Asset managers told to pay more attention to pension schemes’ voting wishes

Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has apparently written to 44 asset managers urging them to allow asset owners, including pension schemes, to have more say on voting decisions.

Drawing on recommendations from the Taskforce on Pension Scheme Voting Implementation, Opperman wants asset managers to allow pension schemes who invest in pooled funds to set an “expression of wish” for voting on the fund assets.  He also wants assets managers to answer all reasonable requests from schemes on their voting and stewardship activity.

Opperman keeps returning to this theme of greater transparency around voting activities and a greater stewardship role for pension schemes. For example, the DWP is currently consulting over draft guidance designed to improve scheme voting and engagement with asset managers (see our November edition of Essential UK Pensions News for more information).

However, until the Government actually tightens the relevant legal requirements for asset managers to provide information and allow pension schemes a greater say, trustees are left in a difficult position.