(August 1, 2013) – Bob Swarup, a principal at boutique advisors Camdor Global and former partner at buyout and insurance specialist Pension Corporation, has joined the UK’s pensions regulator in an investment advisor role
Swarup will work with the Pensions Regulator over the next few months on the development of its defined benefit investment guidance and framework for UK pension funds.
The alternatives specialist is well known on the London circuit: he currently holds a director role at Aesir Capital Management, working on the Aesir Credit Fund–a fixed income hedge fund focused on liquid, actively-traded credit markets.
He’s also a fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs, having previously spent almost three years as a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics.
Speaking to aiCIO, Swarup said the role was expected to last for “just a few months”, but that he was unable to disclose too much about his tasks due to confidentiality issues.
“Investment risk is a huge area of focus for the Pensions Regulator,” he added.
His consultancy, Camdor Global, specialises in examining strategies from a macro-economic point of view to develop investment portfolios for today’s uncertain times. It has been running for less than a year, and includes Lombard Street Research among its client base.
In related news, the Pensions Regulator has also announced that Stephen Soper, currently executive director for defined benefit regulation, will take over as interim chief executive from today.
The chief executive position, formerly held by Bill Galvin before his departure to USS, is expected to be filled more permanently at some date in the future.
The regulator’s chairman Michael O’Higgins said in a statement: “The role of chief executive requires a wide range of regulatory, industry and policy skills. While the regulator searches for a new chief executive, the board has decided to appoint Stephen Soper as interim chief executive.
“His appointment will ensure we maintain effective leadership and clear accountability while we continue the recruitment process. Stephen has substantial experience of senior roles in both the financial services industry and the regulator. I know he will do an excellent job and is supported by a strong and dedicated team.”
Soper added: “I look forward to working with the pensions industry, government, and my colleagues at the Pensions Regulator, to ensure that pension schemes are well run, the interests of members and the Pension Protection Fund are protected, and that the roll-out of automatic enrolment continues to progress smoothly.”
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