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As non-linear careers and later retirements become more commonplace across Europe, defined contribution (DC) pension schemes are playing a more pronounced role across the pensions landscape. Despite shortcomings across the US and Australian markets, European DC schemes have still failed to address fundamental issues regarding member engagement, illiquid assets and pension pot longevity.

The DC Pension Design & Investment Europe 2021 will investigate the developments across this industry, including the latest challenges pension sponsors and trustees are facing. This report brings to light the new Value for Member Assessments initiated by the regulator, and what this means for smaller DC pension schemes going forward. A deeper look into member engagement strategies and communication tools reveals that more can still be done to educate pension plan members on the need to save from a younger age. A new focus on volatility managed strategies and tactical fund options are also discussed. With the role of Master Trusts schemes playing an increasingly prominent role across the European landscape, it is a more important than ever to reflect on lessons learned from schemes across the continent.

The continued prominence of ESG and Technology is also reviewed in this report. With a focus on how trustees can use these advancements to restore faith in pensions after the crises experienced in 2020. The report concludes with a look towards the future of this industry, how the evolution of DC schemes has allowed it to address many shortcomings, and what this holds for future developments.

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SECTION 1


NAVIGATING THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

1.1 INTERVIEW: Will the Value for Member Assessments lead to the beginning of the end for smaller DC pension schemes?
Interviewer:
- Sarah Coolican, Content Producer, Clear Path Analysis
Interviewee:
- Alan Greenlees, Head of DC Investments, XPS Pensions Group

SECTION 2


ADAPTING INVESTMENT OPTIONS

2.1 EXPERT DEBATE: Maximising pensions in retirement: How can DC schemes ensure members fully understand required investment risk to ensure longevity of their pension pots?
- Barry Parr, Pensions Trustee, Independent Trustees
- Jenny Davidson, Trustee Executive, BESTrustees

2.2 INTERVIEW: How can DC schemes ensure access to the illiquidity premium for members and where do they fit in the default and member select options?
Interviewer:
- Sarah Coolican, Content Producer, Clear Path Analysis
Interviewee:
- Sonia Kataora, Partner and Head of DC Investment, Barnett Waddingham

2.3 WHITE PAPER: Volatility managed strategies and tactical fund options: providing members with short-term risk protection and positioning for longer term gains.
- Steve Charlton, Managing Director Defined Contribution, SEI

SECTION 3


MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

3.1 INTERVIEW: The challenges of apathy: how can DC pension providers encourage member engagement?
Interviewer:
- Sarah Coolican, Content Producer, Clear Path Analysis
Interviewee:
- William Compton, Senior Investment Manager, EY

3.2 INTERVIEW: Restoring faith in pensions: increasing DC pension contributions after the drop in 2020.
Interviewer:
- Sarah Coolican, Content Producer, Clear Path Analysis
Interviewee:
- Jenny Davidson, Trustee Executive, BESTrustees

3.3 INTERVIEW: How can the continued rise of ESG investments encourage members to think about their pension longevity from an earlier age?
Interviewer:
- Sarah Coolican, Content Producer, Clear Path Analysis
Interviewee:
- Ben Pollard, CEO, Cushon Fintech

SECTION 4


THE ROLE OF MASTER TRUSTS AND POOLED ASSETS

4.1 INTERVIEW: What can the UK learn from the success of DC Master Trusts schemes across Europe?
Interviewer:
- Sarah Coolican, Content Producer, Clear Path Analysis
Interviewee:
- Kevin Wesbroom, Trustee, Cranfield Capital and Council Member, Pensions Policy Institute (PPI)

Alan Greenlees

Head of DC Investments, XPS Pensions Group

Jenny Davidson

Trustee Executive, BESTrustees

Sonia Kataora

Partner and Head of DC Investment, Barnett Waddingham

Steve Charlton

Managing Director Defined Contribution, SEI

William Compton

Senior Investment Manager, EY

Ben Pollard

CEO, Cushon Fintech

Kevin Wesbroom

Trustee, Cranfield Capital and Council Member, Pensions Policy Institute (PPI)

Barry Parr

Pensions Trustee, Independent Trustees

SEI is a leading provider of investment services to Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, working with over 464 institutions in 12 different countries. Starting with the goals of each pension scheme, SEI offers fully tailored Fiduciary Management and Master Trust solutions. Through its scale, expertise and over 20 years heritage of providing investment services, SEI aspires to give trustees greater control over the strategic development of their scheme whilst improving outcomes for pension members. For more information visit: https://seic.com/institutionaluk

All our sponsorship packages are ‘tailor made’ to ensure complete success for our clients, so you can feel assured that your specific aims are being addressed. If you’re interested in any of the above benefits then please contact us below about sponsorship:

Call +44 (0) 207 1931 487 or send a message

All our sponsorship packages are ‘tailor made’ to ensure complete success for our clients, so you can feel assured that your specific aims are being addressed. If you’re interested in any of the above benefits then please contact us below about sponsorship:

Call +44 (0) 207 1931 487 or send a message