defined benefit

Bulk annuity business in 2016 will outstrip last year's levels despite a slow start due to the introduction of Solvency II, according to Willis Towers Watson.

Volatility has risen ahead of the EU referendum with markets already reeling from a deflationary scare driven by the oil price fall. Kristian Brunt-Seymour finds schemes must take action now to mitigate their risk exposures.

A considerable gap remains between public and private sector employer and employee contribution levels according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The UK can pride itself on having the third largest pension system in the world, but the relative inefficiency of the UK defined contribution sector needs to be addressed, claims David Rowley who as a British journalist based in Sydney has spent the last three years reporting on Australian superannuation.

The Government has announced it will fully index public service pensions for workers reaching State Pension Age from April 2016 to 5 December 2018.

Ultra Electronics Holdings plans to close its £238m defined benefit (DB) pension scheme to future accrual from 5 April 2016.

Total funding levels of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes have improved since January despite volatile markets and low interest rates, according to JLT Employee Benefits.

Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF) will close its defined benefit (DB) scheme to future accrual and instead introduce a 30% defined contribution (DC) rate for members.

Research shows employers are taking a more active role during the valuation process.

Scottish Widows' life and pension sales have risen by 10% since 2014 on the back of £2.8bn from its first two bulk annuity deals.