Products November 12, 2012

Pioneer Launches Educational Program

An adviser-focused program for volatility management, income generation and perspectives on the market (VIP) was unveiled by Pioneer Investments.
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The national educational program is designed to help advisers address key challenges in today’s markets. The initiative gives advisers a range of educational materials, combined with investment ideas and solutions that address specific investor needs.

Pioneer has created a microsite, accessible to advisers who register at www.pioneervip.com, to serve as the central hub for all VIP-related solutions. Advisers have access to a wide range of materials and activities related to the campaign, including white papers, market commentaries, videos, and information on specific products that speak to the challenges of managing volatility and generating income. The microsite will also provide details on upcoming conference calls and road shows with Pioneer portfolio managers. The program is being launched this month and will continue into 2013.

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Advisers and their clients face enormous challenges navigating today’s turbulent markets and understanding the risks associated with the fiscal cliff, the European financial crisis, and a range of other issues, said Joseph Kringdon, executive vice president and head of U.S. retail distribution and marketing.

“Pioneer Investments’ portfolio managers understand how to deal with these challenges,” Kringdon said. “Our VIP program provides both the intellectual context and specific investment solutions for helping advisers manage portfolios in this difficult global economic climate.”

The VIP program focuses on:

  • Volatility: Rising market volatility compared with previous decades is hurting client portfolios and investor confidence. Pioneer provides in-depth research and suggests traditional and non-traditional strategies to manage volatility.
  • Income: Record-low interest rates create challenges for investors, both in the short and long terms. This portion focuses on the nature of the risks associated with income-producing investments, and provides ideas on how generating income using alternative approaches, including absolute return and flexible, global multi-sector strategies.
  • Perspectives:Investors struggle to digest negative financial news while attempting to make smart investing decisions. Pioneer offers educational materials, including an investment blog, www.followpioneer.com, Market Viewpoint videos, and white papers that provide insights from the company’s portfolio managers and offer perspectives on volatility and income.
Deals & People November 12, 2012

NAPFA Chief Executive to Step Down

Ellen Turf, chief executive of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), said she will leave the organization in August 2013.
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Turf, also executive director, said in a letter in October that her decision to leave is part of a plan she and her husband made with the help of their financial planner. She plans to enjoy time with her husband, travel and spend time with the couple’s grandchildren.

The board will conduct a national search for the next CEO/executive director spearheaded by a search committee that was formed after receiving Turf’s letter.

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Turf was named to NAPFA’s top position in January 1999. She began her career with the organization in 1992 when she joined NAPFA on a part-time basis. Shortly thereafter, part-time became full-time and over the years, Turf held virtually every position and spearheaded growth within the organization.

“NAPFA turns 30 in 2013, and it’s hard to believe I’ve been a part of it for more than two-thirds of the time,” Turf said. “I have great pride in the accomplishments of the organization under my tenure. To be a part of so many meaningful moments at the organization, and watch the growth of a profession I love, will have no equal in my career.”

“Ellen has been the bedrock of the NAPFA organization for many years now,” NAPFA Chair Lauren Locker said in a statement. “Her ability to weigh and balance the needs of the various constituents of our organization has allowed us to grow and thrive during her tenure. She has been a leading advocate for the fiduciary standard throughout the industry and has been tireless in promoting NAPFA’s brand. Our members will sorely miss her enthusiasm, graciousness and benevolence.”

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