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Latest DB news
Annual Funding Statement: Covenant assessment clarity welcomed
In its Annual Funding Statement, the regulator clarified aspects of covenant assessments to help trustee boards through the first valuations under the new funding regime.
Annual Funding Statement: Trustees should prepare for surplus release options
Industry commentators have welcomed the recommendation from the regulator to engage early with sponsors over the potential release of DB surpluses.
Annual Funding Statement: Focus on endgame planning, says TPR
The regulator’s latest Annual Funding Statement shows strong funding across most of the DB sector, but it says recent volatility means trustees should maintain focus on robust endgame planning.
Minister for industry commits to fixing British Coal surplus ‘injustice’
Minister for industry Sarah Jones has “pledged to resolve” the matter of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme’s £2.3bn investment reserve.
Metals firm completes buy-in in less than five weeks
ELG Metals UK secured a £28m buy-in with Just Group in five weeks due to favourable pricing and market conditions.
Fall in deficit repair payments 'marks boost for DB sponsors'
The quarterly total of deficit reduction contributions into defined benefit schemes fell below £1bn in the second quarter of 2024, for the first time in several years.
Features and analysis
Pensions lawyers call on government to resolve s37 uncertainty
DB pension schemes have been left in legal limbo in relation to section 37 confirmations, with the High Court expected to take several months to produce its latest judgement.
Innovation needed to stop illiquid assets delaying bulk annuities
Consultancy giant Aon has written to insurers calling for more innovation on tackling illiquid assets held by pension schemes approaching the bulk annuity market.
Outlook 2025: New insurers set to make waves in busy DB market
From an evolving bulk annuity market to debates over the use of pension scheme surpluses, next year looks set to be as busy as ever for the defined benefit sector, writes Alex Janiaud.
Changing course: The case for reinvesting pension scheme surpluses
Ahead of chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Mansion House speech on Thursday, Pensions Expert explores changing attitudes towards defined benefit scheme surpluses and how they could be used to benefit members, employers and the wider economy.
How LDI managers are getting ready for the rest of 2024
Following recent warnings about a potential return of deflation, the onus is on LDI managers to ensure their portfolios are prepared.
Pensions lawyers call on government to resolve s37 uncertainty
Innovation needed to stop illiquid assets delaying bulk annuities
Outlook 2025: New insurers set to make waves in busy DB market
Changing course: The case for reinvesting pension scheme surpluses
How LDI managers are getting ready for the rest of 2024
More defined benefit news
Use dashboards preparation to cut admin costs, charities urged
Spence & Partners reports that charity DB schemes are approaching full funding – but costs are rising, meaning more efficiencies are needed.
GMP communication failing costs Volkswagen scheme £500
The Ombudsman awarded a member of the Volkswagen Group Pension Scheme £500 in compensation for failing to keep them updated on GMP equalisation.
DB pension schemes enter Q2 with strong funding position
Private sector pension schemes were in a strong position ahead of the market volatility caused by US trade tariffs, according to the PPF 7800 Index.
Clara Pensions plots private markets push with new investment vehicle
Defined benefit consolidator Clara Pensions intends to invest up to 35% of its assets into private markets.
Comment & opinion
DB surplus release: Three key questions to drive better outcomes
Financial distress: When a trustee’s role steps up a gear
More work needed on PPF levy: Railpen
Competing agendas: Does the pensions industry need a rethink?
Whose money is it anyway? Avoiding a ‘smash and grab’ on DB schemes