V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

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!

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

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

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

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!