For years there was a clear decision for defined benefit pension schemes: buy out or run-on. Now for many, especially the largest schemes, run-on has become the dominant end game strategy.

New research from Brightwell and mallowstreet suggests that shift is now firmly embedded. Decisions are more settled and funding confidence is higher. The challenge now though, is how to build resilient portfolios, manage long-term risks and deal with the increasingly sensitive question of surplus.

In the second episode of Pensions Unpacked series two, Georgie Frost is joined by Ally Georgieva, Head of Insight, mallowstreet, Paul Kitson Partner and UK Head of Pensions Consulting at EY and Chris Threagold, Business Development Manager, Brightwell.

Read the full report here: DB Endgame Report :: Brightwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the majority of defined benefit schemes now in surplus, it might be tempting to think the hard work is done. But Brightwell’s DB 2036 – Out of the Woods? report suggests the sector is entering a far more complex second act, one defined not by recovery, but by choice.

As schemes weigh up decisions that will shape outcomes for decades to come, the paths forward are diverging. While smaller schemes may still favour buy‑out or consolidation, larger, well‑funded schemes are increasingly exploring run‑on as a way to retain control and unlock long‑term value. But running on brings its own challenges - from governance and investment strategy to risk and member expectations.

In the first episode of Pensions Unpacked series two, Georgie is joined by Julie Aspinall, UK Pensions Director at Unilever, one of the senior figures interviewed for the report, alongside Alex Truscott, Business Development Manager at Brightwell, to unpack what this new phase really means for schemes.

Read the full report here: DB 2036 Report :: Brightwell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to pensions, Australia appears light years ahead. Universal, compulsory, preserved to retirement, and big professional funds investing for decades. It's caught the attention of policymakers here in the UK. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is eyeing consolidation and better value, taking cues from Australia as well as Canada and the Netherlands. But you can't copy and paste a pension system. So what can the UK sensibly borrow? What should we believe, and what does it mean for members?

In the final episode of Pensions Unpacked series one, Georgie is joined by Gregg McClymont, executive director of Public Affairs at IFM investors, and Denise Le Gal, a Canadian who's worked in the UK pensions and financial services industry for nearly 40 years.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.