All Consolidation articles
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FeaturesCase study: First Bus bypasses master trusts for a bespoke DC route
First Bus’ defined contribution (DC) pension scheme has opted not to consolidate into a master trust so far. Head of pensions Muntazir Hadadi explains why, with contributions from the scheme’s lawyer and members.
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NewsSmart targets £10bn by next year as Mody takes over as chair
Raj Mody will succeed Andy Cheseldine as chair of Smart Pension’s master trust board on 1 September.
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NewsOwn-trust DC schemes ‘have the edge’ over master trusts, research shows
Barnett Waddingham research shows that employers with larger DC schemes are not always choosing to consolidate into master trusts, with single-employer approaches winning on factors such as member engagement.
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NewsHow employers plan to change their DC pension provision
The anticipated overhaul of DC pension schemes through the Pension Schemes Bill could see a majority of employers make changes to their provision, research indicates.
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NewsMore cost concerns raised over LGPS asset pooling plans
One of the LGPS funds now searching for a new pool has warned of a hefty cost impact, as the government seeks to accelerate pooling over the next few months.
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NewsGovernment’s backstop power to force LGPS pool decisions was ‘a surprise’
The government’s potential introduction of a power to force LGPS funds into specific pools took some in the system by surprise, according to one fund’s chief executive.
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NewsClara takes on church scheme in ‘connected covenant’ first
In the first superfund transaction involving a non-profit sponsor, Clara has introduced a model allowing the retention of a sponsor link, which it says adds to member security.
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News‘Game changer’: Pension Schemes Bill laid before parliament
The government will today introduce the much-anticipated Pension Schemes Bill to parliament, setting the stage for a wide-ranging and ambitious overhaul of workplace pensions in the UK.
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NewsConsolidator in waiting? Government taking its time to assess extension of PPF remit
The government will not legislate for a new consolidator for DB pension schemes in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill, but is still exploring the potential for the Pension Protection Fund to take on the role in future.
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NewsSurplus plans welcomed by trustees but concern raised over ‘deadlock’ cases
The Association of Member Nominated Trustees has welcomed the government’s planned approach to surplus extraction rules that will place trustees at the centre of decision-making.
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OpinionThe Friday Takeaway: Backstop power is a sword of Damocles for the pensions sector
The government plans to give itself powers in the Pension Schemes Bill to intervene in scheme asset allocation and LGPS fund mergers. We should probably be worried, writes Pensions Expert editor Nick Reeve.
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NewsTrustees to be given full discretion over DB scheme surplus release
Defined benefit pension schemes will be able to release surplus if they are overfunded on a low dependency basis, under proposals outlined by the government this week.
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NewsHow the Pensions Investment Review will change DC default funds
The government has set out a multi-year vision for how DC consolidation will play out, with transition plans to be put in place to help smaller providers reach its coveted £25bn target.
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NewsGovernment sets out £25bn ‘megafunds’ plan for DC funds
Pensions Expert is covering all the major talking points from the long-awaited Pensions Investment Review, including legislative ‘backstops’ for UK investment and LGPS pooling, and measures to aid the consolidation of DC pension schemes. Our coverage is summarised here or available elsewhere on the website.
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NewsHow the government plans to consolidate small pension pots
Pension schemes will have to be able to facilitate automatic consolidation of pension pots smaller than £1,000 from 2030, under proposals set out by the government today.
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OpinionPolicymakers should focus on pension beneficiaries to boost the UK economy
Fiona Reynolds and David Pinkus of the Coller Pensions Institute call for the government to refocus its pension reforms on ensuring the best outcomes for members.
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NewsPension Investment Review seeks scale – but not at any cost
The Pensions Investment Review will not undermine freedom of investment choice, nor will it threaten fiduciary duty, according to the person overseeing the project for the Treasury.
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NewsPensions minister: Big is beautiful - and better
Torsten Bell used his opening address to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association’s Investment Conference to reinforce the government’s drive to scale up pension funds.
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NewsConsolidation pushes number of DC schemes below 1,000
The Pensions Regulator’s push towards “fewer, larger schemes” is having an impact as large DC funds – including master trusts – increase their dominance.
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In DepthIn Depth: Regulator’s new DC approach is a sign of things to come
Pensions Expert looks in detail at how the Pensions Regulator’s prudential approach to regulation is affecting all aspects of the industry.