Edinburgh reforms – What do they mean for pensions?

On 9 December, the Chancellor announced over 30 regulatory reforms which, together with the Financial Services and Markets Bill, the government hopes will drive growth and competitiveness in the UK financial services sector. The proposed reforms are designed to: maintain and build a competitive marketplace and promote the effective use of capital; secure the UK’s leadership role … Read more

Five pensions developments to look out for in 2023

In the latest podcast from the Herbert Smith Freehills’ pensions team, Olivia Kettleborough, our Professional Support Paralegal is joined by Tim Smith, our Professional Support Consultant to look back at 2022 and to look ahead to the key developments in store for pension scheme sponsors, trustees and providers as we move into the New Year. … Read more

New and evolving pension risks in 2021

2020 was undoubtedly an unprecedented year, dominated of course by the impact of Covid-19 and here in the UK, by the preparations for Brexit. The year may (finally) be over, however, these themes are likely to continue to dominate the agenda in 2021. Nevertheless, with vaccines being rolled out and a Brexit deal agreed, there … Read more

Initial commentary on the new UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and a webinar invite

On Christmas Eve, the UK and EU finalised the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that will govern their future trading and security relationship. At 1259 pages, it is a complex deal that will take time for businesses, governments and authorities to understand, implement and make use of. Notwithstanding some exceptions (particularly the extensive unilateral phased transitional mitigations … Read more

Our five pension predictions for 2021

2020 has been a uniquely challenging, unpredictable and eventful year, dominated (as we all know too well) by the impact of Covid-19, which has changed the way we live, work and do business, and also by the preparations for Brexit. Both of these themes will undoubtedly continue to dominate the economic and political agenda in … Read more

Pension Disputes Bulletin – December 2020

Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly pensions disputes bulletin. In this edition we cover: the 2nd judgment in the Lloyds Bank GMP equalisation litigation and new guidance relating to GMP equalisation key developments in relation to the Pension Schemes Bill the predicted rise in Covid-related complaints to the Pensions Ombudsman recent cases on transfers, insurance, investment, … Read more

Podcast: Pensions Policy EP2 – What to expect in 2021?

We thought it would be helpful for our listeners if we considered some of the key pensions-related themes and risks that we expect to emerge in 2021. Therefore, in our latest pensions podcast Rachel Pinto and Michael Aherne from our UK pensions team discuss their predictions for 2021 relating to: the new offences and regulatory … Read more

Preparing for Brexit – Whatever it means!

It should probably come as no surprise, given the uncertainty that has surrounded the Brexit process since the referendum result in June 2016, that with less than two and a half weeks to go until the UK officially becomes a third country vis-à-vis the EU we still do not know the terms on which this … Read more