Richard Parkin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 84:34


    In 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 the theory that complex life may have started much earlier than previously thought - one for the actuaries! We also find out a bit about Richard's career and, of course, ask what value for money means to him.

    V-FM Pensions #74: Jasper reprised - a whistle stop tour of world pensions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 86:34


    In 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.

    V-FM Pensions #73: The Pension Scheme Bill and the pensions review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 63:09


    In 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.

    V-FM Pensions #72: Wayhome's Nigel Purves

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 77:05


    In 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 the big issues affecting people getting on the housing ladder and how that impacts people's lives, including their retirements. We also, of course, ask Nigel what value for money means to him.

    V-FM Pensions #71: Alison Hatcher

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 89:25


    In 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 career and, of course, what value for money means to her.

    V-FM Pensions #70: V-FM meets Jasper

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 86:18


    In 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 drop later in the summer where we'll be diving a little deeper into the key learnings that John and Jorik have gained from hosting the Jasper forum, looking at commonalties, but also differences, between country's retirement systems.

    V-FM Pensions #69: Smart Pension's Eve Read

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 83:33


    In 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.

    V-FM Pensions #68: Standard Life's Mike Ambery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 83:08


    In 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 in the US. We also discuss what value for money means to Mike. Enjoy!    

    V-FM Pensions #67: Pensions Expert's Nick Reeve

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 74:44


    In 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 professional trusteeship, the Lib Dem manifesto, and pension transfers. Another great guest, another great chat!    

    V-FM Pensions #66: Pensions mischief with the Pensions Monkey (Tom McPhail)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 74:09


    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 decided to self brand as the Pensions Monkey and, of course, we find out what value for money means to Tom.   A cracking chat!

    V-FM Pensions #65: John Greenwood talks about Corporate Advisers latest Master Trust and GPP defaults report

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 80:40


    In 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.

    V-FM Pensions #64: Pangea's Nick Stoop

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 76:01


    In 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.

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