Many DB schemes are now well-funded and have a real choice as to whether to run-on for a period or move to insurance. Coupled with this, significant new developments in the past 12 months across the buy-in market, superfunds, and run-on options mean decisions around endgame strategy are evolving for many schemes. The Government is shortly set to announce the details for how businesses will be given greater access to the £160bn of surplus assets in DB pension schemes which could have far reaching consequences for many schemes.

In this session we will cover:

• What is the government proposing to change to the rules on surpluses?
• What could this mean for schemes looking at run-on strategies?
• How competitive is the buy-in market and does it provide value for money?
• Will superfunds become a more mainstream endgame option?
• What does this mean for members and which option is best for them?

2024 saw 3 insurers enter the bulk annuity market. As more schemes are contemplating their endgame options it is important to familiarise yourself with these new entrants and whether they are a viable option when compared with the established players.

This session will address:

• An overview of the new insurers including how and why they have entered the market
• What questions should you ask these insurers and what to look out for
• How to judge them if they have no track record
• What impact have these arrivals had on the risk transfer market
  

• Consider the map of Endgame options and decide which is right for your scheme
• Discover how to manage investments on the way into your endgame using a fiduciary manager
• Learn expert tips on navigating a buyout
• Find out how other endgame options work
  

The Gilts crisis in the autumn of 2022 had a significant impact on the funding levels of DB pension schemes, heralding in the era of surpluses. But recent revisions of industry numbers have highlighted inaccuracies of funding level data reported over that period. In this session we will look at the impact of the revisions and how they are reflected across the funding levels of the industry. Finally, we will discuss how capital backed journey plans are ideally placed to support schemes in all stages of their journey to their end games.

This session will address:

• The reported impact of the 2022 Gilts crisis on DB pension schemes
• Analysis of the revised data on DB funding levels
• How capital backed journey plans can support all stages of schemes’ journeys to their end games

The bulk annuity market has remained active, and with scheme funding continuing to improve, this momentum shows no sign of slowing down. It is essential for pension professionals to understand the key considerations in the risk transfer process and to effectively manage the associated risks to achieve the best possible outcomes for members.

This session will address:

• An overview of the current bulk annuity market including demand and supply dynamics
• What are insurers looking for from schemes in their endgame preparation
• How best to engage with the market and insurers
• What are the crucial steps in the lead up to risk transfer to best position your scheme
• How to navigate this journey as a smaller scheme, what streamlined services support smaller schemes

With the government’s recent announcement demonstrating its clear intent to unlock DB surpluses, questions around how best to use surplus productively to unlock value for both schemes and members are more relevant now than ever.

This session will address:

• How to invest surplus productively for portfolios aiming for longer term run-on
• How can surplus be extracted
• How can this benefit both the member and sponsor