NewManaging the Transition from DB to DC Pensions

Dates:

• 19 - 23 October 2026 - London (£2,850)

Workshop Outline

The most seismic shift in global pensions systems in recent years has been from increasingly unaffordable Defined Benefit (DB) schemes to those based around a Defined Contribution (DC) model.  The implications and consequences of this transition are profound, not least as the main risks relating to pension scheme membership are transferred to individual members.

This programme has been designed to provide Trustees, Regulators and other key actors in pension ecosystems with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the transition from DB to DC schemes.

The workshop will examine the nature of pension scheme governance and management and the role of trustees under the DC model.  Key issues, risks and challenges will be explored, within the context of the regulatory tiers or pillars comprising each pension jurisdiction’s coverage. Including related to:- managing shared responsibility; the potential fragmentation of pension pools; the tendency for inadequate DC member contributions to be made; supporting DC members to avoid making inappropriate investment decisions; and designing investment funds to meet the need of DC members with differing age profiles, risk appetites and personal circumstances.

The workshop will also examine DC fund administration, processes and systems, including accounting for individual members’ claims, reporting and the transitioning of members between constituent funds.  A key comparison of some alternatives to the DC model will also be considered, including Defined Ambition, Target Benefit or Collective Defined Contribution schemes.

Workshop Objectives:  

On completion, you will be able to:

• Assimilate the principal differences among DB, DC and other pension scheme models
• Identify the key issues relating to the transition from DB to DC schemes
• Understand the implications for pension scheme governance and management under DC schemes
• Appreciate the changing roles of Trustees and Regulators in the DC transition
• Analyse the principal implications for national pension schemes
• Identify the requirements for investment and administration processes and systems

Key Topics

• Overview of DB and DC pension schemes and key features of DC schemes
• Fundamental differences in risk allocation and benefit structures
• Introduction to hybrid pension plans and other alternative models
• Role of individual investment accounts and participant choice
• Benefits and challenges of DC schemes for employers and employees
• Role of Trustees and Sponsors in protecting DC Members’ interests
• Administrative requirements for DB and DC schemes
• Regulatory frameworks governing DB and DC schemes
• Examining the role of reporting, disclosure, and compliance
• Analysing the rationale for transitioning from DB to DC schemes
• Different transition strategies (e.g. plan freezes, benefit buyouts, hybrid conversions)
• Examining the financial and operational implications of transition
• Communicating pension changes to employees and stakeholders