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Latest news and analysis
Surplus release rules edge closer as DWP publishes consultation
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched its highly anticipated consultation on releasing surplus capital from overfunded defined benefit pension schemes, with rules slated to come into force next year.
Government cracks down on pension scams through overhaul of transfer rules
A targeted safeguard to end the alleged misuse of small self-administered schemes has been proposed, with the government citing average losses of £38,400 a person.
Always A Pensions Angle: The World Cup of Pensions
With the FIFA World Cup about to kick off in North America, Pensions Expert has joined forces with LAPF Investments through the Always A Pensions Angle podcast to find out which of the countries represented in the tournament can boast the ultimate retirement system.
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
Smaller pension schemes have traditionally struggled to access the insurance market, but significant changes have made bulk annuity transfers more compelling, as Bradley Gerrard reports.
‘Record’ buy-in pricing levels as insurer competition hots up
LCP research illustrates how competition among insurers is helping schemes of all sizes secure bulk annuities at record prices, while Broadstone and L&G have announced a £10m buy-in with a Devon-based property company’s DB scheme.
Trustees warn that TPR strategy must protect member voice
The Association of Member Nominated Trustees has broadly backed the direction of the regulator’s five-year strategy, but warned that consolidation, professionalisation and UK growth objectives must not weaken member representation or fiduciary duty.
PPI: Guided retirement could be ‘critical’ to improving member decisions
Guided retirement solutions could play a “critical” role in helping defined contribution savers make better decisions at retirement, but their success will depend on how well schemes understand their members, according to the Pensions Policy Institute.
First trustee ‘apprentices’ complete PMI accelerator programme
A quartet of trainee trustees have joined the board and sub-committees of the Standard Life Master Trust after completing the Pensions Management Institute’s Trustee Accelerator Programme.
Latest podcast
Always A Pensions Angle: Live from the LGPS Pooling Symposium
What does the Pension Schemes Act really mean for the Local Government Pension Scheme? And what didn’t make it in that we really should be paying attention to?
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Comment
Why pension transfers risk creating a two-tier system for savers
Pension transfers are in the news after recent communications from the Financial Conduct Authority and the Department for Work and Pensions. People’s Pension CEO Patrick Heath-Lay argues that transfers must be made clearer, not just faster.
TPR: Quality of service is a key part of the pensions value proposition
The Pensions Regulator’s Gaucho Rasmussen highlights the watchdog’s emphasis on administration standards and urges trustees to put this to the top of agendas.
IFoA: Trade-offs, risks, and choices for the Pensions Commission
Paul Sweeting, president of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, responds to the Pensions Commission’s interim report and highlights crucial areas for the commissioners to consider.
Mandation and pension scheme investment: what does it mean for trustees?
Despite months of lobbying, an investment mandation clause still made it into the Pension Schemes Act. Gavin Ellison of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson looks at what the new law says and what it means for master trusts.
Latest features
Always A Pensions Angle: The World Cup of Pensions
With the FIFA World Cup about to kick off in North America, Pensions Expert has joined forces with LAPF Investments through the Always A Pensions Angle podcast to find out which of the countries represented in the tournament can boast the ultimate retirement system.
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
Smaller pension schemes have traditionally struggled to access the insurance market, but significant changes have made bulk annuity transfers more compelling, as Bradley Gerrard reports.
In Depth: What TPR’s Annual Funding Statement tells us about endgame planning
Pensions Expert explores the latest Annual Funding Statement and gauges the industry reaction as attention turns to surplus release regulations, ahead of new rules expected next year.
Why we won’t see another pensions bill any time soon
The ink has barely dried on the finalised Pension Schemes Bill, but already attention is turning towards the next legislation that may hit the industry. Those hoping for more parliamentary action soon may be disappointed, writes Nick Reeve.
In Depth: How the Pension Schemes Act came to pass
As the ink dries on the Pension Schemes Act 2026, the industry is now preparing for the next stage: implementation. But how did we get here?
Always A Pensions Angle: The World Cup of Pensions
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
In Depth: What TPR’s Annual Funding Statement tells us about endgame planning
Why we won’t see another pensions bill any time soon
In Depth: How the Pension Schemes Act came to pass
Latest on Defined Benefit
Surplus release rules edge closer as DWP publishes consultation
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched its highly anticipated consultation on releasing surplus capital from overfunded defined benefit pension schemes, with rules slated to come into force next year.
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
Smaller pension schemes have traditionally struggled to access the insurance market, but significant changes have made bulk annuity transfers more compelling, as Bradley Gerrard reports.
‘Record’ buy-in pricing levels as insurer competition hots up
LCP research illustrates how competition among insurers is helping schemes of all sizes secure bulk annuities at record prices, while Broadstone and L&G have announced a £10m buy-in with a Devon-based property company’s DB scheme.
Guiide and Aon collaborate on DB member comms service
The service – dubbed ‘My Pension Planner’ – is primarily aimed at helping members understand their choices at retirement, but it can also demonstrate how their pension income can work alongside other savings and sources of income.
People news
First trustee ‘apprentices’ complete PMI accelerator programme
A quartet of trainee trustees have joined the board and sub-committees of the Standard Life Master Trust after completing the Pensions Management Institute’s Trustee Accelerator Programme.
Appointments: New chair for Brightwell; L&G and Zedra add senior leaders
The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 5 June 2026.
Hymans’ Cooper to lead Society of Pension Professionals
Calum Cooper succeeds Sophia Singleton as president of the SPP for a two-year term, beginning on 1 June.
Appointments: Fiveash to chair Pensions UK as trade body seeks refresh
The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 29 May 2026.
Latest videos from Pensions Expert
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Latest on Defined Contribution
PPI: Guided retirement could be ‘critical’ to improving member decisions
Guided retirement solutions could play a “critical” role in helping defined contribution savers make better decisions at retirement, but their success will depend on how well schemes understand their members, according to the Pensions Policy Institute.
First trustee ‘apprentices’ complete PMI accelerator programme
A quartet of trainee trustees have joined the board and sub-committees of the Standard Life Master Trust after completing the Pensions Management Institute’s Trustee Accelerator Programme.
Pensions UK: Retirement Living Standards show savers face ‘cliff edge’
Only 23% of workers will achieve a moderate retirement lifestyle with current contribution rates, according to Pensions UK research, building on its influential Retirement Living Standards.
Major master trusts collaborate to cut pension transfer times
Providers including Nest, the People’s Pension, Smart Pension, and Now Pension have established Pathfinder, a working group that will explore “practical ways to improve pension transfers”.
Latest on Dashboards
Always A Pensions Angle: Fit for the Future, Dashboards, and Retirement Living Standards
This week sees the podcast team looking at the LGPS, which has a little more time to get Fit for the Future as some important deadlines have been extended. There are also updates on dashboards, AI, and Retirement Living Standards.
Major master trusts collaborate to cut pension transfer times
Providers including Nest, the People’s Pension, Smart Pension, and Now Pension have established Pathfinder, a working group that will explore “practical ways to improve pension transfers”.
Dashboards update: Connection coverage reaches 85% as final deadlines approach
The Money and Pensions Service expects the MoneyHelper dashboard to become available to the general public during the 2027-28 financial year.
Dashboards: Public awareness needs significant work, research finds
Around 80% of adults surveyed by KPMG were not aware of the prospective introduction of pension dashboards. The research also found concerns about data security among potential users.
