From thought leadership to technical pieces, knowledge hub keeps our members and pensions professionals up to date with the recent developments in the industry.
To what extent will an increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) improve member outcomes?
Changes made in 2018 to the Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations 2005 required that pension scheme trustees outline their ESG policy in their Statement of Investment Principles (‘SIP’). The European Union later introduced the Shareholder Rights Directive II which has necessitated further disclosures since October 2020¹. Pension schemes are not the only entities affected by ESG reporting as companies are required to make reports in accordance with the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’). The Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) also recommends that public interest entities report against the disclosures of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (‘SASB’)². It is clear that there is an increased focus on ESG principles. Appropriately implemented, ESG policies can improve outcomes for members - both as employees and as pension scheme beneficiaries.
Global assets under management are expected to top $145.4 trillion by 2025 according to PWC – 15% of which will be in private markets. Pension funds will be a significant owner of part of these assets. Whilst Pension Fund Trustees have an ultimate legal obligation to deliver the best realistic net risk adjusted returns to deliver defined benefit (DB) pensions, or to optimise defined contribution (DC) members’ outcomes, they also have the opportunity to make a real difference to humanity, society and the world we live in.
What benefits could be realised by further diversifying trustee boards and other governance bodies in pensions (eg. IGCs)? What steps can be taken by the next generation of pensions professionals and the industry as a whole to improve diversity in this area?
What benefits could be realised by further diversifying trustee boards and other governance bodies in pensions (eg. IGCs)? What steps can be taken by the next generation of pensions professionals and the industry as a whole to improve diversity in this area?
To what extent will an increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) improve member outcomes?
Changes made in 2018 to the Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations 2005 required that pension scheme trustees outline their ESG policy in their Statement of Investment Principles (‘SIP’). The European Union later introduced the Shareholder Rights Directive II which has necessitated further disclosures since October 2020¹. Pension schemes are not the only entities affected by ESG reporting as companies are required to make reports in accordance with the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’). The Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) also recommends that public interest entities report against the disclosures of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (‘SASB’)². It is clear that there is an increased focus on ESG principles. Appropriately implemented, ESG policies can improve outcomes for members - both as employees and as pension scheme beneficiaries.
Global assets under management are expected to top $145.4 trillion by 2025 according to PWC – 15% of which will be in private markets. Pension funds will be a significant owner of part of these assets. Whilst Pension Fund Trustees have an ultimate legal obligation to deliver the best realistic net risk adjusted returns to deliver defined benefit (DB) pensions, or to optimise defined contribution (DC) members’ outcomes, they also have the opportunity to make a real difference to humanity, society and the world we live in.
