Pensions Conference 2026

Registration Open

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. (45 mins)

Chair’s Opening

9:45 a.m. (15 mins)

Introduction and welcome.

Investment Economics Outlook

10:00 a.m. (25 mins)

This session will unpack current economic dynamics and their potential impact on global markets in 2026, identify emerging opportunities across asset classes, and share strategies to meet portfolio objectives in an environment of shifting monetary policy and structural change. Gain actionable insights from leading market experts to navigate uncertainty and position for long-term success.

Considering the Pivotal DB Endgame Decision

10:25 a.m. (5 mins)

Many DB schemes are approaching a pivotal opportunity potentially to settle the risk or to target surplus generation for the benefit of both members and the sponsor. In this brief recorded session, we will ask The Pensions Regulator to take us through some highlights on their guidance from June 2025 and its application.

The Big Decision: DB Surplus Sharing

10:30 a.m. (45 mins)

Aggregate industry funding levels are improving, and with the most significant DB policy shift in a generation set for 2027, surplus sharing is firmly in the spotlight. Join this interactive session to debate with your peers the latest thinking.

We’ll tackle the critical question of when and how to share surplus—and the thorny issue of intergenerational fairness. Expect fresh insights, practical considerations, and the key updates needed to shape surplus policies for the future.

Morning Coffee Break

11:15 a.m. (25 mins)

AI Adoption in Pensions

11:40 a.m. (15 mins)

This session guides trustees, sponsors and scheme managers through the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in the pensions industry. Attendees will gain insight into what AI can and cannot help with and explores practical examples of how AI is already benefiting pension schemes. It will support pension schemes getting ready for emerging digital solutions.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Retirement Income?

11:55 a.m. (25 mins)

Turning DC pension savings into a reliable retirement income remains one of the toughest challenges in our industry, and the landscape is changing. With Guided Retirement for DC schemes on the way, the spotlight is on how we can better support members with diverse needs, multiple pots, and varying expectations. Should schemes aim to take action on members’ behalf, create robust support frameworks, or steer individuals toward tailored advice?

Collective Defined Contribution: Where Are We Now and Where Next?

12:20 p.m. (20 mins)

Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes are transforming workplace retirement. Since the Royal Mail Collective Pension Plan, CDC has evolved from single-employer models to multi-employer schemes launching in 2027. These innovative schemes pool contributions and returns to deliver inflation-linked lifetime income - without complex member decisions.

With new regulations enabling mass-market access, we’ll look at how CDC offers employers and employees better outcomes through their design and risk sharing. We’ll also look ahead to Retirement CDC, promising DC savers income stability and longevity protection, and where CDC could fit in guided retirement duties.

Lunch Break

12:40 p.m. (60 mins)

Chair’s Update

1:40 p.m. (10 mins)

A brief topical look at the other main areas of changes to pensions that we don’t have time for elsewhere on the agenda.

The Future Board: What Effectiveness Looks Like in Today’s Landscape

1:50 p.m. (20 mins)

This session shifts the focus from what boards do, to how they operate effectively in today’s evolving pensions environment. With expanding responsibilities, increasingly complex projects, and a shifting risk landscape, trustees must adapt their approach. We’ll explore how board effectiveness is being redefined. The session offers practical insights into how boards can thrive amid complexity, deliver better outcomes, and meet rising regulatory expectations.

DC Investment Defaults: Delivering Value and Outcomes for Members

2:10 p.m. (20 mins)

This fireside chat will explore the evolving landscape of DC investment defaults, focusing on how to deliver adequate retirement outcomes and value for members. Including the integration of private markets, the evolution of responsible investing in light of global trends, outcomes-based investing strategies, and innovations to ensure the spending phase of retirement is as effective as the savings phase.

Afternoon Coffee Break

2:30 p.m. (20 mins)

Safe Haven Assets: Protecting Your Portfolio in Uncertain Times

2:50 p.m. (20 mins)

Diversification often fails when crises hit and asset correlations rise. This session explores safe haven assets - gold, US Treasuries, and currencies like the dollar and yen—what makes them resilient and how they’ve performed historically.

We’ll show why relying on one safe haven isn’t enough and how a balanced mix can help portfolios withstand volatility. Expect practical insights and real-world examples to protect DB and DC investments in uncertain markets.

The Great Risk Settlement Game – Putting Yourself in an Insurer’s Shoes

3:10 p.m. (45 mins)

In this interactive group session, we challenge you to think like an insurer – you’ll be presented with a range of DB pension schemes seeking a buy-in and, working together, you’ll decide which schemes you should bid on and put your best price forward. Be careful though – you’ll need to focus your efforts based on your resources and appetite as well as meeting the scheme’s requirements. Let the bidding begin!

Chair’s Closing Remarks

3:55 p.m. (10 mins)

Drinks and Networking

4:05 p.m. (55 mins)