2020 has been a year of unprecedented global events, economic disruption and market uncertainty, which left the Government, Regulator and scheme trustees and sponsors grappling with the question - what did this mean for pension schemes?

At the start of what may prove to be an even more challenging year for UK pension schemes, our Annual Seminar will take a deep dive into some of the key legal issues trustees and sponsors will confront during the year ahead and how these are likely to impact strategic decisions relating to pension arrangements.

Held across four days, our sessions are set out below:

DC trends: consolidation, compliance and ESG

Monday 18 January, 2.00 - 3.00 pm GMT

With ongoing DC benefit - and legacy AVCs - provision shifting ever more towards DC and an accompanying increase in regulatory scrutiny, we will look at some key trends in the evolving DC arena. This will include: issues for trustees and employers on transfers to master trusts; compliance and regulatory change (including the CMA Order and implementation statements); and the increasing spotlight on "ESG".

The year in review - cases and determinations that have shaped the pensions landscape

Tuesday 19 January, 2.00 - 3.00 pm GMT

We will explore the key issues that trustees and sponsoring employers should be aware of from key cases and Pension Ombudsman decisions in 2020.

The year ahead - what will 2021 hold for trustees and employers?

Wednesday 20 January, 2.00 - 3.00 pm GMT

With the year set to see significant legislation, consultations and guidance across a wide range of areas impacting pension schemes, what should trustees and employers be focussing on? Our annual horizon scanning session will include consideration of the Pension Schemes Bill, the ongoing consultation on scheme funding, tPR guidance on how trustees should be protecting schemes from sponsor distress and what schemes should now be doing in relation to GMP equalisation projects following the most recent Lloyds judgment.

Looking towards long term objectives – DB consolidation and buy-out

Thursday 21 January, 2.00 - 3.00 pm GMT

“Endgame” options are at the top of most DB trustees’ agendas and will no doubt continue to be so in 2021 and beyond. This session will focus on traditional insurance buy-out models, but will also examine some of the more recent DB consolidators which have entered the market. We are delighted to have Richard Jones, Chief Executive of Stoneport joining us to provide insight on recent developments in the market.