During this opening keynote, David will draw on his extensive experience in the Australian pension system and his current role heading up the leading global proponent of responsible investment, offering insights and lessons on how pension schemes can navigate today’s shifting landscape and adapt their investment strategies for resilience.

The Uk government is urging pension schemes to drive domestic growth as seen through policies such as Mansion House II. This session will explore how pension funds can increase investments in domestic private market assets and whether this is to the benefit of both members and the UK economy.

This session will address:

• What opportunities are there in UK private market assets and what are some of the realities of UK investing
• What are the barriers to UK private market investment
• Fiduciary duty vs. growth agenda – how should trustees position themselves and their scheme
• Will this investment bring positive returns for savers?

With many DB schemes now in surplus and the new DB funding code in place, trustees face a pivotal question: how should surplus be managed, invested, or used? This session will explore how trustees and sponsors can think strategically about surplus—balancing long-term flexibility, member outcomes, sponsor engagement, and emerging challenges.

This session will address:

• Impacts of the new DB funding code and the government’s response to the consultation on options for Defined Benefit schemes
• How to productively invest surplus for the benefit of the scheme
• Surplus extraction, surplus sharing, and enhancing member benefits
• The evolving surplus governance and legal frameworks and tax issues

Despite political momentum shifting away from net-zero and sustainability, climate change remains a systemic risk for pension scheme investments. Pension schemes must align their portfolios with sustainability principles taking advantage of the opportunities emerging from sustainable and local impact investing.

This session will address:

• Navigating the net zero challenge amid political and market pushback
• Place based and biodiversity investing, what is the pensions investment opportunity
• Aligning your scheme’s portfolio with sustainability goals while meeting fiduciary duties
• How scenario analysis can help (and where it falls short)

With increasing complexity, regulatory pressure, and resource demands, many pension schemes are turning to investment outsourcing models such as fiduciary management, OCIO, or delegated solutions. But how can trustees ensure these approaches deliver value, maintain appropriate oversight, and align with scheme objectives?

This session will address:

• The pros and cons of investment outsourcing for different scheme sizes and stages
• How to evaluate and select an outsourced provider
• Governance and oversight: what trustees must retain and monitor
• Cost transparency, performance measurement, and accountability
• The role of outsourcing in consolidation and endgame planning
• Case study and best practice

This is your chance to mingle, connect, and replenish your energy amidst the Investment Conference's vibrant atmosphere. Join us in savouring a spread prepared to elevate your midday experience. Whether you're networking, sharing insights, or simply taking a moment to unwind; Take a plate, and enjoy!

Join us to explore Fixed Income Replacement—a modern approach that integrates private investment grade credit and asset-backed finance to enhance yield, income consistency, and credit quality.

With shifting geopolitical tensions, volatile markets, and uncertain economic outlooks, how should investors navigate the months ahead? This essential update will examine the key risks and opportunities shaping the global economy—from elections and trade wars to inflation, interest rates, and supply chain disruptions.

This session will address:

• Key geopolitical flashpoints and their market impact
• Inflation, rate, and central bank policy path
• Systemic risks for the future of investments
• Implication of tariffs and US intervention

Many trustees are now navigating the road to endgame and as a result preparing investment strategies for this transaction. Join this session to gain practical insights in your investment journey whilst navigating your way to buyout.

This session will address:

• Some of the key options for trustees in dealing with illiquid investments in the road to buyout
• Illiquids and secondaries market update
• A case study in action, navigating this road to endgame