Defined Benefit
My concerns over DB data and dashboard
Paul McGlone says let's start with the basics, re-unite members with their DB schemes, and provide some very basic information
TPR quizzed on engagement with 'parlous' Railways Pensions Scheme
MPs have written to The Pensions Regulator (TPR) about its engagement with the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) amid concerns over the scheme's future funding.
Two-thirds of schemes take protective steps against Brexit
Just under two-thirds of trustees have taken action to prepare for the impact of any Brexit outcome on their sponsor covenant and investments, Hymans Robertson research finds.
Teachers' scheme gets £940m funding boost but universities miss out
The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) will be given £940m of government funding in an aim to ensure it remains "among the most generous in the country".
PPF publishes three-year plan to manage volatility and boost member satisfaction
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has published its first three-year strategic plan in a bid to provide more thematic and transparent thinking about its longer-term thinking.
Business as usual for Debenhams' schemes after sponsor administration
Debenhams' defined benefit (DB) pension schemes will be "carrying on as usual" despite the department store chain falling into administration, the trustees have confirmed.
DB funding - March 2019: Bond yields cause significant drop in funding levels
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the March 2019 estimates on the various measures…
A bulk annuity market innovation for small schemes
The challenges for small pension funds to buy out their liabilities are well-known. A solution has emerged and is set to become popular across the DB universe, writes Stephanie Baxter
Over £1trn of UK pension liabilities now hedged
Nearly 2,500 DB schemes are now using LDI to hedge their liabilities, XPS Pensions finds. James Phillips looks at the increased use of the product over 2018.
Next steps for DB master trusts
The government has set out initial thoughts on the criteria for DB master trusts to be accredited. James Phillips looks at the details
We should welcome TPR's involvement in the LGPS
John Gray predicts teething problems ahead and says regulation will result in a cultural shock for some schemes
PPF makes first top-up payments after ECJ ruling
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has begun issuing top-ups to the benefits of members affected by the compensation cap after last year's landmark court ruling.
ECJ set to reject historic Safeway pension age equalisation
A historic bid to equalise normal pension ages (NPAs) in the Safeway Pension Scheme should be quashed, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has been advised.
DB deficits 'could rise by £100bn' with new funding code, predicts KPMG
A revised funding code for defined benefit (DB) schemes could have a £100bn impact on pension schemes and employers when published, KPMG analysis has found.
Striving for a more certain world
At the recent Risk Reduction Forum, hosted by Professional Pensions, Schroders' Hannah Simons discussed how cashflow driven investment can provide greater confidence of achieving a strategic goal
UTV to close pension scheme; Unions demand compensation for members
UTV - the Ulster-based subsidiary of ITV - is planning to close its pension scheme to future accrual in a move it says is necessary to be fair to all employees.
'We need to talk': How mediation could help save troubled pensions relationships
Rory Murphy says a bona fide mediation process could provide valuable evidence of reasonableness for trustee and employer alike
GMP equalisation to 'cost half as much as expected'
The cost of equalising guaranteed minimum pensions (GMPs) has been revised down by around £7bn, nearly half that of an initial £15bn estimate.
Trustees 'could miss chance' to boost member security from lack of superfund awareness
Three in five trustees have not heard of Clara Pensions, one of two defined benefit (DB) consolidators to have launched since last year's government white paper.
Employer covenant is top risk facing DB schemes amid Brexit concerns, finds PTL
Concern about the potential impact on employer covenants has been rated the top risk for defined benefit (DB) schemes, according to a PTL survey.
Dispelling myths around short-term investing
Kerrin Rosenberg says DB schemes can't afford to suffer lousy returns over the short term and make it all back in 10 to 15 years' time, because many of the assets will be gone.
Interserve schemes saved after sponsor pre-pack
Interserve's numerous defined benefit (DB) schemes have retained a sponsor link after the company entered into administration and was sold.
DB deficit falls £14.5bn over February, says PPF
The combined funding level of the UK's 5,450 defined benefit (DB) schemes increased by 90 basis points (bps) over February, latest Pension Protection Fund (PPF) data shows.
TPR not pursuing further investigation into Johnston Press following administration
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) will not conduct any further investigation into Johnston Press after its defined benefit (DB) scheme was pushed into Pension Protection Fund (PPF) assessment last year.
