In association with:
2025 is set to be an important time for UK pension schemes to focus on their endgame strategy, be it setting for the first time, or reviewing prior decisions in reflection of regulatory and market changes.
For example, the government’s statement of 28 January suggested that schemes will be given more flexibility in the future on how surpluses can be used for the benefit of sponsors and members. The bulk annuity market has seen change too, with four new insurers entering it over the last 18 months.
There are also other important factors that shape endgame planning for each individual scheme, including the employer covenant, investment strategy (including illiquid assets), and the scheme size. Wider considerations can include areas such as member experience and scheme governance. These all play their part in shaping which options are most appropriate, and which can be ruled out quickly.
While it is a real positive that there are now so many options for schemes to consider, with the increasing number of options and influencing factors, how do schemes reach the best decision on the most appropriate endgame for them?
To help address these factors Professional Pensions Editor in Chief Jonathan Stapleton will be joined by experts from Aon’s covenant, endgame strategies and investment teams, where we will discuss the most important cornerstones in determining the most appropriate endgame for your scheme.
Presenters
Jonathan Stapleton
Editor, Professional Pensions
Jonathan is editor of Professional Pensions and has been reporting on UK occupational pensions since 2001. He has won a number of awards during his career, most recently the SPP Trade Journalist of the Year Award in 2019. He is also holder of the PMI's Retirement Provision Certificate.
Leah Evans
Partner, Aon
Leah is a Partner at Aon and has over 20 years’ experience of advising clients on pension risk management in both UK and US, with a particular focus on risk settlement. In addition to her client work, Leah is part of Aon’s Endgame Strategy Team and heavily involved in shaping Aon’s approach to helping clients decide on their endgame strategy. Prior to joining Aon in September 2023, Leah led the risk settlement team at EY and was a partner at Mercer.
Leah is regular contributor to industry debates on DB policy and active volunteer within the pensions industry, with prior roles including chair of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ Pensions Board and member of the CMI Executive Committee.
Joshua Tipper
Associate Partner, Aon
Josh is an Associate Partner within Aon Investments, having joined in 2016. He focuses on providing strategic advice to both corporates and trustees on managing their pension scheme risks, as well as providing strategic and implementation advice to sovereign wealth funds. Josh advises a number of pension schemes ranging from £100m to over £5bn in assets, including Aon’s own pension arrangements. Alongside his client responsibilities, Josh leads Aon’s investment proposition for alternative end games. Josh is a CFA Charter holder and graduated with an MMath from Durham University
Alex Beecraft
Partner, Aon