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    Defined benefit pension schemes

    DB pension schemes

    UK defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are maturing rapidly, presenting new challenges for their investment strategies as a growing proportion of their members retire. At the same time, strengthening funding positions have created an opportunity to benefit more stakeholders. We have partnered extensively with our clients to navigate these changes.

    91%

    DB schemes in surplus on a PPF basis2

    96%

    of UK defined benefit pension schemes are now closed – to new members or future accrual, or are winding up3

    £2trn

    of liabilities with unaddressed longevity risk4

    c.25%

    DB schemes with over 30% invested in illiquid assets5

    Industry-leading expertise

    We are working with many UK pension schemes, ranging from some of the largest in the country to many smaller schemes, to develop tailored solutions that help them resolve a range of challenges, including:

    • achieving a target of buy-out or self-sufficiency within a decade for many pension schemes,
    • pursuing their objective despite paying out more in pensions than they receive in investment income or sponsor contributions, and
    • fulfilling existing and emerging regulatory requirements, such as reporting on climate risk metrics.

    Insight has long been at the forefront of helping UK pension schemes respond to such challenges through changing market environments.

    • We are widely recognised as a leading liability-driven investment (LDI) provider for pension schemes.
    • As pension schemes approach their endgame, many are seeking a more resilient approach to risk management. In response, we have developed our Integrated Solutions
    • In the face of rapidly changing markets, investment approaches and regulatory developments, trustees have a clear need for ongoing updates on the issues that matter. For many years, we have offered highly regarded training sessions for trustees to help them make more informed decisions.

    To discuss how we might help you and your pension scheme, please contact Katrina Morrisson.

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    The future of DB schemes

    The future of DB schemes

    Defined benefit pension schemes have an unprecedented opportunity to target enhanced benefits for members, generate potential excess capital for sponsors, and support the wider UK economy.

    Defined benefit pension schemes have an unprecedented opportunity to target enhanced benefits for members, generate potential excess capital for sponsors, and support the wider UK economy.

    Find out more

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      “Excellent team. High levels of professionalism, diligence with deep levels of thought and consideration in solution design and management.”1

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      “Excellent team. High levels of professionalism, diligence with deep levels of thought and consideration in solution design and management.”1

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      LDI manager, UK pension fund
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      “Insight continues to be a very important strategic partner…the trustees consider Insight to be first class in delivering its investment solutions.”1

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      “Insight continues to be a very important strategic partner…the trustees consider Insight to be first class in delivering its investment solutions.”1

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      Funds accountant, UK pension fund
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      "Highly professional organisation with deep resources and an intellectual integrity that can be trusted.”1

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      "Highly professional organisation with deep resources and an intellectual integrity that can be trusted.”1

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      Trustee, UK pension fund

    Meet some of our team

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    Andrew Stephens

    Head of Distribution, EMEA

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    Andrew Stephens

    Head of Distribution, EMEA

    Andrew joined Insight in July 2019 as Head of Distribution, EMEA. He is responsible for driving Insight’s business development strategy in EMEA, and working with clients and their advisers in the delivery of outcome-oriented investment solutions. Andrew joined Insight having spent 19 years at BlackRock (including his time at BGI), where he held a number a senior distribution roles with oversight for business strategy, business development and client service for institutional clients. Andrew was also a responsible for the launch and development of BGI’s Switzerland branch. Earlier in his career, Andrew led BGI’s performance measurement function, analysing and attributing investment performance across the asset class spectrum. He holds a B.Comm in Law from Stellenbosch University, South Africa and is also a CFA charterholder.

    image Andrew.Stephens@InsightInvestment.com
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    Katrina Morrisson

    Head of Business Development, UK and Ireland

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    Katrina Morrisson

    Head of Business Development, UK and Ireland

    Katrina joined Insight in August 2022 as Head of Business Development, UK and Ireland. Prior to Insight, Katrina spent 16 years at BlackRock (including her time at Barclays Global Investors), latterly as DC Practice Leader in the UK Institutional Client Business area and Managing Director in the Strategic Pensions function. Here, her responsibilities included the design and execution of the distribution strategy for defined contribution pension schemes and leading relationships with large, sophisticated DB and DC pension scheme clients. She also held a number of senior business development and relationship management distribution roles for institutional clients. Whilst at BlackRock, Katrina was also involved in the diversity, equity and inclusion effort, holding the position of Co-chair of the Inclusion Committee for the firm’s Ability Network in EMEA. Prior to joining BlackRock, Katrina worked as an investment consultant at Mercer, having started her career within Mercer’s actuarial practice. Katrina graduated from the University of Bradford with a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Statistics, and also holds the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society of the UK.

    image Katrina.Morrisson@InsightInvestment.com
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    Jonathan Poll

    Institutional Business Development Director

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    Jonathan Poll

    Institutional Business Development Director

    Jonathan joined Insight in October 2006 as an Institutional Business Development Director. The Business Development Team is responsible for direct marketing, including to corporates, pension schemes and charities. Jonathan joined from Zurich Financial Services (formerly Eagle Star) which he joined in 1986, latterly as Head of DC Client Servicing with responsibility for their large corporate pension fund relationships.

    He holds a BSc degree in Hotel and Catering Management from Manchester Metropolitan University. He has completed units 1, 2 and 3 of the Financial Planning Certificate from the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society of the UK.

    image Jonathan.Poll@InsightInvestment.com
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