Risk Reduction

Deferred members dominate the DB universe but the high cost of insuring them makes bulk annuities out of reach for many schemes, even more so since the introduction of Solvency II. Kristian Brunt-Seymour explores what schemes can do.

The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has published its latest restructuring principles and guidance for insolvency professionals.

Structural imbalances in the gilts market have worsened since the central bank's QE programme faced major setbacks. Supply is squeezed and prices are distorted, pushing down yields yet again. Stephanie Baxter asks if we should be worried.

The combined defined benefit (DB) deficit has reached another all-time high on the back of further gilt yield falls following setbacks in the central bank's bond buying programme.

The British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) trustee has shown the government "compelling evidence", arguing it can pay modified benefits indefinitely on a low risk basis outside the lifeboat fund.

Scottish Power has completed a longevity swap with Abbey Life to hedge £1bn of liabilities, covering 4,000 pensioners in the Manweb section of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme.

As deficits soared following the Bank of England's rate cut and stimulus package, the future for DB looks even more challenging. A major re-think is needed to avert a pensions crisis, writes Stephanie Baxter

Amec Foster Wheeler has merged its two main defined benefit (DB) schemes into a defined contribution (DC) arrangement after closing the biggest fund to future accrual.

Defined benefit (DB) pension schemes could have access to much-needed cash flow through a short-term equivalent of a buy-in service, according to PwC.

Defined benefit (DB) deficits at FTSE350 companies have swelled by £34bn since 2010 despite £15bn being paid into them annually.