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Josephine Cumbo

@josephinecumbo.bsky.social
6K followers 237 following 29 posts

Editor / Reporter with the Financial Times. Formerly FT Global Pensions Correspondent. Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
It has been an amazing time, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey! From next month, you can reach me here, on Linkedin or at josephinecumbo@hotmail.com Onward! #newauthor #journalism #newchapter 3/3
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside brilliant colleagues, meeting fascinating people & reporting on events that have shaped the world around us. The next chapter is an exciting one. I’ll be writing a book, alongside a few other projects — details to follow! 2/
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
🚨JOB NEWS🚨 After more than 27 wonderful years at the Financial Times, I’ll be leaving at the end of the month and heading off on some new global adventures. It’s been an extraordinary journey — from covering financial crises, pandemics, wars and, of course, multiple #pension reforms ! 1/
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
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...
pensionsuk.org.uk
Programme | Annual Conference | Pensions UK
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
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...
ft.com
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
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
While supporting the net-zero transition is admirable, pension savers deserve clarity on how this impacts their retirement outcomes, especially when funds are being directed away from the kinds of assets that have historically driven the highest returns. 5/5
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Instead, they often prioritise long term infra projects that may take years to deliver meaningful financial gains. There’s also no clear explanation of how private market assets (less liquid and harder to value) will contribute to stronger performance compared with a trad equity-heavy approach. 4/
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
For members aiming to maximise pension growth, especially those in their 50s with limited time left to retirement, this shift raises valid questions. Impact-driven investments can sometimes mean less exposure to high-return sectors such as technology or emerging markets. 3/
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Aside from the positive language around sustainability and "impact", there is a noticeable lack of detail in the deal statement about what kind of financial returns members can realistically expect from this allocation — or how long they might have to wait to see them. 2/
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
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...
smartpension.co.uk
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
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Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
FT Edit @ftedit.ft.com · 29/07/2025
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
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
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...
england.nhs.uk
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)
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Thanks Mike! Will be posting here more often on pensions and other topics that I am now covering.
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
corporate-adviser.com/tpr-outlines...
corporate-adviser.com
TPR outlines plans to support Govt growth agenda
The Pensions Regulator has outlined how it aims to encourage UK economic growth while also protecting member interests.  Details of this new approach were set out in a letter to government, with TPR’s...
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
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.
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
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...
thepensionsregulator.gov.uk
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.
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
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...
ipe.com
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
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Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
Angelo Martelli @angmarte.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
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
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
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.gov.au
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.
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
NEW: Top Direct Line shareholders hold out for higher Aviva bid www.ft.com/content/248d... #insurance
ft.com
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
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Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
Tony Tassell @tonytassell.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
FT cartoon by Banx
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Reposted by Josephine Cumbo
Ian Smith @iankmsmith.ft.com · 18/11/2024
If you're wondering if FT accounts are legit, @financialtimes.com is following verified staff + contributors
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
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
ft.com
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
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
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...
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
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
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 12/12/2023
UK financial regulator vows to ‘intervene’ over withheld interest payments #pension #investment www.ft.com/content/c393... via @ft
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 23/11/2023
Town hall pension funds to be asked to double allocation to private equity. #AutumnStatement www.ft.com/content/6ecb...
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 22/11/2023
Would Aussie rules boost UK #pensions asks the FT's Claer Barrett? www.ft.com/content/9f2a... #MansionHouse #DC #Consolidation
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 22/11/2023
 #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.
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 22/11/2023
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
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 22/11/2023
Pensioners to receieve an 8.5% increase in full state pension next year as Chancellor honours 'triple lock' on state pension. #AutumnStatement
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Josephine Cumbo @josephinecumbo.bsky.social · 22/11/2023
Chancellor is on his feet delivering his #AutumnStatement
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