Please note: this programme is subject to change

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Registration and Breakfast
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
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The IFS Pensions Review: The future adequacy of DC Pensions
The Pensions Review, led by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, explores how the current economic environment and pension policies are affecting DC savers. Join this informative session to gain insights from the IFS on some of their key findings into how the UK’s retirement system is serving today’s savers and the potential challenges ahead.
This session will address:
  • The adequacy of future retirement incomes of pension savings for current DC savers
  • Individuals’ challenges in managing pensions through retirement
  • Potential policies to improve adequacy of retirement resources and support savers
Speaker
Associate Director
Institute for Fiscal Studies
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Mansion house considerations: Implications for pension schemes

Following Rachel Reeve’s announcement of LGPS megafunds and minimum size requirements for multi-employer DC schemes, the industry is closely watching how these changes will be implemented. This session will explore the emerging conclusions following the investment review consultation.

This session will address:

  • Key takeaways from recent consultation
  • The impact of proposed reforms on pension scheme structure and member outcomes
  • The evolving role of trustees in this changing environment
  • Sector-wide implications and next steps
  • Can these changes help the UK grow?
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Navigating the road to retirement income

The DC pension landscape is poised for a significant shift with Government plans to introduce a new duty on trustees to provide retirement income solutions for their members. Find out more about collective defined contribution schemes (CDC) as a potential solution for providing better retirement outcomes.

The session will address:

  • What is CDC? Comparisons to existing DB and DC schemes
  • The different types: whole-of-life, decumulation-only, single-employer, multi-employer
  • The regulatory shift towards lifetime income and how CDC can improve outcomes for members
  • Challenges and opportunities ahead
Speakers
Director, OCIO
BlackRock
Professional Trustee
IGG
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Networking Break
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Unlocking the potential of private markets for DC pensions

Allocations to private market investments have started to increase for certain DC schemes. To fully capitalise on the potential that private markets have for pension schemes, trustees must remain informed of recent innovations and examples for allocations to these resources.

This session will address:

  • How can allocations to private markets add value for members
  • How to build a successful private market portfolio
  • Accessing private markets: current challenges and solutions
  • What impact has Mansion House and the government’s growth agenda had on private markets
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Consolidation

With the Mansion House announcements of last November pointing towards increased DC consolidation, it is integral that pension professionals understand how consolidation effects schemes and why schemes consolidate. Leave this session better informed on the future consolidation trends and how other Mansion House initiatives might bring possible challenges.

This session will address:

  • Does scale bring better member outcomes
  • Can there be benefits to consolidating and how does consolidation affect member outcomes
  • What does the future hold for master trusts and what is the current master trust market
  • How does consolidation affect investment and investment returns
  • Will greater investment in illiquid assets complicate consolidation
Speaker
Defined Contribution and Solutions Managing Director
SEI
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Boosting engagement to ensure financial futures

In today’s evolving pension landscape, engagement is key to improving member outcomes. With an aging population and increasing numbers of individuals drawing down their pensions, fostering strong engagement has never been more critical. This session will explore innovative strategies to enhance communication and engagement.

This session will address: 

  • Examples of effective and innovative engagement strategies
  • Technological innovations to support member engagement and meet individual communication needs
  • How does this improve member experience and outcomes
  • How communication preferences change across generations
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Lunch
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Decumulation decoded

The journey to retirement is not a straight-forward one. DC pots mean that savers now face increasing at retirement options. This session will delve into how best to support members in their journey at retirement, giving you actionable insights that can improve member guidance and deliver more tailored solutions.

This session will address:

  • The current decumulation market
  • What should the default decumulation strategy be?
  • How do different decumulation strategies differ for distinct member needs
  • How can schemes simplify the retirement process for members accessing their pensions
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Navigating the future of pensions: Sustainable investment strategies

Pension schemes are at a pivotal moment, balancing the need for sustainable investment practices with evolving ESG expectations. This session explores the opportunities and challenges in aligning pension portfolios with net-zero commitments and responsible investment principles.

This session will address:

  • The current state of responsible investments in pensions
  • Real examples of pension scheme transition plans
  • Striking the right balance between financial goals and sustainability commitments
  • Impact investment opportunities for pension schemes
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Networking Break
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Supporting members for an adequate retirement
Initiatives such as the Lifetime Savings Initiative have highlighted the major obstacles to securing an adequate retirement and the underlying factors that contribute to these challenges. So how can trustees support members to make sure they have planned adequately for retirement?
This session will address:
  • Key problem areas for savers in later life and what are some potential solutions
  • Key obstacles that prevent members from saving adequately for retirement
  • How to influence good outcomes for savers: Strategies for schemes to support members and save more for retirement
  • How to ensure improved financial literacy for savers
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An update on the evolving regulatory landscape

The DC pensions industry has seen sustained regulatory change and consultation. This session will seek to clarify and update attendees on the most pressing areas of change for DC schemes and gain insights into how the regulator looks to influence and interact with schemes in order to protect savers.

This session will address:

  • An update from TPR on key expectations and policy
  • What can the industry expect to see in the future
  • Address any concerns and queries
Speaker
Interim Director of Policy and Public Affairs
TPR
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Closing Remarks