Pension Clicks

In this edition of Pension Clicks, we round up pensions developments – including on DB consolidation and GMP equalisation – in In Sight, ask whether auto-enrolment contributions are sufficient and explore how members feel as retirement grows close.

In Sight
Our quarterly summary of pensions issues looks at government consultations on DB consolidation and CDC schemes, as well as updates on equalising for GMPs and investment issues, and includes a round-up of other news.

Are auto-enrolment contributions sufficient?
Steven Leigh explores whether auto-enrolment policy is working, why earnings levels can affect people’s views, and how schemes and sponsors can take some simple steps to help members. First published in Professional Pensions.

Video: how do members feel as retirement gets close?
In our new series of short videos, we meet real members of DC schemes to find out how they are feeling about planning for retirement. Episode three asks them how they feel as retirement gets close.

Listen to our latest DC podcast: Ending up with enough
In this episode, we discuss contribution rates and target setting with Sophie Moore and Adam Hayes, looking at what schemes and members themselves could be doing to ensure they end up with enough pension at retirement.

What does our financial future hold?
Our lives are evolving at a rapid rate. We are living in a world of transparency, swift and unpredictable change, and technology that enables us to be globally accessible. Coupled with all these positive shifts, we are also living in a time of excessive debt and financial anguish – not least among our employees. This article, published by HRD Connect, looks at the findings from Aon’s latest research.

Climate change challenges
Our latest investment paper explores different climate change scenarios and assesses their impact on funding risk and asset allocation.

Magical mystery tour
The key areas of focus for the government in 2019 will almost certainly be the same as they were last year – Brexit, Brexit and Brexit. But the Pensions Minister insists that the government still has time for pensions, so what could be on the cards for DB schemes in the coming year? Ricky Marsh investigates in this article, first published in PMI News.

Aon podcasts: Retirement update
In this podcast, Victoria Panormo summarises key news from the last month and, along with Matthew Arends and Rhian Littlewood, looks in depth at the emergence of DB consolidators. What does a consolidator do and who are the current consolidators? What are the key considerations, and what does this solution mean for scheme members?

Aon’s Responsible Investment Quarterly Update
Read the latest from Aon’s Responsible Investment team, including information on current research and thought leadership.

Aon’s Responsible Investment Network – become a member
Our next meeting for Network members will focus on Putting Responsible Investment into Practice, and will be held in London on 21 February. Register to become a member and receive more details of this and future events.

Take part in an experiment! Institutional investors' decision-making project
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries are undertaking some sponsored research into the behavioural aspects of pension scheme decision-making, which Aon is supporting. The research aims to further expand our understanding of how pension schemes are invested and managed. You can read more about the initiative here. For every participant who completes this study, £10 will be given to a charity of your choice.

2019 Benefits and Trends Survey
Our Benefits and Trends Survey is now in its ninth year and again draws on the responses of 200+ participants across a broad range of sectors and company sizes. The findings include insights into DC pensions.

2019 Pension Conferences
‘This event has improved year on year and is a good opportunity to improve knowledge and make contacts with others in the industry’: pensions manager, 2018 delegate.

The first of the 2019 Conferences kicks off on 5 February and there is still time to register. This year the agenda takes attendees through the reasons behind changes in pensions over recent years, and considers how the right solutions, combined with strong performance, can make long-term objectives a reality. It is designed for trustees of pension schemes and pensions, HR and finance professionals who make decisions about their company’s pension scheme.

Week in Markets
A summary of market movements over the past week.

Aon in the press
This month we release the findings of our 2019 Benefits & Trends Survey.