Please note: this programme is subject to change

Programme

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Registration and Breakfast
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speaker
Holly Roach
Deputy Editor
Professional Pensions
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Embracing change: The regulatory approach to a shifting DB environment
The DB landscape is rapidly evolving as funding levels improve, and new solutions emerge in the market. As a result, there are more options for trustees to consider when assessing the long-term goals of their scheme. Join this session as the regulator outlines their expectations and evolving regulatory approach for this changing landscape.
Speaker
David Walmsley
Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision
TPR
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Surplus developments and your endgame
With many DB schemes now well-funded and looking to their endgames and the government’s response to its Options for DB Schemes consultation demonstrating clear intent to unlock DB surpluses, questions around how best to use surplus to unlock value for both schemes and members are more relevant now than ever.
This session will address:
  • How can surplus be best used to benefit the members and sponsors
  • How to best extract surplus
  • How to use and invest surplus productively whilst balancing fiduciary duty
  • Understanding whether surplus release is a good idea for your scheme
Speaker
Lizzie Hunt
Associate and Senior Investment Consultant
Barnett Waddingham
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Networking Break
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CASE STUDY - From theory to reality: Implementing a run-on solution in practice
With increasing focus on endgame strategies, many DB schemes are exploring run-on solutions as a compelling alternative to full buyout. But what does this look like in practice?
In this session, Schroders will share insights from the recent implementation of a run-on solution in its own pension scheme, the Schroders Retirement Benefit Scheme. We’ll take you through the key considerations, and outcomes of our approach—providing a real-world perspective on how schemes can secure long-term member outcomes while retaining strategic control.
Join us as we move beyond theory and bring run-on solutions to life, offering practical lessons and actionable insights for trustees, sponsors, and consultants navigating the evolving endgame landscape.
    Speaker
    Ajeet Manjrekar
    Head of UK Client Solutions
    Schroders
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    Bulk annuity market insights

    This session will delve into the current state of the bulk annuity market providing insights into what has changed due to new entrants and other events such as recent market volatility. Join this session to understand how to best navigate this evolving market.

    This session will address:

    • What are the key trends shaping the future of the endgame market and how has market volatility impacted this
    • The current state of the bulk annuity market and how to best position yourself to engage with the market
    • Real world insights into what works when transitioning to endgame
    • A look at the new insurers entering the market
    • Are all schemes being sufficiently served?

    Speakers
    Mike Edwards
    Partner
    Aon
    Matt Cook
    Associate Partner
    Aon
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    Lunch
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    DB Funding Code: Investing Towards Your Endgame

    “The DB Funding Code isn’t a hurdle — it’s a compass, pointing schemes towards their long-term destination.” The new DB Funding Code doesn’t just reshape funding – it puts investment strategy at the centre of journey planning. As schemes face their first valuations under the framework, trustees and sponsors must consider how portfolios align with the Code’s expectations while keeping sight of their long-term destination. This session will:

    1. Unpack the investment requirements of the DB Funding Code and the key learnings so far.
    2. See how investment strategies for different endgame objectives align with the Code.
    3. Discover how trustees can strengthen governance and simplify their Funding Code journey.
    Speaker
    Aqib Merchant
    Associate Director, EMEA Clients Team
    Russell Investments
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    The future of DB pensions

    Major pension reforms, including changes to surplus rules, along with wide-ranging regulatory changes and a challenging geopolitical and economic backdrop are reshaping the DB landscape. This expert panel will explore the key forces that will define DB schemes over the next decade, and as a result what the future DB pensions landscape could look like.

    This session will address:

    • What are the main challenges and opportunities facing DB schemes
    • How is the evolving regulatory environment impacting the DB landscape
    • How are DB investment strategies changing in response?
    Speakers
    James Patten
    Partner
    Aon
    Daniel Walsh
    Client Director
    ZEDRA Governance
    Clare Routledge
    Client Director
    Vidett
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    Closing Remarks
    Speaker
    Holly Roach
    Deputy Editor
    Professional Pensions