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Latest DB news
Health improvements could affect DB liabilities, trustees advised
Most DB trustees are yet to factor in how breakthrough health treatments could affect liabilities, despite their potential to reshape future mortality trends, according to Standard Life.
Private investor group supports DB scheme with capital injection
A defined benefit pension scheme has agreed a rare “capital-backed investment” transaction with a private investment firm to secure an injection of capital to improve its funding position.
Trustees under pressure to use surplus powers despite conflict concerns
With new surplus release flexibilities coming into force through the Pension Schemes Act, a survey of defined benefit pension scheme trustees has found a growing appetite for run-on but concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Trustees urged to embrace accreditation and ‘continuous learning’
Panellists at the PMI’s annual conference in London argued that trustee capability must evolve beyond technical knowledge to include stronger decision-making, leadership and behavioural skills.
Bulk annuities news in association with Canada Life
DC assets to overtake DB as retirement saving transforms
Data from the Department for Work and Pensions shows how DC is expected to grow in the years ahead – but shrinking overall assets further emphasise the adequacy issue facing the sector.
DWP to review flexible apportionment rules after Stagecoach-Aberdeen deal
The government plans to review rules permitting the transfer of defined benefit pension schemes from one sponsor to another in the wake of the landmark Stagecoach-Aberdeen deal.
Surplus release rules edge closer as DWP publishes consultation
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched its highly anticipated consultation on releasing surplus capital from overfunded defined benefit pension schemes, with rules slated to come into force next year.
‘Record’ buy-in pricing levels as insurer competition hots up
LCP research illustrates how competition among insurers is helping schemes of all sizes secure bulk annuities at record prices, while Broadstone and L&G have announced a £10m buy-in with a Devon-based property company’s DB scheme.
Features and analysis
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
Smaller pension schemes have traditionally struggled to access the insurance market, but significant changes have made bulk annuity transfers more compelling, as Bradley Gerrard reports.
In Depth: What TPR’s Annual Funding Statement tells us about endgame planning
Pensions Expert explores the latest Annual Funding Statement and gauges the industry reaction as attention turns to surplus release regulations, ahead of new rules expected next year.
A Christmas wishlist for the pensions industry
With the festive break upon us, it’s time to find out what the pensions industry really wants for Christmas this year. Pensions Expert asked representatives of 21 organisations from across the UK retirement industry to come up with one ‘Christmas wish’ – something they would like to see over the next 12 months.
Outlook 2026: The changing face of DB endgame options
Defined benefit experts give their views on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Pension Schemes Bill and other industry developments.
The unknown cost of pre-97 indexation to DB schemes
Potential changes to the way the PPF’s compensation is calculated and paid could have an impact on its 7800 index and some schemes in its assessment period, as Nick Reeve reports.
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
In Depth: What TPR’s Annual Funding Statement tells us about endgame planning
A Christmas wishlist for the pensions industry
Outlook 2026: The changing face of DB endgame options
The unknown cost of pre-97 indexation to DB schemes
More defined benefit news
Guiide and Aon collaborate on DB member comms service
The service – dubbed ‘My Pension Planner’ – is primarily aimed at helping members understand their choices at retirement, but it can also demonstrate how their pension income can work alongside other savings and sources of income.
ACA chair calls for ‘fairer, more sustainable’ UK pensions system
Aon’s Chintan Gandhi has issued a rallying cry to the pensions industry as he takes over as chair of the Association of Consulting Actuaries, highlighting DC adequacy, DB surplus, collective DC and tax as priorities for the trade body.
Reality check for surplus release: PPI research shows limits of new policy
Funding resilience, scheme rules, fiduciary duty, and other factors could all restrict the ability or willingness of trustees to return surplus to employers or members, according to a new report.
Underwriter insures DB scheme with Canada Life in £36m deal
Professional trustee company Vidett led the deal, with Pensions Expert data indicating the firm is particularly active in the bulk annuity space.
Scandinavian airline secures DB scheme amid financial restructure
Insurance company Just Group has completed a buy-in worth £61.8m with a defined benefit pension scheme sponsored by Scandinavian Airlines System.
Bulk annuities latest: Insurance remains top option for most, finds Aon
Plus: Standard Life insures a subsidiary’s defined benefit pension scheme for £200m, while Just Group and Broadstone team up again for a sub-£5m transaction.
Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme trustees hail progress on surplus discussions
The trustees of the £10.5bn Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme have met with ministers to lobby for surplus rules to be brought in line with those for the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme.
Government must consult on future of £14bn PPF reserves, says SPP
What to do with PPF reserves?
Pro trustees to oversee two thirds of DB market in five years, report predicts
Isio’s survey finds that the 10 largest providers oversee more than 2,400 DB schemes and £1trn in assets – underscoring the ‘systemic importance’ of the sector as highlighted by the Pensions Regulator.
Bulk annuities update: Bakkavor’s buy-in; Canada Life launches member portal
Food manufacturing company Bakkavor has secured a £160m full scheme buy-in for its defined benefit pension scheme with Rothesay, just months after it was acquired.
Comment & opinion
Railpen: What does a member-first approach really mean?
2026-06-24T09:33:00+01:00
Better admin is the key to improving retirement outcomes
2026-06-17T13:30:00+01:00
From sewage to solvency: Lessons on covenant from a challenged water sector
2026-06-15T10:44:00+01:00
PPI: Beyond the Pension Schemes Act – now the real work starts
2026-05-27T09:00:00+01:00
Streamlining the risk transfer process: it’s harder than you might think
2026-05-11T10:00:00+01:00