Insurers are increasingly keen to invest in private markets, but the lack of opportunities which match their risk profile requirements means their options are limited

The UK defined benefit buyout boom could have plenty of time left to run, according to Standard Life’s Claire Altman

Following a record year for UK defined benefit pension scheme funding in 2024, private equity managers are among the companies taking note of an expanding opportunity set in the bulk annuity market

Retail investors have been pulling money out of ESG investments for several years as enthusiasm for the style turns negative. Is this reflected among asset owners?

There was a clear divide between the actions of the 45 UK corporate pension funds and master trusts surveyed during the first quarter of 2024. While individual pension funds remain focused on de-risking and bulk insurance strategies, master trusts, with their longer investment horizons, concentrated on illiquid alternatives. 

Investment consultants are advising UK defined benefit pension schemes to conduct wider investment strategy and governance reviews that go beyond their liability-driven investments as the Bank of England expands its emergency bond market support ahead of the end of its gilt-buying programme on Friday.