13 June 2006
The Pensions Regulator has released "Four major asset classes",
the latest module of the free e-learning programme for pension
scheme trustees.
In this module, the trustees decide to set up an investment
sub-committee in which the learner becomes a member. It covers the
absolute fundamentals about each of the four major asset classes,
about capital markets and economic cycles, valuation and measuring
performance and about risk and reward in relation to each of the
four asset classes. There is also a tutorial about with profits
policies and case examples.
April Alexander, the Pensions Regulator's head of regulated
community learning, said: "This module gives an introduction to
investment and will be of interest to trustees of both defined
benefit and defined contribution schemes.
"The objective is to give trustees a grounding in the subject
for forthcoming modules on funding a DB scheme and the design and
management of a DC scheme and on fund management, which applies to
both types of scheme."
There will be a module on specialised assets and investment
techniques at the end of the e-learning programme for those
trustees that require it.
The trustee toolkit is made up of a series of modules - each
containing a number of scenarios in which the user plays the part
of a newcomer to a fictitious trustee board. The scenarios are
based on real-life examples which trustees may well come across in
their role.
The programme was developed in response to the trustee knowledge
and understanding requirements of the Pensions Act 2004, and is
designed to help trustees comply with the new legislation.
