In both cases the problems were well-known or suspected by many; the difference is that these guys actually did something about it. And they galvanised the industry to support them, showing that there are those in our profession who will put consumer needs before profits when it is really necessary. At the time of writing Operation CHIVE is just about to deliver two days of free financial guidance to steelworkers in three different parts of the UK. I sincerely wish them luck with this.
I would like to finish my look back by copying Sports Personality of the Year in thinking about those we have lost. At the head of the list for me is the marvellous Mike Morrison, whom I was lucky enough to know personally. If ever anyone personified the best of the pensions industry – generous, knowledgeable and always looking to help - he did.
Fiona Tait is technical director of Intelligent Pensions
