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Pensions
The impact of reducing interest rates on pension schemes
22nd October 2024
With recent discussions about the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England (BoE) cutting interest rates, pension schemes, particularly defined benefit (DB) schemes, need to evaluate the potential impact. As interest rates decline, the financial landscape shifts, creating both...
Pensions
Update: Government urged to act following Virgin Media pension case ruling
20th August 2024
In light of the recent developments surrounding the Virgin Media case, there is growing pressure for government intervention, a move that could significantly impact the defined benefit (DB) pension sector. This case, which we initially discussed in our article last...
Pensions
Is the pension market ready for net zero?
28th May 2024
A net zero commitment involves integrating climate change into the core of portfolio management. As pension schemes and asset managers transition from setting net zero targets to achieving them, they face greater complexity and must allocate more resources to meet...
Pensions
Challenges in establishing a Pension Protection Fund consolidator for Defined Benefit pension schemes
14th March 2024
The UK government's initiative to establish a public sector consolidator by 2026 for smaller Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, primarily unattractive to commercial providers, is a significant development. The proposed consolidator is expected to operate under the umbrella of the...
Pensions
Navigating the defined benefit pension scheme buy-out landscape: Is a capacity crunch imminent?
30th August 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes in the UK, trustees hold a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial security of their members. Recently, a question has emerged within the DB pension scheme arena: Is a capacity...
Pensions
Virgin Media case could have implications for defined benefit pension schemes
28th July 2023
Virgin Media's legal case against NTL Pension Trustees II Limited has raised concerns for defined benefit schemes, and it could have significant financial consequences. Here, Rowleys Head of Pensions, Matt Hutchinson, explains more about the case and the possible implications....
Pensions
Safeguarding retirement: The Pension Protection Fund
14th June 2023
As individuals approach retirement, the security of their pension becomes a crucial concern. The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of pension scheme members. Rowleys Head of Pensions, Matt Hutchinson, shares more about the...
Pensions
Defined benefit pension schemes in decline
5th April 2023
Defined benefit pensions have been a cornerstone of the UK retirement landscape for many decades. These types of pensions offer a guaranteed income for life, based on a formula that takes into account a worker's salary and years of service....
Pensions
Pension Scheme Buy-Ins and Buy-Outs: Understanding the basics
2nd March 2023
Pension scheme buy-ins and buy-outs are two options that are available to schemes looking to manage their pension liabilities. In today's ever-changing financial landscape, it's becoming increasingly important for organisations to understand these options and how they can impact their...
Pensions
New funding code for defined benefit schemes
27th January 2023
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has issued a new draft funding code for defined benefit pension schemes. Rowleys’ Head of Pensions, Matt Hutchinson, explains more about the new funding code and what it might mean for trustees, employers and their advisers....
Pensions
Changes to climate reporting for pension trustees
11th November 2022
The Pensions Regulator has updated its guidance on governance and reporting of climate-related risks for trustees of certain pension schemes, increasing the number of schemes the guidance now applies to. Matt Hutchinson, head of Rowleys’ pensions team explains more about...
Pensions
Pensions: are annuities making a comeback?
22nd September 2022
Pensions: are annuities making a comeback? In recent years the annuity market has seen a significant decline. However as auditors of many pensions scheme we are seeing more of an appetite of trustees and scheme advisers to explore annuities...
Pensions
The Pension Schemes Bill at a glance
19th August 2020
The Pension Schemes Bill currently awaiting a third reading in the House of Lords will significantly change the legal and regulatory framework governing defined benefit pension schemes, most specifically by making a wide range of pensions related actions a criminal...
Pensions
How will the new guidance from ICAS, ICAEW and PRAG change the way you need to audit and report the performance of your pension scheme?
14th July 2020
The ICAS, ICAEW and PRAG have just released new guidance on the way they feel COVID-19 will affect the way pension schemes are reported and audited. Their aim is to help those involved in preparing the required financial statements to...
