Covenant advisory services
Specialist services to assist pension scheme trustees in assessing and monitoring the strength of the employer covenant.

The employer covenant is a critical factor in securing members’ benefits and making decisions regarding a pension scheme’s funding and investments. The financial strength of the employer determines the degree of prudence trustees should use in the valuation of the scheme’s liabilities and the level of risk that can be supported in the scheme’s investment strategy. Our dedicated team of experts - who are members of the Punter Southall Transaction Services group - can assist pension scheme trustees in assessing and monitoring the strength of the employer covenant, be that in relation to corporate activities or in the context of the actuarial valuation.

For further detail on the services we provide, including some of our recent case studies and information on our team providing this advice, please download our brochure.
 

 Overview

 
Our covenant advisory services include:
  • detailed covenant assessments to understand the impact of major corporate activities
  • high level covenant reviews to determine the sponsoring employer’s financial position and prospects, the scheme’s security position and the level of prudence needed for scheme funding
  • regular covenant monitoring to make sure pensions scheme trustees are aware of any changes in the sponsoring employer’s financial position
  • ongoing negotiation support to guide pension scheme trustees through discussions with the sponsoring employer

Covenant reviews are triggered by either employer or scheme related activities; the actuarial valuation being the most common example. The events when covenant is a relevant consideration include the following:

  • Scheme events: triennial actuarial valuation, investment strategy review, apportionment arrangements, withdrawal arrangements, transfer value calculations, scheme merger or scheme closure
  • Corporate events: merger or acquisition, divestment, refinancing, restructuring, deterioration of trading performance, dividend payment or share buy-back
Focusing on areas of key importance, we are pragmatic, cooperative and creative in our approach. Our advice is clear and constructive.
 
 

 Insights & views

 
    Pensions Bulletin - June 2013
    12 June 2013
    In our latest Pensions Bulletin, we ask whether the Pensions Regulator’s annual funding statement and proposed new objective go against the flow of regulation over the last decade by strengthening the position of the employer. The Bulletin also looks at some other recent developments, including the revised Takeover Code, the pensions implications of an independent Scotland and GMP equalisation.
     
    In addition, the Pensions Bulletin flags key dates for your diary over the next quarter, including some Punter Southall events.
     
    View the bulletin


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    Pensions Bulletin - March 2013
    6 March 2013
    In our latest Pensions Bulletin, we ask whether it is time for more joined-up thinking on pensions: do the various recent initiatives suggest that Government departments are working together to achieve the right balance between reform and continuity in the pensions system? The Bulletin also looks at some other recent developments, including ‘micro pot’ refunds, changes to the disclosure requirements and DC pension charges.
     
    In addition, the Pensions Bulletin flags key dates for your diary over the next quarter, including some Punter Southall events.
     
    View the bulletin


    Read more
    Visit the Industry Insights page for news and views on the latest industry developments
    Speak to us
    Speak direct to our specialists in this area
    Lorant Porkolab
    Head of Covenant Advisory Services
    Email Lorant
    Or call us on
    020 3327 5000