Defined Benefit Pensions Conference 2026

Defined Benefit Pensions Conference 2026

26 March 2026 | 08:30 - 18:00

book now

Defined Benefit Pensions Conference 2026

This popular PMI event is focused on navigating the complexities and challenges within defined benefit schemes. Set against the backdrop of an ever-evolving financial landscape, the conference will provide a comprehensive exploration of critical topics shaping the pensions industry.

Industry experts and thought leaders will meet to discuss strategies for managing risks, optimising investment portfolios, and ensuring the sustainability of defined benefit pension schemes. Attendees can expect insightful sessions on regulatory updates, technological advancements and innovative solutions that impact pension fund management.

This conference is the ideal place to network and collaborate with peers to share best practices. With a keen emphasis on practical insights, the event also offers the opportunity for pension scheme trustees, investment managers, and advisers to stay abreast of the latest trends, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with defined benefit schemes.

Why attend?

  • Industry Insights: gain valuable knowledge about industry trends, regulatory updates, and emerging challenges in the DB pension space.
  • Networking: connect with pension professionals, fund managers, regulators and legal experts to share best practices and build professional relationships.
  • Expert speakers: learn from leading industry experts, thought leaders and policymakers who provide deep dives into relevant topics.
  • Risk Management: understand evolving strategies to manage funding deficits, longevity risk and investment volatility in defined benefit plans.
  • Professional Development: enhance your knowledge and skills, staying ahead in a rapidly evolving regulatory and financial landscape. Plus you can claim up to 7 CPD points.

  • icon

    Fees

    Members: Free
    Affiliate and Corporate members: £600 (+VAT)
    Non-members: £1200 (+VAT)
  • icon

    In person

    event
  • icon

    Speakers

    10+
  • icon

    CPD

    7

Event Details

THE BASICS

Topics of discussion:
  • Macro and regulatory outlook: how economic and regulatory pressures shape DB schemes.
  • Funding and risk strategy: exploring post-LDI funding approaches and long-term risk frameworks.
  • Covenant analysis: understanding sponsor strength beyond traditional financial metrics.
  • Endgame planning: preparing for buy-out, run-on or other outcomes.
  • Surplus use and legal strategy: guidance on surplus allocation.
  • Governance and board diversity: strengthening trustee decision-making through inclusive representation.
  • Consolidation and superfunds: identifying opportunities, risks and oversight considerations.
  • Data and dashboards: using quality data and pensions dashboards effectively.
  • Member engagement and communications: building trust and clarity for members.
  • Technology and efficiency: improving DB operations through digital tools and automation.
Who should attend:
  • Pension scheme managers
  • Trustees
  • Administrators
  • Policy advisers
  • Consultants 
  • Lawyers
  • Corporate IFAs
  • Investment managers 
  • Actuaries
  • Financial directors 
The venue

Schroders Solutions, 1 London Wall Place, EC2Y 5AU

1K4A2045

Agenda

Chairs
Duncan Buchanan FPMI - AM Chair
Duncan Buchanan FPMI - AM Chair
PMI
Non-executive Director
Andy Hunter EPMI - PM Chair
Andy Hunter EPMI - PM Chair
Equiniti
Learning Manager
08:30 - 09:00
Arrivals, registration and breakfast
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome from the chair
Duncan Buchanan FPMI - AM Chair
Duncan Buchanan FPMI - AM Chair
PMI
Non-executive Director
09:05 - 09:40
Opening keynote: DB in a changing world – macro trends, regulatory shifts and the future role of DB schemes
David Walmsley
David Walmsley
TPR
Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision

Join experts exploring how Defined Benefit (DB) schemes are adapting to global economic and regulatory change. Gain insights into the evolving role of DB in today’s pensions landscape and what it means for members and sponsors.

09:40 - 10:20
Funding strategies in a post-LDI landscape – lessons from recent volatility and evolving risk frameworks

Learn how schemes are reshaping funding strategies following recent Liability Driven Investment (LDI) challenges. Speakers will share key lessons from market volatility and showcase innovative approaches to managing long-term risk.

10:20 - 10:55
Covenant assessment beyond the balance sheet – understanding sponsor strength for long-term security

Explore practical ways to assess sponsor strength that go beyond financial statements. The session will highlight how a broader perspective supports sustainable schemes and long-term member outcomes.

10:55 - 11:25
Networking break

Refreshments and a chance to exchange insights with peers.

