Resources hub

From thought leadership to technical pieces, knowledge hub keeps our members and pensions professionals up to date with the recent developments in the industry.

Don’t de-risk for the sake of it: the role of covenant in setting journey plans
17 July 2020

Don’t de-risk for the sake of it: the role of covenant in setting journey plans

High profile pension scandals and insolvencies, increasing select committee focus, and years of guidance from the Pensions Regulator (TPR) all point towards a regime of increased prudence in Defined Benefit (DB) pensions strategies. This new regulatory paradigm was meant to become reality in 2020 with a new funding Code of Practice from TPR backed up by increased powers from the Pension Schemes Bill. But the COVID-19 pandemic is now putting the industry in a difficult position.

Find out More
Is the balance of power over scheme investment changing?
17 July 2020

Is the balance of power over scheme investment changing?

Trustees control investment strategy. That has always been a key factor in trustee-employer negotiations. Whilst trustees have to consult the employer about the contents of the Statement of Investment Principles (SIP), they do not have to agree investment matters with the employer. In fact, legislation currently states that investment powers cannot be restricted by requiring employer consent. But is that all about to change?

Find out More
Pension Scheme Reporting in the context of COVID-19
17 July 2020

Pension Scheme Reporting in the context of COVID-19

ICAS, ICAEW and PRAG have published new joint guidance on pension scheme reports and financial statements, and related matters in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out More
Testing times
17 July 2020

Testing times

The COVID-19 driven crash across return-seeking assets and subsequent bounce (at least at the time of writing), have provided a serious test of pension schemes’ investment strategies. The investment performance across Defined Benefit (DB) schemes has been mixed. As with any crisis – albeit we may still be in the early stages of this one – we can take away some useful lessons.

Find out More
The Pension Schemes Bill 2020: clause 107 are we right to be concerned?
17 July 2020

The Pension Schemes Bill 2020: clause 107 are we right to be concerned?

A survey of our members revealed that 80% are concerned about the proposed criminal offences contained in section 107 of the Pension Schemes Bill. The survey also identified a small number of members who expressed a degree of unfamiliarity as to what Section 107 will mean in practice and this note includes a high level summary of the offences.

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Investment, administration and COVID-19
16 July 2020

Investment, administration and COVID-19

A sea change in the world of investments and pension administration.

Find out More
Don’t de-risk for the sake of it: the role of covenant in setting journey plans
17 July 2020

Don’t de-risk for the sake of it: the role of covenant in setting journey plans

High profile pension scandals and insolvencies, increasing select committee focus, and years of guidance from the Pensions Regulator (TPR) all point towards a regime of increased prudence in Defined Benefit (DB) pensions strategies. This new regulatory paradigm was meant to become reality in 2020 with a new funding Code of Practice from TPR backed up by increased powers from the Pension Schemes Bill. But the COVID-19 pandemic is now putting the industry in a difficult position.

Find out More
The Pension Schemes Bill 2020: clause 107 are we right to be concerned?
17 July 2020

The Pension Schemes Bill 2020: clause 107 are we right to be concerned?

A survey of our members revealed that 80% are concerned about the proposed criminal offences contained in section 107 of the Pension Schemes Bill. The survey also identified a small number of members who expressed a degree of unfamiliarity as to what Section 107 will mean in practice and this note includes a high level summary of the offences.

Find out More
Is the balance of power over scheme investment changing?
17 July 2020

Is the balance of power over scheme investment changing?

Trustees control investment strategy. That has always been a key factor in trustee-employer negotiations. Whilst trustees have to consult the employer about the contents of the Statement of Investment Principles (SIP), they do not have to agree investment matters with the employer. In fact, legislation currently states that investment powers cannot be restricted by requiring employer consent. But is that all about to change?

Find out More
Investment, administration and COVID-19
16 July 2020

Investment, administration and COVID-19

A sea change in the world of investments and pension administration.

Find out More
Pension Scheme Reporting in the context of COVID-19
17 July 2020

Pension Scheme Reporting in the context of COVID-19

ICAS, ICAEW and PRAG have published new joint guidance on pension scheme reports and financial statements, and related matters in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out More
Testing times
17 July 2020

Testing times

The COVID-19 driven crash across return-seeking assets and subsequent bounce (at least at the time of writing), have provided a serious test of pension schemes’ investment strategies. The investment performance across Defined Benefit (DB) schemes has been mixed. As with any crisis – albeit we may still be in the early stages of this one – we can take away some useful lessons.

Find out More