Evolution or revolution? Recent developments in pensions M&A

In the latest podcast from Herbert Smith Freehills’ pension team, Michael Aherne, Partner, is joined by Alex Hutton-Mills, Co-founder and Head of Pension Corporate Finance at Cardano Advisory, to discuss corporate transactions involving occupational pension schemes and how the UK’s regulatory framework has changed over the past decade. In particular, Michael and Alex discuss: The … Read more

UK Government and Bank of England launch Consultation on a Digital Pound

On 7 February, the Bank of England (the Bank) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HM Treasury) jointly published a Consultation Paper on the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for the UK (or a digital pound). The three key takeaways in respect of a likely digital pound are: No final decision has been made on whether there will be … Read more

LDI liquidity crisis – policy and regulatory responses

The immediate panic caused by the liquidity crisis that affected a large number of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes invested in liability driven investment (LDI) funds in September and October 2022 has now passed. However, a great deal of attention continues to be focused on understanding the causes of the crisis, ensuring steps are taken … Read more

Pensions Planner – Spring 2023

Here is the latest edition of our Pensions Planner, which will help you identify the key pension issues your scheme or organisation needs to address in the coming months. The latest edition covers: the potential impact of the draft new funding Code for DB schemes actions trustees should be taking to address the risks faced … Read more

Government unveils raft of DC pension reforms

The Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott MP MBE, has today unveiled a range of measures which are designed to reduce the inequality between DB and DC pensions by delivering better value for DC savers and boosting fairness, predictability, and adequacy across the private pensions sector. The measures include: a call for evidence on addressing the … Read more

Trustees urged to respond to diverse risks faced by DC members

The Pensions Regulator has published guidance for trustees of defined contribution (DC) schemes (including master trusts) on Supporting Defined Contributions Savers in the Current Economic Climate. It follows on from the Regulator’s previous statement issued in the light of the bond market crisis in September / October 2022. Although DC schemes are not directly impacted … Read more

Funding, finding and finessing – pensions in 2023

At the start of a new year, attention inevitably turns to what lies ahead. After a year of economic and political turmoil, one hopes we are entering calmer waters. But what can we expect for UK pensions in 2023? In short, it will be the year of funding, finding and finessing workplace pensions. Funding It … Read more

Draft funding Code offers some flexibility to DB schemes and sponsors

The Pensions Regulator has launched its long awaited consultation on a new funding Code of Practice for defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. The draft Code sets out the Regulator’s views on how the new statutory requirements regarding the need for trustees to put in place a long-term funding and investment strategy for their scheme are … Read more

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