11:25 - 12:00
Endgame readiness – navigating risks, member outcomes and operational realities
Rob Mechem
Rob Mechem
Just Defined Benefits
Director of Commercial

This session explores the key considerations that shape endgame decisions, from understanding the risks involved to the preparation needed before you begin. We will look at common bottlenecks that can affect progress and discuss how schemes can plan for them with confidence.
You will also hear about emerging innovations and process improvements that are supporting schemes on their endgame journey. The session will consider the impact on members and highlight opportunities to enhance their experience while delivering better outcomes.

12:05 - 12:40
Breakout session: Navigating surplus – legal and strategic considerations for reallocation and member benefit

Gain clarity on managing scheme surpluses within the legal framework. Hear expert guidance on how surplus use can support strategic aims and potentially enhance member benefits.

12:05 - 12:40
Breakout session: Diversity on trustee boards – strengthening governance through inclusive representation

Explore how diversity drives stronger governance and more effective decision-making. This session will share practical steps to build inclusive trustee boards that better reflect scheme members.

12:40 - 13:40
Lunch and networking

Take a break to enjoy lunch and continue conversations from the morning.

13:40 - 14:15
DB consolidators – opportunities, risks and regulatory oversight
Nick Clapp
Nick Clapp
TPT Investment Management
Chief Commercial Officer / Managing Director
Andy Hunter EPMI
Andy Hunter EPMI
Equiniti
Learning Manager

Gain an informed view of the role of DB consolidators (superfunds). This session explores potential benefits, regulatory expectations, and what trustees should consider when making consolidation decisions.

 

14:20 - 14:55
Breakout session: Data quality and scheme governance – using data to strengthen decisions and member experience

Discover how accurate, high-quality data supports effective governance, ensures compliance, and enhances member outcomes. Practical examples will show how better data drives better decisions.

14:20 - 14:55
Breakout session: Pensions dashboards in practice: what DB schemes need to know as testing begins
Chris Curry
Chris Curry
Pensions Dashboards Programme
Principal

With user testing of the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard about to start and activity across the wider Pensions Dashboards Programme increasing in 2026, defined benefit (DB) schemes are moving from preparation into delivery. This breakout session will give trustees and scheme managers a clear, up-to-date view of where dashboards are heading and what the next phase means for your scheme.

14:55 - 15:20
Networking break

Refreshments and a chance to exchange insights with peers.

15:20 - 15:55
DB schemes and member communications – building trust, transparency and engagement
Alexa Mitterhuber
Alexa Mitterhuber
Standard Life
Director of Defined Benefit Solutions

Periods of change can be unsettling for members of defined benefit schemes. Clear, timely and well-judged communication plays a critical role in building trust, supporting understanding and maintaining confidence. This session explores how schemes can strengthen member engagement during times of transition, including buy-in and buyout, drawing on recent member insight research and practical experience from insurance-led transitions. It will highlight what members value most, where communication can make the greatest difference, and how a people-focused approach helps members feel informed and supported.

15:55 - 16:30
Technology and DB scheme efficiency – automation, dashboards and digital transformation
Hannah Blomfield EPMI
Hannah Blomfield EPMI
Intellica
Senior Client Manager

See how technology is driving efficiency across DB schemes. From automation tools to data dashboards, explore practical ways to streamline operations and enhance reporting.

16:30 - 17:00
The future of DB regulation

A reflective closing keynote exploring the changing health of defined benefit pensions, the evolving risk landscape, and how we can support the defined benefit system as it moves into its next phase.

17:00 - 18:00
Networking drinks reception

An informal reception to close the day, with the chance to connect with peers, speakers and sponsors over drinks.

Speakers

Andy Hunter EPMI
Andy Hunter EPMI
Equiniti
- Learning Manager
Alexa Mitterhuber
Alexa Mitterhuber
Standard Life
- Director of Defined Benefit Solutions

Alexa is a Director of Defined Benefit Solutions in Standard Life’s pension risk transfer team. She joined Standard Life in 2024, supporting prospective and existing clients with their de-risking objectives through the origination and execution of bulk annuity transactions. Alexa has worked in pensions for just over a decade, holding a number of previous roles across both pension insurance and pensions and investment consulting.

