Pension Clicks

In this edition of Pension Clicks, we summarise the proposed new powers for the Pensions Regulator, hear how employers can help DC members achieve a healthy financial future and explore ways to help employees improve their overall financial wellbeing.

Regulator powers to be extended
The DWP has published its response to last year’s consultation on ‘Protecting Defined Benefit Pension Schemes – a stronger Pensions Regulator’. Most of the additional powers proposed for the Regulator will be taken forward. Legislation will follow as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Listen to our latest DC podcast: Making it happen
In this episode we discuss making it happen: Victoria Panormo and Steven Leigh return to summarise the key takeaways from our DC Pension and Financial Wellbeing Member Survey and discuss how you can enable individuals to achieve a healthy financial future.

Retirement has changed: how to evolve financial wellbeing to keep pace
Employers can have a major influence on their employees’ retirement planning, which opens up huge opportunities to help employees improve their overall financial wellbeing. This guide, first published in HR Magazine, offers three key actions employers can take as a starting point.

GMP equalisation – 100 days later
3 February marked 100 days since the ruling in the Lloyds Bank GMP equalisation case, affecting thousands of UK DB pension schemes and millions of members. Aon’s Tom Yorath, an expert witness in the Lloyds case, shares his views on how the industry has moved forward since the judgment date. First published in Pensions Age.

Why diversify now?
In the current uncertain environment, we believe that diversification can both lower portfolio volatility and enhance return. In this note, we discuss why now is a good time to diversify away from traditional asset classes and propose some potential strategies and asset classes to help diversify portfolios.

Multi-asset investing roundtable
Markets have entered a new era and for some multi-asset investors it has proved a bumpy ride. In this Portfolio Institutional roundtable, Adrian Mitchell of Aon joins other industry experts to discuss the issues facing multi-asset investors.

Take part in the 2019 Global Pension Risk Survey
The 2019 Survey is now open – we would welcome all responses from scheme trustees, managers and anyone else responsible for DB scheme strategy. All respondents can enter a draw to win £100 in John Lewis vouchers.

Retirement podcast – March 2019
In our latest podcast, Victoria Panormo summarises key news from the last month. She is also joined by Aon’s Tony Pugh and Pan Trustees’ Managing Director Roger Mattingly to look in detail at master trusts; the authorisation process, the implications for members of schemes exiting the market and predictions for the future.

Responsible Investment newsletter
Our latest newsletter gives an update on the first meeting of our Responsible Investment Network, attended by over 200 people, as well as looking at climate change issues and other legislative and wider industry developments.

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 2019 Conferences continue through March and April 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 achieving long-term objectives a reality. It is designed for trustees of pension schemes, pensions professionals, and HR and finance professionals who make decisions about their company’s pension scheme.

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.

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

Another award win for Aon
On 28 February, Aon was named ‘Pension Consultancy of the Year’ at the 2019 Pensions Age awards. Congratulations to the team involved, and to all the other winners.

Aon in the press
This month, we say that the industry has to step up planning for GMP equalisation and warn schemes with ‘Brexit Day’ valuations that they should review their options.