V-FM: The Pensions Podcast

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!

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....