Innovative Research
Research forms the foundation of the work we do and each year we produce a number of key pieces which are used to inform, advise and educate our stakeholders on the latest ideas from our thought leaders.
Over the last year, we have carried out research on areas as diverse as scheme funding, pensions history and buy-out. Amongst our key items of research are:
DC pensions in the UK workplace
The False Dawn - An update on the UK bulk buy-out market & other de-risking solutions
Following on from last year’s research report ‘The End Game? – An analysis of the bulk buy-out market & other de-risking solutions’, which provided a comprehensive analysis of the state of the bulk buy-out market, Punter Southall Transaction Services has launched their second extensive report on this topic: ‘The False Dawn – An update on the UK bulk buy-out market & other de-risking solutions’.
Read the press releaseRequest a copyDownload a copy of the key findings
DC pensions in the UK workplace
The End Game? An analysis of the bulk buy-out market & other de-risking solutions
Our research shows that the current surge of pensions buy-outs is both unsustainable and temporary.
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Scheme Funding Survey
In December 2008 and January 2009, Punter Southall conducted an in-depth survey aimed at investigating the experiences of over 120 trustees, corporate sponsors and pensions managers of their first scheme funding valuation and at analysing their expectations for their second scheme funding valuation.
Among the key findings were that trustees had in general been more assertive and had achieved better funding deals than they would have under the old funding regime. Our survey also revealed some key gaps in trustee understanding, especially in comprehending the effects of the current financial situation on their pension scheme.
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The Market Value of Pension Liabilities
A survey by Punter Southall Transactions Services of private equity firms has revealed that defined benefit pensions continue to be a serious concern and ongoing challenge for private equity firms, whether making acquisitions or disposals and whilst managing portfolio companies.
The top pensions concern mentioned by over half of the private equity firms surveyed was the risk that changes in future life expectancy predictions will increase liabilities during ownership, resulting in a loss on exit. However, this concern isn't unique to the private equity industry as uncertain future improvements in life expectancy is a worry for all pension scheme sponsors and trustees.
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Pensions: Past, Present and Future
To celebrate 100 years' of state pensions and other key anniversaries, Punter Southall has published a booklet analysing the key dates in pensions history and an essay on the reforms of 1908 and 1948 by David Willetts MP, Senior Adviser to Punter Southall.
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Solvency Funding in Pension Schemes
Our aim is to influence the debate within Europe with a view to preventing solvency funding becoming a reality for our clients.
Press releaseSolvency funding in pension schemes: executive summary Solvency funding in pension schemes: full paper Appendix A: the UK pensions environment
London Employer Masterclass (September)