The introduction of a twin-track approach to regulating defined benefit scheme funding could stifle the creativity needed to navigate the current financial crisis, experts have warned.

On the go: The Pension Protection Fund plans to appeal a judgment forcing it to pay at least half of the defined benefits expected by survivors of scheme members, while the government will appeal the finding that the PPF’s compensation cap is illegal.

Defined benefit trustees have been urged to be on their guard against a new interpretation of tax law that could see certain members hit by unexpected tax charges on buyout.

On the go: The Littlewoods Pensions Scheme has secured almost £1bn of its defined benefit liabilities with insurer Rothesay Life, with the plan’s pension promises now completely covered by bulk annuity contracts.

Data crunch: Detailed analysis of triennial valuations with due dates up to December 2019 confirm the gradual improvement in the security of defined benefits in the UK, but experts warn that care is needed to keep schemes on track this year.

Leaders of pensions industry representative groups have written a joint complaint to government ministers over new guidance from the Financial Conduct Authority, which they warn could see helpful trustees deemed to be giving regulated financial advice.

Savers underestimate the impact that the coronavirus crisis could have on their financial wellbeing, according to a new survey, leading to calls for providers to communicate reassuringly with the minority of members that engage in times of stress.

Trustees of the defined benefit scheme for a Yorkshire engineering consultancy’s staff are actively monitoring the bulk annuity market, after two completed transactions and improved funding levels.