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Latest DB news
Trustees must be in control of surplus decisions, trade bodies argue
Organisations representing member-nominated and professional trustees have emphasised the importance of independence during surplus decisions for defined benefit pension schemes.
Schemes keeping surplus release options open as rulebook debated, Aon finds
More than three-quarters of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes’ trustee boards and sponsoring employers have yet to agree on how surplus will be shared once the new rules come into force next year.
DB surplus release rules need refinement, industry tells government
With the government’s consultation on draft rules closing next week, providers and trade bodies have been forthright in their views on the plans, with many changes urged to ensure fairness and mitigate conflicts of interest.
How is AI being used across pension schemes’ supply chains?
Pension schemes need a clearer picture of where artificial intelligence is being used across their operations and supply chains as adoption accelerates, according to technology firm Penfold.
Bulk annuities news in association with Canada Life
Unions take Civil Service pension insourcing campaign to Downing Street
The Prospect and Public and Commercial Services unions are petitioning the government to name a responsible minister and bring the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme in-house.
SPP calls for surplus rules to support regular payments from DB schemes
The current wording of draft rules is skewed towards one-off payments and could make it difficult for schemes that want to ‘run on’ and make regular payouts, according to the SPP.
Standard Life secures £2bn capital backing to expand bulk annuity business
Standard Life is targeting larger bulk annuity deals with £2bn of expanded capacity through a partnership deal with several major financial services groups.
Isio acquires Trafalgar House to expand core admin functions
The significant acquisition is due to complete at the end of August, with Trafalgar House’s administration team joining the existing function led by Kevin Howard.
Features and analysis
Sizing up the challenge: Managing the transition from buy-in to buyout
Insurers and consultants are confident about their ability to handle the high volume of bulk annuity deals, but juggling demand for resources as schemes transition from buy-in to buyout could be tricky, as Bradley Gerrard reports.
Inside the deal: How collaboration helped Mercer’s master trust seal a triple buy-in
As the derisking options for small defined benefit pension schemes increase, experts from Stephenson Harwood and Mercer share insights on how pooled arrangements have been able to secure insurance deals for some of the smallest clients.
Keep on running: How will endgame options affect the bulk annuity market?
With appetite for ‘run on’ and other alternative endgame solutions on the rise, will there be a knock-on effect on the bulk annuity market? Jon Yarker reports.
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.
Sizing up the challenge: Managing the transition from buy-in to buyout
Inside the deal: How collaboration helped Mercer’s master trust seal a triple buy-in
Keep on running: How will endgame options affect the bulk annuity market?
Special report: Why the big deal about small bulk annuity transactions?
In Depth: What TPR’s Annual Funding Statement tells us about endgame planning
More defined benefit news
Warning against ‘drift risk’ as half of schemes yet to set funding target
Trustees expect to reach their endgame objectives within about six to nine years, according to new research from Barnett Waddingham, but half have yet to set a formal funding target.
Geopolitical risk a key reason behind DB sponsor weakness, research shows
Military action by the US and Israel across the Middle East region has contributed to multiple profit warnings issued by listed companies with DB pension schemes, new data indicates.
Single pensioners drive rise in retirement poverty, LCP finds
Pensioner poverty has risen steadily since 2012-13, driven largely by worsening outcomes among single retirees, with women making up two-thirds of single pensioners in poverty, according to LCP.
Bulk annuities: Two royal societies secure buy-ins for DB schemes
The Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry have both announced separate bulk annuity deals this week, securing benefits for more than 700 people through buy-ins.
Trustees urged to clarify surplus ownership as corporates focus more on DB schemes
Stakeholders should discuss access to surplus ahead of new rules, Hymans Robertson says, as IGG research indicates corporates are spending more time discussing pensions now schemes are overfunded.
Why pension schemes could be ‘failing’ members outside of the office
Pension schemes need to do more to engage with people who do not typically work at a desk, according to new research from Quietroom.
Small scheme market for buy-ins remains strong as large deals return
The market for small pension scheme buy-ins remains robust even as larger deals are being announced, according to consultancy firm Quantum Advisory.
TPR warns plumbing companies after taking action on section 75 debt
The Pensions Regulator issued warning notices and fined an accountant in its efforts to secure a section 75 debt payment from a company exiting the £1.2bn Plumbing & Mechanical Services Industry Pension Scheme.
Bulk annuity market competition could push PPF liabilities down further
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) is consulting on changes to its liability valuation methods in light of increased competition in the bulk annuity market.
WTW opens up longevity swap market to sub-£1bn pension schemes
WTW said its new service, known as Longevity Stream, aimed to make hedging life expectancy risks “more accessible, efficient and cost-effective”.
Comment & opinion
Surplus is not a windfall – it is a governance test
2026-08-10T09:42:00+01:00
Railpen: What does a member-first approach really mean?
2026-06-24T09:33:00+01:00
Better admin is the key to improving retirement outcomes
2026-06-17T13:30:00+01:00
From sewage to solvency: Lessons on covenant from a challenged water sector
2026-06-15T10:44:00+01:00
PPI: Beyond the Pension Schemes Act – now the real work starts
2026-05-27T09:00:00+01:00