News

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published its Survey of EU practice on default investment options.

The survey was conducted as a follow up to EIOPA advice to the European Commission on the review of the IORP Directive, which stated that:

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has launched a public consultation on Guidelines on preparing for Solvency II.

In its report on "Design and Delivery of Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Schemes - Policy Challenges and Recommendations", the OECD summarises the challenges policymakers face and recommends key improvements that can help to ensure DC delivers the incomes that individuals need.

The Groupe Consultatif has published a position paper on the draft Pensions Portability Directive which is presently under preparation in the EU. 

The objective of the paper is to set out for EU institutions and stakeholders the views of the actuarial profession on this subject.

Read the position paper

The Pensions Board has published investment guidelines for trustees of defined contribution pension schemes. These guidelines aim to help trustees in deciding which investment choices to make available for scheme members.

Commenting on the guidelines, the Chief Executive of The Pensions Board, Brendan Kennedy, said:

The Groupe Consultatif Actuariel Européen has published a paper titled “Comparison of the Regulatory Approach in Insurance and Banking in the Context of Solvency II”.  The principal author is Mairead O’Shea, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland. 

“Executive Summary

Issue four of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Longevity Bulletin explores the data that evidences that we are all living longer but questions how healthy we are during those extra years.

From Philip Scott, President of the Institute and Faculty:

"In the past longer life was generally driven by better health. However data collected over the last twenty years highlights that life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are not one and the same.

The Groupe Consultatif Actuariel Européen has published a paper on Market Consistency.  The paper summarises the key principles underlying market consistent valuations of assets and liabilities.  Its underlying aim is to help actuaries and others best interpret the concept of market consistency in contexts where several possible valuation approaches are or might be proposed.

In April 2011, the European Commission asked EIOPA  for advice on the EU-wide legislative framework for IORPs (Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision).

The Society of Actuaries in Ireland has published a position paper on “Taxation of Private Pension Provision”. 

The primary purpose of the paper is to examine the effect of reducing the tax relief on pension contributions made by individuals.

Individuals currently receive tax relief at their marginal income tax rate on pension contributions.  The National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 proposes to change the tax relief from the individual’s marginal tax rate to the standard tax rate of 20% by 2014.