From thought leadership to technical pieces, knowledge hub keeps our members and pensions professionals up to date with the recent developments in the industry.
Cashflows, investment return, and risk management: how to juggle your needs without dropping the ball
The impact of COVID-19 means pension scheme funding levels have fallen, covenants have deteriorated, and liquidity requirements have increased. So, schemes need return, risk management and cash more than ever. Some investment strategies force trustees to choose between these competing needs. But meeting cashflow, return and risk objectives needn’t be a juggling act. In fact, combining segregated LDI with CDI is available today, irrespective of client size, simply as a smarter investment solution.
Don’t de-risk for the sake of it: the role of covenant in setting journey plans
High profile pension scandals and insolvencies, increasing select committee focus, and years of guidance from the Pensions Regulator (TPR) all point towards a regime of increased prudence in Defined Benefit (DB) pensions strategies. This new regulatory paradigm was meant to become reality in 2020 with a new funding Code of Practice from TPR backed up by increased powers from the Pension Schemes Bill. But the COVID-19 pandemic is now putting the industry in a difficult position.
Is the balance of power over scheme investment changing?
Trustees control investment strategy. That has always been a key factor in trustee-employer negotiations. Whilst trustees have to consult the employer about the contents of the Statement of Investment Principles (SIP), they do not have to agree investment matters with the employer. In fact, legislation currently states that investment powers cannot be restricted by requiring employer consent. But is that all about to change?
Earlier this year, the Government and the UK Statistics Authority (the UKSA) launched a consultation on proposals to address the ‘shortcomings’ in the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Responses to the consultation can be submitted until 21 August 2020, following an extension in light of COVID-19.
The Pension Schemes Bill 2020: clause 107 are we right to be concerned?
A survey of our members revealed that 80% are concerned about the proposed criminal offences contained in section 107 of the Pension Schemes Bill. The survey also identified a small number of members who expressed a degree of unfamiliarity as to what Section 107 will mean in practice and this note includes a high level summary of the offences.
Cashflows, investment return, and risk management: how to juggle your needs without dropping the ball
The impact of COVID-19 means pension scheme funding levels have fallen, covenants have deteriorated, and liquidity requirements have increased. So, schemes need return, risk management and cash more than ever. Some investment strategies force trustees to choose between these competing needs. But meeting cashflow, return and risk objectives needn’t be a juggling act. In fact, combining segregated LDI with CDI is available today, irrespective of client size, simply as a smarter investment solution.
Earlier this year, the Government and the UK Statistics Authority (the UKSA) launched a consultation on proposals to address the ‘shortcomings’ in the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Responses to the consultation can be submitted until 21 August 2020, following an extension in light of COVID-19.
Don’t de-risk for the sake of it: the role of covenant in setting journey plans
High profile pension scandals and insolvencies, increasing select committee focus, and years of guidance from the Pensions Regulator (TPR) all point towards a regime of increased prudence in Defined Benefit (DB) pensions strategies. This new regulatory paradigm was meant to become reality in 2020 with a new funding Code of Practice from TPR backed up by increased powers from the Pension Schemes Bill. But the COVID-19 pandemic is now putting the industry in a difficult position.
The Pension Schemes Bill 2020: clause 107 are we right to be concerned?
A survey of our members revealed that 80% are concerned about the proposed criminal offences contained in section 107 of the Pension Schemes Bill. The survey also identified a small number of members who expressed a degree of unfamiliarity as to what Section 107 will mean in practice and this note includes a high level summary of the offences.
Is the balance of power over scheme investment changing?
Trustees control investment strategy. That has always been a key factor in trustee-employer negotiations. Whilst trustees have to consult the employer about the contents of the Statement of Investment Principles (SIP), they do not have to agree investment matters with the employer. In fact, legislation currently states that investment powers cannot be restricted by requiring employer consent. But is that all about to change?
