Discount rates: The bumpy road to smoothing

Jack Jones looks at responses to the DWP consultation on smoothing discount rates

clock

Concerns over proposals to introduce smoothing into scheme valuations have been revealed by a Department for Work and Pensions call for evidence. Although some respondents welcome the plans, which are expected to feature in the Budget this month, many warned they would have a limited impact and reduce transparency.

Responses to the consultation stressed that, if smoothing is introduced, it would have to apply to assets and liabilities and schemes would have to be given the choice over whether or not to apply ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Pensions

Become a Professional Pensions Lite Member today

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis and opinion from the industry
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our two daily news alerts
  • Hear from industry experts and other forward-thinking leaders

Are you a trustee, investment consultant or in-house pension and benefit scheme professional? You can apply for full complimentary access here

Join now

 

Already a Professional Pensions
member?

Login

More on Defined Benefit

Majority of DB schemes considering surplus extraction, L&G finds

Majority of DB schemes considering surplus extraction, L&G finds

Firm said ‘thorough preparation’ is key for schemes intending to complete a PRT deal

Holly Roach
clock 31 March 2026 • 3 min read
Buyout 'falls away' as run-on becomes 'dominant' endgame option for large schemes

Buyout 'falls away' as run-on becomes 'dominant' endgame option for large schemes

Research shows 70% of the largest DB schemes targeting run-on compared to 4% targeting buyout

Holly Roach
clock 30 March 2026 • 2 min read
Tender Watch: Barnett Waddingham and PIC expand partnership

Tender Watch: Barnett Waddingham and PIC expand partnership

PIC takes on full administration services for two schemes ahead of buyout

Professional Pensions
clock 12 March 2026 • 1 min read
Trustpilot