V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

V-FM Pensions #135: L&G Asset Management's Sonja Laud

In this episode of V-FM Pensions recorded at the World Pension Summit, hosts Darren and Nico chat to L&G Asset Management CIO, Sonja Laud.
Sonia reprises her opening keynote session giving insights into how the investment universe is evolving, picking up on the key theme of the Summit: Resilience in the age of uncertainty. Her key message... prepare, don't predict! 
 

V-FM Pensions #134: A quick chat with geopolitical strategist, Tina Fordham

Hot off the press from the Pensions and Investments' World Pension Summit in The Hague, hosts Darren and Nico chat to geopolitical strategist, Tina Fordham.
It's an understatement to say there is a lot going on in the world right now that affects pension fund investors... but we hear the latest from Tina as to what's going on, including quick-fire reactions to the recent US local elections.

V-FM Pensions #133: To CDC or not CDC, that is the question...

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico take a deep dive into the Government's proposals for 'at retirement' only CDC. What is the Government proposing and will it become a new norm of pension provision? 
 
We also discuss a few news items that have been on our list to cover, including: the sale of Cushon by Natwest, the consultation on professional trustee companies and recent ABI stats on investment in private markets.

V-FM Pensions #132: Hyman's James Smith talks pension reform

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to defined contribution and financial wellbeing consultant, Hymans' James Smith.
We spend a lot of the podcast focusing on James' blueprint for pensions reform - Retirement Reimagined - which is co-authored in a personal capacity with Alexandra Miles. We discuss and debate many of the ideas in the paper, including changes to the state pension, the creation of a Universal Employment Pension, the use of CDC, and sidecar savings... all with the aim of delivering better retirement outcomes for normal people.
Massive hats off to James and Alexandra for committing their own time and resource to this - it's a fab read!
We also, of course, find out how James got into pensions and ask what value for money means to him.

V-FM Pensions #131: Nico and Darren chat about Pensions UK's 2025 Annual Conference

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Nico and Darren reflect on the Pensions UK's 2025 Annual Conference that took place in Manchester between the 14th-16th October.
In a surprisingly short episode (it's amazing how a hard stop for a meeting focuses the minds), as well as reflecting on the nature of the conference we discuss a few of the themes that made the news, not least the Pensions Minister's session with questions on mandation and the announcement of a new consultation on the future of Professional Trusteeship.

V-FM Pensions #130: P&Is Sophie Baker

In this episode of V-FM, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Pensions and Investments International News Editor, Sophie Baker. Sophie has had an amazing career in pensions journalism and also is Programme Director and Chair of the World Pensions Summit.
In an investment heavy episode, we discuss PGGM's recent major portfolio overhaul, where they shifted from passive to active investing (reducing their investment universe from 3,500 stocks to 800), equally weighting return, risk, and sustainability in their decision-making process. We also chatted about how partnerships are emerging globally to institutionalise retail access to private markets and discuss progress so far (or the lack of it) with UK pension fund investment into venture capital.
We take a look forward to the upcoming World Pensions Summit that is taking place in The Hague on 4-6 November 2025. In breaking news, we also announce that your hosts will attending the conference and interviewing some of the speakers.
And, of course, we find out how Sophie got into pensions and journalism, and find out what value for money means to her.

V-FM Pensions #129: Wannabe rock star Dave Brooks

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to Broadstone's Dave Brooks. As well as having an illustrious career in pensions admin and consultancy, Dave talks about how it nearly 'made it' (or not) in the world of music. 
We chat tax free cash and the upcoming Budget, consistency of language used in pensions communications and the Pension Commission. We also find out how Dave got into pensions and, of course, find out what value for money means to him.

V-FM Pensions #128: Darren and Nico are back (again!)

After an unexpected break last week due to illness, this episode of V-FM Pensions restarts the new season of the podcast with hosts Darren and Nico talking about the Pension Scheme's Bill Committee Stage, productive finance and investing in the UK, Behind Login's app rating assessment, and LCP research highlighting the significant assets under control by 4 professional trustee companies....
We didn't even have time to discuss Trump's appearance at the UN...
Normal service resumed next week, subject to being fit and healthy....

V-FM Pensions #127: We're back!

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, Darren and Nico are back from an extended summer break when Nico became a father for the first time.
As well as catching up and talking about the real reason Thomas is named Thomas (and Nico's most successful Linkedin post ever!), the duo talk about what's in store for V-FM this autumn and chew the cud on the Pensions Commission, the upcoming Budget and the Pensions Bill.

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!