Market Matters Special Edition with Baroness Ros Altmann

In this special episode of Market Matters, we’re joined by Baroness Ros Altmann, a leading expert on both the investment trust sector and pensions industry. Having previously served as the UK Pensions Minister, Ros now sits in the House of Lords and is also a visiting Professor at the London School of Economics.

Ros shares her thoughts on Saba’s current campaign, why retail shareholders should have their say and the need for boards to focus on narrowing discounts. We also delve into recent changes to cost disclosure rules for investment trusts, explore potential pension reforms to stimulate interest in UK equities and discuss why a change in monetary policy is essential to jumpstart the economy.

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Career in the public and private sector

02:55 Advocating for the investment trust sector

08:53 Thoughts on Saba’s proposals

13:30 Should boards be more focused on narrowing discounts?

16:44 Impact of changes to cost disclosure rules

20:10 Need for reform of Consumer Duty regulations

24:12 Should retail platforms be mandated to inform investors of upcoming votes?

24:59 Should the Mansion House pension reforms be tightened?

29:40 Thoughts on possible changes to ISAs

31:09 Need for a change in monetary policy

34:26 Risk warning

Please note that this podcast was recorded on 23 January 2025.