George Scurr, Senior Investment Analyst at Quantum Advisory commented: “The events of the gilt crisis have meant that trustees are adapting to, and investing in, a totally different landscape. If we look at defined benefit scheme portfolios, many trustees are de-leveraging their liability matching allocations given the focus on LDI resilience. Liquidity and collateral management have also become more material issues. This change is occurring whilst the current Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is encouraging pension schemes, particularly defined contribution schemes, to allocate more to private equity to bolster venturing enterprises within the UK.
“In addition, the funding position of many, particularly smaller, schemes also changed drastically leaving them in a far stronger position than they were 12 months ago. So, trustees have been left considering their long-term funding objectives in more detail - including whether their scheme can secure members’ benefits with an insurer. The bulk annuity market has experienced unprecedented activity in this period because of this.”
Scurr continued: “To fully benefit from this new environment, trustees have several options depending on their schemes’ funding levels and objectives – these include derisking, reviewing flight paths and asset allocations, or indeed changing their providers. Navigating these new waters requires adaptability but the focus, as always, remains what's best for the members. We’ve also got the Autumn statement approaching, so let’s see what that brings.”
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