All Defined benefit articles
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NewsHealth 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.
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OpinionRailpen: What does a member-first approach really mean?
Nic Cromack, chief officer for member services at Railpen, explains how the pension scheme has overhauled its approach and continues to innovate to support members.
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NewsPrivate 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.
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NewsTrustees 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.
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NewsTrustees 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.
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NewsDC 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.
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OpinionBetter admin is the key to improving retirement outcomes
Rory Murphy, former chair of the Merchant Navy Officers’ Pension Fund, calls for urgent action to raise administration standards and stop members from being negatively impacted by poor practices.
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NewsDWP 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.
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OpinionFrom sewage to solvency: Lessons on covenant from a challenged water sector
Vidett’s Mike Birch analyses developments in the water sector and what they mean for trustees of schemes attached to water companies, with regulatory and political shifts potentially affecting covenant strength.
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In DepthIn Depth: Surplus release could be limited by governance needs, industry says
Guardrails included in the government’s surplus release proposals may limit the scope and frequency of payments, according to several consultants.
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NewsSurplus 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.
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FeaturesSpecial 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.
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News‘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.
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NewsGuiide 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.
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NewsACA 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.
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NewsReality 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.
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NewsUnderwriter 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.
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OpinionPPI: Beyond the Pension Schemes Act – now the real work starts
Chris Curry, Pensions Policy Institute It seems like much of the pensions world has spent the last 12 months engaging with and discussing the Pension Schemes Bill, which has now received Royal Assent and become the Pension Schemes Act 2026. Many of the policies enacted by the ...
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NewsScandinavian 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.
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NewsBulk 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.