Press Releases

A new range of strategic asset allocations (SAAs), designed specifically to meet the needs of consumers in each of the four FCA Investment Pathways, has been launched by Hymans Robertson. The Investment Pathways SAAs will allow providers to offer investment strategies that will meet the requirements of the investment pathways and help ensure consumers are invested in a way that meets their needs.

Commenting on today’s publication of the PLSA’s Climate Investment Report, Simon Jones, Head of Responsible Investment, Hymans Robertson, says:

Commenting on the PLSA’s publication of DC Decumulation: Evolving the Pensions Freedoms – Final Recommendations, Mark Jaffray, Head of DC Consulting, Hymans Robertson, says:

Hymans Robertson is warning firms to ensure they’re fully prepared for the introduction of the FCA Investment Pathways for pensions income drawdown. With only a matter of months before the 1 February deadline for their mandatory introduction, there is significant regulatory risk for those affected who don’t have a clear plan in place, claims the leading pensions and financial services firm. It is urging providers to implement technology to meet the regulatory requirements.

Commenting on the McCloud consultation as the formal response draws to a close, Catherine McFadyen, Head of LGPS Consulting, Hymans Robertson, says:

49% of pension schemes are now targeting buy-out as their long-term objective, up from just 15% four years ago, according to a Hymans Robertson survey of 100 defined benefit pension scheme trustees*. In the same period the number of pension schemes aiming for self-sufficiency as their long-term objective fell to 37%, from 81% four years ago. The remaining 14% of pension schemes are targeting a form of consolidation as their long-term objective.

Commenting on the need for consistency in how the pensions industry measures value in response to the FCA’s Value for Money in Pensions Consultation, closing today, Lee Hollingworth, Partner, Hymans Robertson, says:

Hymans Robertson, the leading pension and financial services consultancy, has cut the firm’s own staff Pension Plan’s carbon footprint by about 33%*, while delivering lower charges, by launching a new investment strategy for its default arrangement.

Covenant risk is far higher than many DB schemes realise, and members with B rated sponsors face a whopping 50% chance of a cut in benefits due to their sponsoring employer going insolvent before the pension scheme is fully funded on a buy-out basis, according to analysis by Hymans Robertson.

Simon joins the firm from the Body Shop, where he was Vice President of Digital covering the USA and Canada, based in New York. Prior to this he had a successful career in Australia and the UK where he specialised in digital strategy and delivery in roles working for firms such as Bupa, RSA and Saga.

Commenting on the impact on LGPS early retirement pensions of the Consultation on the reform of exit payments in local government announced today, Douglas Green, Partner, Hymans Robertson says:

Twelve leading investment consulting firms in the UK have established the Investment Consultants Sustainability Working Group, with the aim of seeking to improve sustainable investment practices across the investment industry.