KPMG

Asset-backed funding (ABF) arrangements are reaching new levels as the industry saw £700m worth of deals in the six months from September 2012, research from KPMG shows.

Orthopaedic firm Smith & Nephew has entered into a buy-in with Rothesay Life for its two defined benefit (DB) schemes covering £190m of liabilities.

Pensions liabilities have risen by 60% over the last five years, compared to a 40% rise in assets, according to KPMG research.

The First Quench Pension Fund has secured a £160m buy-in that will keep the 2,000-member scheme out of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has launched two investigations into the conduct of KPMG Audit.

Here they are - the winners of the UK Pensions Awards 2013.

Local government pension scheme (LGPS) deficits are estimated to have doubled since 2010 to over £80bn, according to KPMG analysis.

The Chamber of Shipping Retirement Benefits Plan has completed its second buy-in this year, paving the way for a full buyout of the scheme.

Troubled clothing retailer Peacocks has seen its scheme deficit increase by 73% as the scheme undergoes assessment to enter the Pension Protection Fund.

The trend for ‘big four' auditors to focus on management aims of clients rather than shareholder need leads to "significant dissatisfaction" for institutional investors, the Competition Commission says.