Chris Curry
Chris Curry
Pensions Dashboards Programme
- Principal

Chris Curry is Industry Principal of the Pensions Dashboards Programme at the Money and Pensions Service, alongside his role as Director of the Pensions Policy Institute. He co-chaired the 2017 DWP Auto-Enrolment Review, and holds degrees in Economics from the University of Warwick and Queen Mary, University of London.

David Walmsley
David Walmsley
TPR
- Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision

David is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion; serving as Deputy Chair of TPR’s EDI Steering Committee and a Public Sector Equality Duty champion.

He is Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision. A chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience spanning pensions regulation, financial analysis, and corporate restructuring. David has led on strategic transformation across defined benefit schemes, trusteeship, and administration and has played a key role in the development of policy and guidance, most recently, the new DB Funding Regs, Code and accompanying covenant guidance. David has played a significant role in TPR’s transformation.

Duncan Buchanan FPMI
Duncan Buchanan FPMI
PMI
- Non-executive Director

Duncan formerly a partner of Hogan Lovells is a non-executive director at Guiide (the online holistic retirement tool) and a trustee director of Sarcoma UK (the bone and soft tissue cancer charity). A Fellow of the PMI, Duncan also chairs the pensions sub committee at Yateley Industries for the Disabled.

Hannah Blomfield EPMI
Hannah Blomfield EPMI
Intellica
- Senior Client Manager

Hannah has more than 25 years of experience and 13 years of senior leadership in the pension industry with a focus on administration, systems, and data. Pertinently, she spent almost 3 years with the boutique insurer, Lucida, as a business analyst, gaining first-hand experience of the insurance side of de-risking solutions. She was involved with buy-ins at all stages, from pricing to transaction and beyond, including managing the post-transaction regular true-up process.

The following 8 years saw Hannah involved with major data management and transformation projects at ITM, some of which featured long-term partnerships with Capita. This also encompassed managing partnerships with Trustees and their administration teams, developing data strategies to achieve their long-term objectives. Some of these objectives were in relation to data and benefit remediation, whilst others were more focused on de-risking, enabling Hannah to gain an understanding of the complete de-risking journey.

Until recently, Hannah was the Senior Client Manager for UK administration clients at CEM Benchmarking, and although Hannah spent only 18 months there, this gave her the opportunity to work with RMPP to benchmark their administration services and member experience against other UK private and public sector pension schemes. This tenure has given her invaluable insight into how the RMPP administration services are delivered and their enduring objective to provide value to members.

Lawrence Phillips
Lawrence Phillips
Schroders Solutions
- Head of End Game Solutions

Lawrence is Head of Endgame Solutions within our Client Solutions team.
He started his career as an actuarial consultant and now specialises in advising on and implementing investment solutions for UK DB pension schemes, with a focus on ‘endgame’ objectives.
Lawrence leads the development of Schroders’ endgame proposition, whether that’s to design investment strategy to ensure safe transfer to an insurance company (buy-out), or to continue to run a pension scheme on, either in a ‘Low Dependency’ manner or to explicitly generate and distribute surplus.
Lawrence has over 18 years of experience in the pensions industry, covering traditional actuarial consulting, investment analytics and investment advisory services including Fiduciary Management.
He is a part qualified actuary and holds a BSc in Neuroscience and Physiology from the University of Bristol.

Nick Clapp
Nick Clapp
TPT Investment Management
- Chief Commercial Officer / Managing Director

Nick leads sales and marketing activity for all of TPT’s consolidation solutions, and also heads up TPT Investment Management, including the delivery of our fiduciary management capabilities.

He joined TPT in 2023, following eight years at Van Lanschot Kempen. Previously, he worked at Hymans Robertson and XPS, supporting large organisations with their DB and DC pension provision.

Rob Mechem
Rob Mechem
Just Defined Benefits
- Director of Commercial

Rob is the Director of Commercial for Just’s DB business. His team is responsible for business development, trustee relationships, reinsurance relationships and proposition development. Rob started his actuarial career in a small company and then qualified at Aviva where he worked on various actuarial roles for 13 years. He has been involved in bulk annuities since 2008, working on hundreds of transactions. He joined Just in 2014, leading the business development team. He qualified as an actuary in 2006.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support

Schroders Solutions
Schroders Solutions
Host
-
Intellica
Intellica
Silver Sponsor
-
Standard Life
Standard Life
Silver Sponsor
-
Just Group
Just Group
Insight Partner
-

Defined Benefit Pensions Conference 2025

Highlights