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Latest news and analysis
Low dependency overtakes buyout as DB schemes rethink endgame
Improving funding levels are giving defined benefit schemes more endgame options, but many have yet to put clear governance frameworks in place for surplus and long-term decision-making.
South Yorkshire cuts employer contributions after funding level rises to 142%
The authority has cut average employer contribution rates to 13% after finalising its latest actuarial valuation as of 31 March 2025, saving more than £90m for employers over the next three years.
Conservatives slam ‘indefensible’ reserve clause as it returns to Pension Schemes Bill
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately has hit out at the restored amendment, arguing that it is “still a political hand reaching into people’s retirement savings”.
Sustainability and climate expectations rising for investment consultants
The Investment Consultants Sustainability Working Group (ICSWG) has found that climate-related advisory capabilities, which were once viewed as aspirational, are now considered standard practice across the investment consulting industry.
Can in-specie transfers smooth the path to buy-in?
New research from Standard Life indicates that many defined benefit (DB) trustee boards are considering in-specie transfers of illiquid assets to aid their preparation for bulk annuity transactions.
How geopolitics could hurt your scheme’s covenant
As the US-Iran conflict takes another turn, consultancy group LCP has warned that pension scheme trustees need to be aware of the potential impact of geopolitical issues on sponsor covenants.
Latest video
Video: Shadow pensions minister Helen Whately on mandation
Ahead of a vote in the House of Lords on the Pension Schemes Bill, Conservative MP Helen Whately spoke on her party’s opposition to the mandation power for a special episode of the Always a Pensions Angle podcast.
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Comment
What a revised mandation power could mean for DC trustees
With the Pension Schemes Bill returning to the House of Commons this week, Wedlake Bell partner Paul Ashcroft explores the potential impact of a revised mandation clause.
ABI: A more productive conversation about investment and DB endgames
Rob Yuille of the Association of British Insurers says it is time we defined our terms around productive investment to make sure policies work for all stakeholders.
‘Don’t call us lay trustees’: AMNT on why member reps must be taken seriously
Kate Upcraft of the Association of Member Nominated Trustees recounts her experience as an elected scheme representative and why the role is so important for pension funds of all kinds.
TPR: We need the marketplace to innovate to deliver in the new pensions era
In an exclusive column for Pensions Expert, the Pensions Regulator’s chief executive Nausicaa Delfas explains the importance of innovation to address the challenges and capture the opportunities of the next few years.
Latest features
Call for action on member representation as MNT numbers fall by a third
Sole trustee arrangements are on the rise as member-nominated trustees are declining, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Special report: The Pension Schemes Bill in the House of Lords
The landmark legislation begins its report stage this week, with peers still debating more than 180 amendments to the Pension Schemes Bill. Pensions Expert explores what is up for discussion over the next two weeks.
Why Nest is embracing deliberative democracy
The UK’s largest master trust is exploring innovative ways in which to achieve better member representation within its governance structure.
To insource or to outsource? That is the question
Three of the UK’s largest pension investors take different approaches to the balance of insourcing and outsourcing investment expertise and capabilities, as Louise Farrand reports.
What does Alphabet’s 100-year bond mean for UK pension schemes?
The entry of Google’s owner into the UK bond market made an undeniable splash, but the impacts on key fixed income investors such as DB pension schemes are more likely to be gentle ripples, writes Bradley Gerrard.
Call for action on member representation as MNT numbers fall by a third
Special report: The Pension Schemes Bill in the House of Lords
Why Nest is embracing deliberative democracy
To insource or to outsource? That is the question
What does Alphabet’s 100-year bond mean for UK pension schemes?
Latest on Defined Benefit
Low dependency overtakes buyout as DB schemes rethink endgame
Improving funding levels are giving defined benefit schemes more endgame options, but many have yet to put clear governance frameworks in place for surplus and long-term decision-making.
Can in-specie transfers smooth the path to buy-in?
New research from Standard Life indicates that many defined benefit (DB) trustee boards are considering in-specie transfers of illiquid assets to aid their preparation for bulk annuity transactions.
How geopolitics could hurt your scheme’s covenant
As the US-Iran conflict takes another turn, consultancy group LCP has warned that pension scheme trustees need to be aware of the potential impact of geopolitical issues on sponsor covenants.
Bulk annuities update: Aviva insures vehicle manufacturer’s DB scheme
The latest headlines from the bulk annuities sector, including deals for Aviva, M&G, and Canada Life, as well as details of Just Group’s recent acquisition by Brookfield Wealth Solutions.
People news
Appointments: People’s, Isio, WTW, Hymans, Arc, IGG
The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 3 April 2026.
Smart Pension names Lawrence as chief investment officer
James Lawrence was previously Smart’s director of investment proposition, and has worked for the pension fund since 2021. The master trust aims to hit £10bn in assets this year.
Appointments: LCP, TPT, Aptia, Hymans Robertson, L&G
The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 27 March 2026.
Appointments: LPFA, PIC, Broadstone, Eversheds, Aptia
The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 20 March 2026.
Latest videos from Pensions Expert
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Latest on Defined Contribution
Conservatives slam ‘indefensible’ reserve clause as it returns to Pension Schemes Bill
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately has hit out at the restored amendment, arguing that it is “still a political hand reaching into people’s retirement savings”.
Delaying consolidation could damage compliance and value for members, TPR warns
The number of non-micro DC and hybrid schemes fell by 15% over the past year, dropping from 920 in 2024 to 790 in 2025, recent data from the regulator has shown.
Smart Pension names Lawrence as chief investment officer
James Lawrence was previously Smart’s director of investment proposition, and has worked for the pension fund since 2021. The master trust aims to hit £10bn in assets this year.
DC schemes back British Business Bank’s £200m venture capital fund
Aegon and the Natwest Cushon master trust have finalised investments in the British Growth Partnership Fund, contributing to a £200m capital raise for the venture capital vehicle.
Latest on Dashboards
Employers ‘must address pension inadequacy’ to avoid long-term problems
The consultancy warns that retirement income shortfalls could hit companies hard by creating a demographic bottleneck in the workforce and driving stress-related drops in productivity.
Your dashboard needs you! MoneyHelper seeks consumer testers
Phase two of the testing process officially began this week, and MaPS has called on pension providers to spread the word among savers and scheme members to get them involved with the trials.
‘Dashboard health check’ urged as workers unsure of contributions
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) should introduce “pensions dashboard health checks” to help savers understand their financial positions, according to a new report from the Social Market Foundation.
Pension schemes seek to address data ‘debt’ issues with digital tools
Nearly 30 UK pension schemes have significantly improved the accuracy of their member data after adopting digital data enrichment technology over the past year, according to Heka Global.
