Pensions Unpacked

Episode 3: Are we saving enough?

Automatic enrolment is widely seen as one of the great pension policy success stories of the last two decades. Millions more people are now saving for retirement each month. But getting people into the system is not the same as ensuring they will have enough to live on when they stop working.   Future generations will rely increasingly on defined contribution savings, yet concerns are growing that current contribution levels simply won’t deliver adequate outcomes. With lower earners, part-time workers, the self-employed and renters particularly exposed, attention is turning to how the system can be strengthened and what role the new Pensions Commission might play in closing the gap.   In the third episode of Pensions Unpacked series two, Georgie Frost is joined by Emma Douglas, Wealth Policy Director at Aviva, and Amy Mankelow, Head of Communications and External Relations at Brightwell. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 2: Can surplus reforms succeed?

For years there was a clear decision for defined benefit pension schemes: buy out or run-on. Now for many, especially the largest schemes, run-on has become the dominant end game strategy.   New research from Brightwell and mallowstreet suggests that shift is now firmly embedded. Decisions are more settled and funding confidence is higher. The challenge now though, is how to build resilient portfolios, manage long-term risks and deal with the increasingly sensitive question of surplus.   In the second episode of Pensions Unpacked series two, Georgie Frost is joined by Ally Georgieva, Head of Insight, mallowstreet, Paul Kitson Partner and UK Head of Pensions Consulting at EY and Chris Threagold, Business Development Manager, Brightwell.   Read the full report here: DB Endgame Report :: Brightwell [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrightwellpensions.com%2Fdb-endgame-reports-2024-26%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cpolly%40broadcastrevolution.co.uk%7Cc022426d640841382cf908deab4c99a1%7Cee4bcdbbdf2c4475aa14f299fd60aaaf%7C0%7C0%7C639136542699898312%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YbmwUyOPjNLYhcPFSMk%2FxgsdVuDhSNbSdiLWWzZYy9M%3D&reserved=0] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 1: What does the next decade hold for DB pensions?

With the majority of defined benefit schemes now in surplus, it might be tempting to think the hard work is done. But Brightwell’s DB 2036 – Out of the Woods? report suggests the sector is entering a far more complex second act, one defined not by recovery, but by choice.   As schemes weigh up decisions that will shape outcomes for decades to come, the paths forward are diverging. While smaller schemes may still favour buy‑out or consolidation, larger, well‑funded schemes are increasingly exploring run‑on as a way to retain control and unlock long‑term value. But running on brings its own challenges - from governance and investment strategy to risk and member expectations.   In the first episode of Pensions Unpacked series two, Georgie is joined by Julie Aspinall, UK Pensions Director at Unilever, one of the senior figures interviewed for the report, alongside Alex Truscott, Business Development Manager at Brightwell, to unpack what this new phase really means for schemes.   Read the full report here: DB 2036 Report :: Brightwell [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrightwellpensions.com%2Fdb-2036-report%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cpolly%40broadcastrevolution.co.uk%7C03725b6ce61e4024c37e08de83467ce9%7Cee4bcdbbdf2c4475aa14f299fd60aaaf%7C0%7C0%7C639092535984533097%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Dfv30VxtbWAJUqeJ6xHeU1jqJK3CkHUi1S8cJhdQa6U%3D&reserved=0]   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 6: What can the UK pensions sector learn from international experience?

When it comes to pensions, Australia appears light years ahead. Universal, compulsory, preserved to retirement, and big professional funds investing for decades. It's caught the attention of policymakers here in the UK. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is eyeing consolidation and better value, taking cues from Australia as well as Canada and the Netherlands. But you can't copy and paste a pension system. So what can the UK sensibly borrow? What should we believe, and what does it mean for members?   In the final episode of Pensions Unpacked series one, Georgie is joined by Gregg McClymont, executive director of Public Affairs at IFM investors, and Denise Le Gal, a Canadian who's worked in the UK pensions and financial services industry for nearly 40 years. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 5: Looking ahead to COP 30

In this episode of Pensions Unpacked, Georgie Frost is joined by Lord Alok Sharma KCMG PC to discuss the achievements of COP 26, the current direction of travel when it comes to global climate action and his hopes for COP 30.   As COP 30 in Belem approaches, the politics of climate and finance are shifting at home and abroad. The UK can point to sharp emissions cuts, even as momentum builds to roll back green rules. In the US, the policy direction is even less certain. Against that backdrop, what does transition finance look like in practice, and what is the role for long term pension capital? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.