Mercer
Mercer urges government and HMRC to clarify GMP equalisation guidance
The government must work with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the wider industry to clarify GMP equalisation uncertainties, Mercer says.
DB funding - December 2020: Deficit up £76bn over 2020, says PPF
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the December 2020 estimates on the various measures…
Northern Gas Networks agrees £385m buy-in with L&G; Risk transfer market busy despite Covid and set to top £60bn in 2021
The Northern Gas Networks Pension Scheme has agreed a £385m pensioner buy-in with Legal & General (L&G).
DB funding - November 2020: Deficit plummets by £47bn in positive month for markets
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the November 2020 estimates on the various measures…
Mercer rolls out climate transition solution to help investors move to 1.5 degrees
Mercer has introduced analytics and advice to help investors move their portfolios in line with the Paris Agreement's aim to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.
DB funding - October 2020: Small rise in PPF 7800 deficit as second Covid-19 wave sets in
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the October 2020 estimates on the various measures…
Schemes must meet three gateway principles for superfund transfers
Pension scheme trustees and sponsors should only seek to transfer members’ benefits to a defined benefit (DB) consolidator if there is no “realistic prospect of buyout in the foreseeable future”, The Pensions Regulator (TPR) says.
UK pensions system flops in global rankings; Covid-19 puts flaws 'in sharp focus'
The UK has continued to struggle against its peers in an international analysis of pension systems due to continuing concerns over adequacy and sustainability.
Bulk annuities: Optimise the inputs to improve the outcome
Much like when selling a house, DB plans need to tidy up before approaching the bulk annuity market, says David Ellis.
DB funding - September 2020: PPF 7800 records £26bn deficit increase
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the September 2020 estimates on the various measures…
PP Rising Star Awards - The Winners
Here they are – the winners of the second annual Professional Pensions Rising Star Awards...
Border to Coast names four managers for £2.7bn multi-asset fund
Four managers have been appointed to run the multi-asset credit (MAC) fund of the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week’s top stories include findings from PwC that pensions schemes have been “shoehorned” into valuing liabilities against gilts, while Mercer launched a defined benefit master trust.
Mercer launches DB master trust as scheme pressures grow
Mercer has launched a defined benefit (DB) master trust in a bid to offer a “best-in-class solution” that recognises the shrinking universe.
UK investment consultants form joint working group on sustainability
A dozen UK investment consulting firms have established a group aiming to improve sustainable investment practices across the investment industry.
DB funding - August 2020: Strong markets return £59bn deficit reduction
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the August 2020 estimates on the various measures…
Third way needed in DB funding code; 'Evolution not revolution' urged on covenant
Oversimplification must be avoided in The Pensions Regulator’s (TPR) proposed revision of the defined benefit (DB) scheme funding code, and a third way might be necessary, the industry has said.
2020 may be a 'blip' for bulk annuity volumes
This year might prove to be a blip in the growth of the bulk annuity market despite volumes trending towards £25bn, according to Mercer.
Marathon Service scheme agrees £610m full buy-in with Rothesay Life
The Marathon Service (GB) Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme has completed a £610m full buy-in with Rothesay Life, covering the benefits of more than 1,400 members.
Climate change action among schemes surges four-fold
European pensions funds’ awareness of, and desire for, action on climate change related investment risk has surged, Mercer says.
Littlewoods scheme completes £930m buy-in with Rothesay Life
The Littlewoods Pensions Scheme has completed a buy-in covering just under £930m of around 6,500 members’ benefits with Rothesay Life, the majority of which relate to deferred members.
DB funding - July 2020: PPF 7800 deficit grows another 14%
Every month, several firms issue trackers of the aggregate defined benefit (DB) scheme funding position. See here for the July 2020 estimates on the various measures…
Market growing for longevity swaps for deferred members
Longevity swap usage is expected to grow further as more reinsurers enter the market to hedge the risk of deferred members, according to Mercer.
Premaberg scheme agrees £5m buy-in deal with Just Group
The Premaberg Holdings Limited Retirement Benefits Plan has agreed a £5m buy-in transaction with Just Group.