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NAPF: Barclays UK retirement fund wins NAPF investment competition

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Monday, 13, Oct 2008 12:00

Barclays UK Retirement Fund has been named as the winner of the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Investment Competition 20081, sponsored by Henderson Global Investors.

The Barclays entry was the unanimous choice of the judging panel who were looking for a new and innovative approach to investment thinking from pension funds.

Among the aspects of the entry that impressed the judges were:

- the linkage of investment strategy with short, medium and long term funding strategies.

- an excellent corporate governance structure with a separate Pension Fund Executive which allows ‘real time’ investment decision making

- a commitment to sourcing the best advisers and a goal to search worldwide the best investment managers

- an added value of c.£80m per annum

Arno Kitts, NAPF Investment Council Chairman said

“The Barclays Fund has taken a holistic and integrated approach to pension fund investment. Their entry demonstrated both clarity of mission as well as a strategy and structure to achieve that mission.

“The fund has well thought out governance with a clear definition and management of risk. These are fundamental features that all pension funds would benefit from focusing on.”

Mark Hyde Harrison, Chief Executive of the Barclays UK Retirement Fund said

“The Barclays UK Retirement Fund is very please that the NAPF has recognized its investment strategy as being a leader in its field.

“In these difficult times we are confident our investment strategy will continue to ensure a success outcome both for our members and sponsoring employer.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Barclays won the DB category of the competition. Due to an insufficient number of entries in the DC category then NAPF have decided to extend the period for entries.

The competition was sponsored by Henderson Global Investors and Barclays will receive £7,500 to be used to source training courses or materials to further develop the knowledge and understanding of the trustees.

About the National Association of Pension Funds

The NAPF is the leading voice of workplace pensions in the UK. We speak for 1,200 pension schemes with some 15 million members and assets of around £800 billion. NAPF members also include over 400 businesses providing essential services to the pensions sector.

Journalists requiring further information, please contact

Mark Brooks 020 7808 1312 mark.brooks@napf.co.uk 07917 506683

Ruth Wharram 020 7808 1345 ruth.wharram@napf.co.uk 07825 171446

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