PLSA launches two new ‘Made Simple’ Guides covering factor investing and good quality data for local authorities

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) today launched two new ‘Made Simple Guides at its Local Authority Conference in Gloucestershire.

‘Good Quality Data for Local Authorities’, sponsored by Equiniti, provides people involved in running Local Authority pension funds with an insight into the drivers for good quality data – both the benefits of having it and the risks of not having it – and helps define what ‘good’ really looks like for each scheme.

‘Factor Investing’, sponsored by Robeco, explains how factor investing, a third way between passive, market index-following strategies and traditional active management, can help pension funds improve the risk-return profile of their portfolios..

Edward Bogira, Chief of Staff, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, said:

“At a time when the collection and use of data has never been under more scrutiny, we’re pleased to be able to work with Equiniti to give our Local Authority members help to improve their data quality. And with pension fund trustees’ focus evermore on transparency of costs and value for money, exploring new investment strategies is vital. These two ‘Made Simple Guides will be of great benefit to our members.

“We greatly appreciate the time, effort and knowledge that Equiniti and Robeco have put into the creation of these ‘Made Simple Guides.”

Ric Williams, CEO EQ Paymaster, Equiniti, said:

“The Made Simple Guide for Local Authorities gives pension stakeholders an insight into the drivers for good quality member data – both the benefits of having it and the risks of not having it. The Guide aims to help schemes define what ‘good’ really looks like while offering a practical step-by-step guide.”

“Good quality data matters whatever your priorities. This is truer now than ever before as the importance of a scheme’s data quality has never been higher.”

Peter Walsh, Head of Robeco UK, said:

“At Robeco, we have been designing factor strategies for our clients for many years and are delighted to have collaborated with the PLSA on publishing this new Made Simple Guide on Factor Investing. This guide explains how factor-based solutions can help pension funds improve the risk-return profile of their portfolios. The topic of factor investing is receiving increased attention as Trustees focus on transparency and value for money. We are convinced that an increased understanding of factor-based investing is vital to help make the right decisions.”

PDF versions of these ‘Made Simple’ guides are available to download FREE from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association website. Printed copies are also available and can be ordered online at www.plsa.co.uk (£18 for members and £35 for non-members).

The ‘Made Simple’ guides were launched at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association’s Local Authority Conference in Gloucestershire on Tuesday 16 May 2017.

Photographs from the ‘Made Simple’ guide launch are available on request.

-ENDS-

 

CONTACTS:

Lee Blackwell, Head of Media and PR, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association
T: 020 7601 1726, M: 07713 073023, E: [email protected]

Babak Mayamey, Press Officer, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association
T: 020 7601 1718, M: 07825 171 446, E: [email protected]

Kathryn Mortimer, Press Officer, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association
T: 020 7601 1748, M: 07901 007713, E: [email protected]

Robeco Corporate Communications - T: +31 (0) 10 224 2241, E: [email protected]