Josephine Cumbo
josephinecumbo.bsky.social
Josephine Cumbo
@josephinecumbo.bsky.social
Editor / Reporter with the Financial Times. Formerly FT Global Pensions Correspondent. Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Delighted to be speaking at Pension UK's annual conference in October on why pensions are for your retirement, and should not be used as political tools. Look forward to the debate!

www.pensionsuk.org.uk/Events/Confe...
Programme | Annual Conference | Pensions UK
www.pensionsuk.org.uk
August 5, 2025 at 9:54 AM
More evidence of the difficulty and high cost of finding and affording quality childcare, particularly in London, which can impact parents' ability to work and advance in their careers. www.ft.com/content/c541...
Average cost of a nanny in London surges above £50,000 a year
Wage growth of households and popularity of ‘hybrid’ nannies who provide extra services help boost pay
www.ft.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Smart Pension’s latest move to invest 5% of its default fund in green infrastructure through Octopus Energy is being presented as a win-win for the planet and pension savers. But what does this mean for retirement savers wanting to maximise growth? 1/
www.smartpension.co.uk/news-and-med...
Smart Pension joins forces with Octopus Energy and Kensa to accelerate UK’s renewable energy transition
£330m initial investment will deliver long-term value for pension savers
www.smartpension.co.uk
July 30, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
Welcome to FT Edit! When the news is overwhelming, we bring you eight stories a day, chosen by editors, offering clarity, fresh perspectives, insight and inspiration — plus some extra treats! Explore more at www.ft.com/ftedit or, if you're reading on iOS, find us on the FT app: on.ft.com/44SHfGA
July 29, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Can any #MedTwitter tweeps clarify whether Physician Associates, or their employers, should be still using this title, or triaging patients, following this NHS Guidance guidance published on July 16? www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/re...
NHS England » Response to the recommendations of the Independent Review of Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates (the Leng Review)
NHS England » Response to the recommendations of the Independent Review of Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates (the Leng Review)
www.england.nhs.uk
July 25, 2025 at 3:52 PM
David Brooks of Broadstone articulates his concerns over the Govt's push for your #pension money to help the UK economy. Both the Govt and UK regulator are yet to produce solid evidence that a home investment bias will lead to BETTER financial outcomes for retirement savers.
April 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
This 'new approach' statement from the UK pensions regulator should be a wake-up call for any private pension saver.
Your best interests are NO longer centred by a government seeking to tap your retirement savings to fuel domestic growth www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/a-new-app...
A new approach to ensure regulators and regulations support growth: response from The Pensions Regulator
Response from The Pensions Regulator to a new approach to ensure regulators and regulations support growth.
www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk
March 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM
This article reports that some pension funds have sought legal advice on ways to support the UK's government's economic objectives, without breaching fiduciary duty to the member. www.ipe.com/news/uk-dc-m...
UK DC master trusts anxious about government’s pressure to invest in ‘productive assets’
UK government is in discussions with Mansion House compact signatories for next steps
www.ipe.com
March 27, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
This week, as part of the @lse-ei.bsky.social course on 'The Political Economy of Welfare States and Migration in Europe' I convene w/Nicholas Barr, it was a pleasure to host @josephinecumbo.bsky.social, Editor & London Newsroom Reporter for @financialtimes.com & former Global Pensions correspondent
March 21, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Australia’s pensions regulator did a deep dive into how the country’s mega super funds were managing private market assets. Numerous concerns over valuation practices were uncovered. www.apra.gov.au/news-and-pub...
APRA review highlights the need for improved valuation and liquidity risk governance in superannuation | APRA
APRA has released findings from a review into superannuation trustees’ progress in implementing enhanced valuation governance and liquidity risk management requirements.
www.apra.gov.au
December 19, 2024 at 9:31 AM
NEW: Top Direct Line shareholders hold out for higher Aviva bid www.ft.com/content/248d... #insurance
Top Direct Line shareholders hold out for higher Aviva bid
Key investors say they support Direct Line’s decision not to engage with its larger rival
www.ft.com
December 4, 2024 at 9:59 PM
Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
FT cartoon by Banx
November 26, 2024 at 4:58 PM
Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
If you're wondering if FT accounts are legit, @financialtimes.com is following verified staff + contributors
November 18, 2024 at 10:25 AM
The UK government has not ruled out forcing private #pension funds to invest to help the economy. www.ft.com/content/b920... via Mary McDougall and George Parker
Government could force pension funds to invest more in UK assets
Further measures may be taken if ‘megafund’ reforms fail to boost domestic investment, says pensions minister
www.ft.com
November 18, 2024 at 10:23 PM
While the UK is pushing to create pension "megafunds" Australia's central bank is warning (again) about liquidity risks from the country's super-sized superannuation sector. www.afr.com/policy/tax-a...
November 15, 2024 at 5:22 AM
I'll be covering the Insurance beat at the @FT from November 25, until our replacement for the esteemed Ian Smith is appointed. Got a story? Email josephine.cumbo@ft.com
November 13, 2024 at 2:17 PM
UK financial regulator vows to ‘intervene’ over withheld interest payments #pension #investment www.ft.com/content/c393... via @ft
December 12, 2023 at 9:09 AM
Town hall pension funds to be asked to double allocation to private equity. #AutumnStatement www.ft.com/content/6ecb...
November 23, 2023 at 9:03 AM
Would Aussie rules boost UK #pensions asks the FT's Claer Barrett? www.ft.com/content/9f2a... #MansionHouse #DC #Consolidation
November 22, 2023 at 7:37 PM
 #AutumnStatement

The headline single tier state pension from April 2024 will be £221.20 a week, up from the current £203.85 a week

The maximum basic state pension paid to those who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016 is currently £156.20 a week and it will increase to £169.50 a week.
November 22, 2023 at 12:56 PM
The new flat rate annual UK state pension of £11,501 in the 2024/25 tax year, is just £1,069 short of the £12,570 tax-exempt allowance as it stands in 2023/24. #AutumnStatement
November 22, 2023 at 12:52 PM
Chancellor is on his feet delivering his #AutumnStatement
November 22, 2023 at 12:42 PM