Tomorrow's Investor report

Tomorrow's Investor report

The final report of the RSA’s Tomorrow’s Investor project combines the findings of its research with analysis of the pensions industry. The report concerns itself in particular with costs and charges levied on pension plan members. These are the most important element of a pension plan, because they are potentially avoidable. Yet most pension funds charge much more than they should because selling and set-up fees are so high. Fund management costs could also be reduced by more long-term strategies.

The report also looks at methods of improving transparency and accountability and at improving investor engagement. It suggests a new way of reporting costs and charges. And it argues that pension funds should take more advantage of the resources at their disposal by utilising new methods of social engagement. Google uses prediction markets, so why can’t Norwich Union?

The report closes by announcing the RSA’s intention to create a business plan for a new type of pension fund: one that is both low cost and high accountability. In the face of financial meltdown and a looming pensions crisis, this is the kind of innovation the financial services industry needs

Download the full Tomorrow's Investor report (PDF, 478KB)

     

Expert papers

The RSA commissioned four expert papers to support its research, from: