Conference 2009 - using pension guarantees to manage risk

Investor confidence has been shattered, so how can advisers coax their clients back into the markets?

MetLife's Peter Carter argues guarantees are a more effective way of rebuilding faith in saving than asset allocation and lifestyling, and believes 2009 will be the 'year of the guarantee'.

Adviser Paul Richardson welcomes innovation and flexibility in the options available to clients, but stresses the importance of responding to their individual needs, while Lee Robertson says the cost of guarantees is high.

Following the FSA's thematic review into pension switching, consolidation also comes under the spotlight. Adviser Nick McBreen believes consolidating pensions is a no-brainer, but Robertson warns that documentation must improve in light of the FSA's findings.

Also in this series:

• Hourly fees and exit strategies
• Historic opportunity in corporate bonds?
• Crunch time for ethical funds?
• Investment themes for the future