Join us for a compelling opening session exploring the FCA’s evolving regulatory approach to pensions investment, with insights on how its priorities align with the broader push for value, innovation, and long-term outcomes. We’ll also examine the growing role of ‘sophisticated scale’—how schemes and providers can leverage consolidation, governance, and data to unlock access to a wider range of assets and improve member outcomes. This session sets the tone for a day of strategic discussion on regulation, resilience, and redefining investment ambition in UK pensions.

As economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and market realignments continue to shape the global landscape, how should pension investors respond? This session brings together leading economists and strategists to assess the current global situation and unpack its implications for long-term investment. From inflation and interest rates to political instability and regional power shifts, we’ll explore what lies ahead and where the real risks, and opportunities, exist for UK pension portfolios. Gain critical insight into how schemes can build resilience and position themselves for a rapidly changing world.

Private markets continue to offer attractive long-term opportunities for pension schemes seeking diversification, resilience, and enhanced returns. In this session, we explore the evolving landscape of private market investing through the lens of Future Growth Capital (FGC), the independent private markets solutions business. Discover how FGC is supporting schemes, large and small, in accessing high-quality, scalable private market opportunities. From infrastructure to growth equity, we’ll discuss where the value lies, what good governance looks like, and how schemes can overcome barriers to entry while aligning with long-term member outcomes.

Henry Corrigan

Mayer Brown

Associate

Hosted by Mayer Brown, this session explores the evolving legal landscape shaping UK pension investment. As regulatory expectations, ESG considerations, and investment innovation continue to develop, are we witnessing a shift in how fiduciary duty is understood and applied? Legal experts will examine the latest opinions and case law influencing trustee decision-making, risk management, and the scope of investment responsibilities. This session will provide essential clarity on what trustees can, should, and must consider when navigating complex investment choices in a changing world.

With defined benefit schemes increasingly focused on their end-game, whether buy-out, run-off, or consolidation, investment strategy must be tailored to fit the destination. This session explores how strategic asset allocation, risk management, and liquidity planning shift depending on a scheme’s long-term objective. We’ll examine the evolving role of illiquid assets in DB portfolios, and how trustees should adapt their monitoring and governance approaches as funding positions and time horizons change. Hear from leading practitioners on how to align investment decision-making with your scheme’s unique journey plan in today’s complex market environment.

How AI, data analytics, and digital platforms are transforming asset management, risk monitoring, and member engagement.

As geopolitical fragmentation and regional realignments reshape global markets, UK investors must rethink how they assess risk, resilience, and responsible governance. This session explores how global experience is influencing UK pension investment strategies and what ‘good governance’ looks like in an increasingly deglobalised world. We’ll examine how the ‘G’ in ESG is evolving, from board structures and stewardship to geopolitical awareness and supply chain scrutiny, and what this means for trustees and asset owners navigating a more complex investment environment.

As the shift from accumulation to decumulation accelerates, pension schemes must rethink how they support members through retirement. In a world of guided retirement, what role should investment strategy play in delivering sustainable, flexible income? This session explores the evolving expectations of retirees, the implications for default strategies, and how schemes can balance risk, return, and member engagement post-retirement. We’ll examine the tools, products, and governance considerations shaping this next phase, and what schemes need to get right to support better long-term outcomes.

To wrap up the day, we step back and look ahead. Renowned futurologist Tracey Follows will explore the major societal, technological and behavioural trends shaping the future of work, ageing, and financial security. What will tomorrow’s savers expect? How will new technologies, demographics and shifting values transform the way we think about long-term investment and retirement? In this provocative and inspiring keynote, Tracey challenges us to think beyond today’s challenges and consider how pension schemes can stay relevant, resilient, and ready for the future.