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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Experiences from the US: Retirement income that never retires

Brendan will be sharing experiences from over two decades in retirement income leadership. Brendan has been at the forefront of innovating the provision of reliable streams of income to members throughout retirement. More mature than the UK DC market, the US has experienced the need for the development of guaranteed lifetime incomes, ‘to and through’ retirement solutions, enhanced engagement and in-plan annuity modernisations.

Speaker
Head of Retirement Investing
Nuveen
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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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The reality of investing in private markets

The UK’s first Long Term Asset Fund launched just over 2 years ago, providing more DC scheme members with simplified access to private market investments that have the potential to improve member outcomes.

What has been their experience to date, and can these funds really deliver value for members?

Vikram Bhandari, Head and CIO of Schroders Capital Solutions will share:

  • The real-life experience from building a multi-private markets fund
  • The added value that investing in private markets can provide for DC members
  • How sustainable investing can be a tool for generating attractive returns whilst also making contributions towards S&I objectives
Speaker
Head and CIO of Schroders Capital Solutions
Schroders Capital
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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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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
Speakers
Market Development Lead, DC Solutions
Aon
DC Associate Partner, Head of DC Responsible Investment
Aon
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Lunch
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Private Markets investment – easier said than done?

Trustees face a moment of real challenge and opportunity. The direction from Government and regulators is clear: stronger governance, better outcomes, more value for members, and – from a UK Government perspective – solutions that encourage economic growth. Yet many schemes are struggling to match these expectations with the internal resources and structures currently in place.

This session will address:

  • The barriers to Private Markets investment are mostly structural rather than philosophical
  • The importance of choice, objectivity and wider access
  • How wider access is possible with the help of technology
Speaker
Head of Investment Solutions & Partnerships
Mobius Life
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Decumulation in DC and the future of pensions access
Speaker
Chief Executive
PensionPay
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Networking Break
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Fireside Insights: The Pension Schemes Bill
Following the introduction of the bumper Pension Schemes Bill on June 5th and the road map that was published setting out a provisional plan to implement reforms, there is a lot to unpack. Join us for this fireside chat as Guy Opperman shares his initial reaction and views on the bill.
Speaker
Former Pensions Minister 2017-2022
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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