All Defined benefit articles – Page 2
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In DepthIn Depth: The battle for pre-1997 indexation [updated]
Pensions Expert explores the debates around pre-97 indexation and how the Pension Protection Fund could use its reserves to support affected pensioners – if the government allows it.
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People NewsUSS boosts senior team with general counsel and finance director hires
The UK’s biggest private sector pension scheme has hired the deputy CEO of NOW Pensions as its new group general counsel, as well as the chief financial officer of private bank Brown Shipley.
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NewsEndgame options driving fiduciary management’s ‘evolution’, report shows
Large outsourcing agreements are helping to offset the pipeline of DB pension schemes heading for buyout, according to Quantum Advisory, as trustees weigh up more endgame options.
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OpinionThe Friday Takeaway: Bulk annuities and big numbers
Journalists love big numbers. We love being able to tempt readers in with talk of billions of pounds changing hands in big transactions. Credit: Linda Bestwick/Shutterstock For pensions journalists, a guaranteed source of headline-grabbing numbers over the past few years has been the bulk annuity market. Whether ...
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NewsBP enters bulk annuity market through £1.6bn buy-in with L&G
The oil giant’s £18.6bn pension scheme has completed its first-ever buy-in, marking one of the biggest transactions of 2025 to be announced so far.
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NewsBulk annuities latest: Deals for Standard Life, Aviva, L&G
As competition in the bulk annuity market heats up, Standard Life has insured a flooring company’s DB scheme, while Aviva has taken on Portakabin’s retirement fund and L&G has insured a charity’s pension fund.
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NewsPRA concerns could affect bulk annuity pricing and capacity, says LCP
The regulator’s ongoing work on a niche sector of the insurance market could affect how bulk annuity transactions are priced and structured in the future.
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OpinionRailpen: The role of open DB schemes in pensions adequacy
Railpen’s Tim Miller says the resilience of open defined benefit schemes shows that they need to be a part of the Pensions Commission’s thinking on retirement income adequacy, in the latest open letter in our series.
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NewsPPF confirms main levy bill of zero for 2025-26
he Pension Protection Fund will not charge a scheme-based or risk-based levy in 2025-26, it has confirmed, as the Pension Schemes Bill brings in new flexibilities.
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NewsThe pension fund that put its own sponsor into administration
Pensions Expert uncovers the unusual case of Biwater, recently wound up by the court at the request of the trustees of its defined benefit pension scheme in order to access PPF protection for members.
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NewsLawyers call for more guidance on Virgin Media ruling effects
Speakers at an SPP webinar say additional guidance on section 37 cases is needed despite the government’s pledge to mitigate the effects of the Virgin Media ruling through amendments to the Pension Schemes Bill.
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NewsDB Funding Code one year on: Aon flags challenges for trustee boards
Exactly a year after the Pensions Regulator’s Defined Benefit Funding Code came into force, Aon says the “baseline for funding standards has been raised”.
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NewsBulk annuities latest: Aviva insures department store chain’s DB scheme
Plus, Just Group insures Welcome Break’s pension scheme and the DB scheme connected to defence technology firm Ultra Electronics.
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NewsTPR: DB schemes must embrace opportunities of Pension Schemes Bill
Speaking at the Pensions Expert DB Strategic Summit this week, TPR’s David Walmsley urged delegates to embrace the opportunities of reforms currently being developed, including through the Pension Schemes Bill.
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OpinionRaising professional trustee standards as TPR plans oversight
Andy Boorman, a professional trustee and member of the Society of Pension Professionals, explains the importance of the regulator’s work on trusteeship and the need for high standards of professionalism and independence.
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NewsHandful of providers dominate professional trustee market, data shows
LCP’s annual survey of professional trustees shows a maturing sector with growth slowing amid regulatory scrutiny.
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NewsBell pledges to scrap PPF admin levy through Pension Schemes Bill
Pensions minister Torsten Bell has pledged to abolish the Pension Protection Fund’s administration levy after an industry campaign against the charge.
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NewsMajority of DB schemes ‘need covenant work’ before surplus can be released
Covenant experts say pension fund trustee boards must ensure their sponsor covenant information reflects their surplus position and is appropriate to support any future surplus release decisions.
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OpinionThe Friday Takeaway: Pay your pensions administrator some attention!
With Pension Awareness Week upon us, Nick Reeve looks at a crucial part of the pensions industry that is finally getting the positive attention it needs.
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NewsTrustees to shoulder more responsibility for admin improvements, TPR says
The regulator has published a report based on 12 months of engagement with leading administrators and set out areas of strength and challenges that need addressing.