Pensions Aspects Magazine

Published bi-monthly and brought to you by the PMI, this leading UK pensions magazine offers expert insights, policy updates, and practical guidance on the issues shaping your profession. Each edition helps you stay informed and ahead, with the latest on regulation, governance, diversity, digital innovation, and more, plus member updates, exam news, and exclusive interviews.

17 July 2020

Helping members avoid falling prey to investment scams

Scams have been on the rise for many years and increased significantly following the introduction of freedom and choice. Although the changes brought much more flexibility for pension scheme members, the downside is that without sufficient knowledge, it can be easy for them to make poor decisions, such as falling for a scam which can create a permanent dent in their retirement income.

Find out More

17 July 2020

Hedging longevity: the implications for your investment strategy

Many pension schemes have managed their liability risks by hedging interest rate and inflation risks through a liability-driven investment (LDI) approach. As a result, longevity risk has grown in significance for many schemes.

Find out More

17 July 2020

Cashflows, investment return, and risk management: how to juggle your needs without dropping the ball

The impact of COVID-19 means pension scheme funding levels have fallen, covenants have deteriorated, and liquidity requirements have increased. So, schemes need return, risk management and cash more than ever. Some investment strategies force trustees to choose between these competing needs. But meeting cashflow, return and risk objectives needn’t be a juggling act. In fact, combining segregated LDI with CDI is available today, irrespective of client size, simply as a smarter investment solution.

Find out More

17 July 2020

10 questions with Ian Pittaway

What keeps you awake at night as one of the thought leaders in the pensions industry?

Find out More

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

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