RSM UK has launched a new suite of software tools to help pension scheme trustees meet The Pensions Regulator's new General Code of Practice requirements.

With the new code now officially in force, RSM UK warned that trustees must look further than gap analysis, and consider whether their risk management function satisfies the requirements for their first own risk assessment (ORA). Indeed, recent research by RSM found that 55 per cent of trustees admit to relying on spreadsheets to record and manage their risks and controls. In response to this, RSM UK launched a new suite of software tools, designed to support trustees in managing the administrative burden of the new code. The platform includes interactive dashboard reports, full assurance mapping, and documentation management.

Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) has launched a new Short-Term Alternative Finance Fund.

The new fund, which was launched in response to growing interest from investors, will sit on a newly launched RAIF platform (a Luxembourg domiciled umbrella fund platform). It will invest in a portfolio of sub-1 year private credit assets, offering investors a strategic alternative to cash and other short-dated credit alternatives. The strategy will target attractive yields and low volatility, with an average investment grade rating. All transactions for the fund are underwritten by LGIM’s Alternative Debt investment team, led by Matthew Taylor, with Sam Jones acting as joint fund manager. Commenting on the fund, Taylor said: “We believe short-dated alternative finance can provide an attractive solution for enhanced returns in comparison to liquidity funds or holding cash. It achieves this with low duration and volatility helping investors to maintain sufficient liquidity with potentially reduced risk when compared to other alternatives.”

AXA UK has launched a new ‘We Care’ programme, designed to provide further support employees at different life stages.

The global initiative is designed to provide health and wellbeing support to AXA’s workforce at different life stages and during moments that matter. The new programme was launched across 51 markets worldwide and includes a number of new policy additions. In particular, the new policies include carers support, an increase in co-parent leave, and important changes to its domestic abuse support. “I’m delighted we’re extending the support available to our people with the launch of the ‘We Care’ programme,” AXA UK chief people and corporate responsibility officer, Suzanne Scott, said. “A global initiative that supports our ambition of AXA UK&I being a place where people love to work. The access to increased paid carer’s leave and co-parent leave as well as additional support for domestic abuse are invaluable for the wellbeing of our people in taking care of themselves and their loved ones.”

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