Defined benefit / contribution

Our services are designed to help trustees and sponsors focus on the important issues.

Defined benefit (DB) investment

• Real-time strategy tools - so clients can see the impact of any changes to the investment strategy as part of the discussion in a meeting.
• Forward-looking macro outlook combined with periodic asset class appraisals - to ensure our clients and our research react quickly to the changing investment environment.
• Comprehensive manager research in both traditional and alternative asset classes - focused on areas that can add the most value for our clients, and including environmental, social and corporate governance considerations.
• Innovative scheme governance and monitoring to focus on the key issues requiring the trustees' attention.
• Trustee training and communication - equipping trustees to make the most effective use of their advisers.

Defined contribution (DC) investment

In DC arrangements, investment risk lies with the members.  It is crucial for trustees and sponsors to offer an appropriate choice of investments, to enable members to manage the risks and meet their retirement income targets. We can advise on the choice of funds to offer, including "ethical" funds if required.

Most DC plan members tend to invest in default funds, which are designed to give members an acceptable degree of risk whilst benefiting from longer-term investment performance.  We have undertaken extensive research into strategies that control investment risk better for members than traditional "lifestyle" strategies.  This reflects our belief that the key to improving DC investment strategies is diversification away from equities, in the same way as DB pension schemes.

We can help trustees and sponsors put in place options which have an improved risk-reward profile.  We also provide advice on "white-labelling" of funds, which can ease administration, member communication and regulatory compliance.