The increase in outsourcing in DB pensions is well known, but in recent years we have seen DC schemes and the first CDC scheme in the UK benefit from whole portfolio solutions. This session will examine the overall trend and provide practical examples across both DC and CDC pensions.

With the barriers to investing in private markets continuing to diminish, these opportunities are becoming increasingly appealing for DC schemes. To fully leverage this potential, it is essential for schemes to understand how to construct a well-diversified portfolio in order to achieve higher risk-adjusted returns and strengthen resilience.

This session will address:

• The pros and cons of pension scheme investments to private markets
• How to bring private market investments into pension investment mix/ default options
• The risk factor of differing private market asset classes
• Strategies to adjust portfolios, optimising risk-adjusted returns and enhancing resilience
• Which private assets play a part at different points of the life cycle of DC investing
  

The retirement landscape is changing as the industry shifts from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans. Members now face increasing responsibility in the choices they make pre-retirement on how best to use their pensions. How, therefore, should trustees prepare to support members as they approach retirement and decumulation?

This session will address:

• What are member needs in retirement and how are they feeling as they approach retirement
• How the regulator wants trustees to support members at retirement
• What are the available decumulation or post-retirement investment frameworks, should lifestyling be the default?
• What technologies can aid decumulation and differing membership profiles approaching retirement
  

With the launch of Royal Mail’s CDC scheme in October 2024, and the government recently issuing a consultation on enabling multi-employer CDC structures, could this alternative pensions arrangement open up as a third choice? Join this session to delve into the details of CDC schemes and decide for yourself what you think of this alternate pensions arrangement.

This session will address:

• What does the future look like for CDC schemes
• What does CDC provide for members
• The pros and cons of CDC
• What CDC could look like for different schemes
  

In November 2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the creation of megafunds for LGPS pension schemes and minimum size requirements for multi-employer DC schemes. With consultations for the investment review recently having concluded, industry sentiment has been cast. It remains to be seen how the government will implement pension changes to attain its desired growth, this session will delve into the details to look out for after this announcement.

This session will address:

• What are the emerging conclusions from the consultations
• How will the proposed changes impact scheme design and member outcomes
• How will this affect the role of trustees
• What does this mean for the sector
  

DC pension schemes are experiencing multiple challenges, including lower member contributions, employer reductions, postponed retirements, less-than-ideal investment returns, and a growing demand for flexible pension access. Therefore, how can we support members to make sure that they save for an adequate pension and a first-rate retirement.

This session will address:

• What are the key problem areas for member finances in later life
• Strategies for schemes to support members prioritising and understanding the impact of pension contributions
• How to influence good outcomes for savers
• Guidance for schemes advising members balancing short term needs with retirement goals