Please note: programme is subject to change

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Registration and Breakfast
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Opening Remarks
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Opening Keynote

Information coming soon!

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Driving growth: Investing in the UK

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?
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Making the most of surplus: Strategy, flexibility, and the future of DB

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
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Networking and Refreshments
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Investing for tomorrow: Strength in the climate transition

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)
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Key considerations of private credit

Private credit is gaining traction among pension schemes as a potential source of stable income and diversification—particularly in a higher interest rate environment. But for trustees, this complex and evolving asset class raises important questions around risk, governance, and long-term suitability.

This session will address:

  • What private credit is—and how it differs from traditional fixed income
  • Where private credit can fit within investment strategies
  • Key risks: liquidity, transparency, and covenant protections
  • Questions trustees should be asking investment managers and advisors 
  • Governance and oversight considerations for schemes entering or expanding in private credit
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Lunchtime

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!

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Lessons from abroad

Foreign pension schemes such as the Australian or Canadian pension schemes models have been a blueprint and source of inspiration for the UK. So, what lessons can we learn from their approaches to investments and investment strategies.

This session will address:

  • How did these countries get to the system they currently have
  • Their differing services and consolidation models
  • Learnings from their investment strategies and how these particularities could be applied in the UK
  • How to incorporates some of these strategies into UK pensions portfolios

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Navigating global change: Geopolitical and macro update

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
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Networking Break and Refreshments
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The investment journey to endgame

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
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Pensions and the future of investment
With regulatory reform, market consolidation, and growing pressure to align pension investment with UK economic goals, trustees face a fast-evolving landscape. This panel will examine what these shifts mean for investment strategy, governance, and long-term decision-making.
This session will address:
  • The key recent changes to the pensions investment landscape and what does the future hold
  • Should fiduciary duty cover more than just returns?
  • Pension capital’s evolving role in supporting UK economic growth and infrastructure
  • What are the major systemic risks for the future of pension scheme investments
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Closing Remarks