DB schemes in £358bn surplus under 'more realistic' discount rate

Stephanie Baxter
clock • 2 min read

The UK's 5,945 defined benefit (DB) schemes have an overall funding ratio of 133% under realistic investment return assumptions, according to First Actuarial.

Despite much talk in the industry about deficits, the firm found they actually have an aggregate surplus of £358bn as of 30 September when looking at best estimate expected returns on the underlyin...

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

Budget 26: 'Every penny' of Mineworkers' scheme surplus to be paid back

Budget 26: 'Every penny' of Mineworkers' scheme surplus to be paid back

Chancellor’s commitment comes after last-minute doubts

Alex Levy
clock 28 October 2026 • 2 min read
Government could change course on paying back Mineworkers' surplus, say reports

Government could change course on paying back Mineworkers' surplus, say reports

However, ahead of the Budget campaigners remain optimistic

Alex Levy
clock 28 October 2026 • 2 min read
Partner Insight: What we share sets us apart

Partner Insight: What we share sets us apart

Rosie Fantom, Head of Pension Risk Transfer, explains how BPA Plus combines guaranteed security with the potential to share more value.

Rosie Fantom, Head of Pension Risk Transfer @ M&G
clock 28 October 2026 • 4 min read
Trustpilot