V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

V-FM Pensions #126: Guy Opperman

In this bumper episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to former MP and Pensions Minister Guy Opperman. This is an episode that covers everything: horse racing, politics, Government, pensions and policy. And, of course, we ask Guy what value for money means to him!

V-FM Pensions #125: Smart Pension's James Lawrence

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Smart Pension's Director of Investment Proposition, James Lawrence.
We chat about:
what's going on in the world and what it means for investment;
Baroness Altmann's ideas for linking tax relief to investing in the UK;
Smart's investment in green bonds and its approach to zero cost investing;
the Pension Schemes Bill and the challenges of balancing long-term societal benefits with financial returns in pension investments;
CDC and decumulation;
...and a whole lot more!
We also find out how James got into pensions, and, of course, what value for money means to him.

V-FM Pensions #124: Kris Shergold from Global Fund Search

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Global Fund Search's Head of UK, Kris Shergold.
Another wide-ranging episode, where, as well as discussing what value for money to Kris, we chat about:
Electricity generation and the state of the grid
Value for money from the Office of Value for Money...
Scottish Widows reducing it's UK equity allocation, and Aviva CEO warning that mandating pension investments in UK assets is ‘not the right thing’
Proposals to amend fiduciary duty
Nest's retirement blueprint and deferred annuities
Enjoy!

V-FM Pensions #123: The pensions goth - Daniela Silcock

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to pensions goth and research guru, Daniela Silcock about all things pensions.
As well as talking about what value for money means to Daniela, we discuss:
politics, pensions and winter fuel payments;
the politics of DC pension allocation building on research Daniela has just conducted on behalf the the DCIF;
developments in the 'at retirement' market
and a whole lot more.... enjoy!

V-FM Pensions #122: VFM at the PMI (part 2)

In this episode of V-FM Pensions hosts Nico and Darren chat to the CEO of the Money and Pensions Service, Oliver Morley, and Ellen Quigley from the University of Cambridge.
This is part two of the podcast recorded 'on the road' at the PMI Annual Conference.

V-FM Pensions #121: VFM at the PMI (part 1)

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico interview some amazing speakers at the PMI's Annual Conference.
Part one covers interviews with PMI CEO, Gareth Tancred, and the PPF's Michelle Osterman and Kate Jones.
Part two covers interviews with MAPS' Oliver Morley and Ellen Quigley from the University of Cambridge.

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

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

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

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

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!