January 2026
09Jan

The future of public pension provision in the UK: challenges and trade-offs

By Jonathan Cribb , Carl Emmerson & Heidi Karjalainen The UK state pension system faces significant challenges given the country’s ageing population, but at the same time it is crucial for retirement finances: state pensions make up on average almost half of income for recently retired households. Reforms coming into force in 2010 and 2016 have increased universality, and most future pensioners will receive a full (flat rate) state pension. Policy-makers seeking to limit the cost of the system have...

January 9, 2026
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09Jan

UK. DWP told to introduce state pension ‘means test’ to ‘guarantee its survival’

The Department for Work and Pensions has been told to "means test" the state pension to "guarantee" its survival. Craig Mackinlay, writing in the Telegraph, called on the Labour Party government and the DWP to make changes. Mackinlay of Richborough is a member of the House of Lords. He was previously the MP for South Thanet and served on the DWP and Public Accounts Select Committees. He is also a chartered accountant and tax adviser. He explained: "My solution was a...

January 9, 2026
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06Jan

Global investment outlook: Navigating a complex landscape

From the impact of US trade tariffs to the continued growth of private markets, and from climate change investing headwinds to the artificial intelligence (AI) megatrend, there have been plenty of challenges and opportunities for investors to navigate over the past 12 months. Pensions Expert asked consultants and asset managers for their views on the continued dominance of US equities in investment portfolios, how to mitigate geopolitical risks, and whether private markets have been overdone. AI continues to dominate as a...

January 6, 2026
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December 2025
23Dec

UK. A Christmas wishlist for the pensions industry

By Nick Reeve With the festive break upon us, it’s time to find out what the pensions industry really wants for Christmas this year. Pensions Expert asked representatives of 21 organisations from across the UK retirement industry to come up with one ‘Christmas wish’ – something they would like to see over the next 12 months. From a smooth passage for the Pension Schemes Bill to collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes becoming a reality, from defined benefit (DB) endgames to the Pensions...

December 23, 2025
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22Dec

Mexico Retirement Funds Log Record MX$1.12 Trillion Returns

Retirement savings for Mexican workers posted historic returns in 2025, as Administrators of Retirement Funds (Afores) recorded total gains—or plusvalías—of MX$1.12 trillion from January through November. According to data from the National Commission for the Retirement Savings System (CONSAR), this represents the highest level ever recorded for the period. Despite the record cumulative performance, the pace of growth in Afores’ returns moderated in November compared with previous months. Positive returns for the month totaled MX$32.608 billion, a 77% decline from...

December 22, 2025
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19Dec

UK. ‘Clarity and fresh uncertainty’: Pensions in 2025

UK pensions policy rarely stands still but 2025 delivered a flurry of reforms, consultations and political interventions. From the revival of the Pensions Commission to sweeping changes in the Budget, this year brought both clarity and fresh uncertainty for advisers. By the time we had reached December, it was clear that the big story of 2025 wasn’t one specific reform but the sheer volume of moving parts. One thing is clear: the pace of pensions reform is accelerating In May, 17 of the...

December 19, 2025
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16Dec

Big pension funds make progress on climate but much more needed, report shows

Major pension funds are increasingly adopting climate targets and shifting their strategy to respond to global warming, according to a new report on the sector. However, many still invest in fossil fuel companies and more regulation is needed so the industry contributes further to the net zero transition. The proportion of pension funds with at least one climate target jumped to 63% in 2024 from just 9% in 2020, according to the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) thinktank. The CPI report...

December 16, 2025
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16Dec

November Delivers Mixed Results for Pension Finances

Pension finances experienced a modest pullback in November, marking the first negative month since March, according to October Three Consulting’s “November Pension Finance Update.” Meanwhile, some measures reported a small increase in funding levels over the same period. Both model plans October Three tracks lost ground last month. Plan A, a traditional 60/40 equity/bond allocation, lost almost 1%, ending November up 6% for the year. The more conservative Plan B, comprised of 80% bonds, lost a fraction of 1% last...

December 16, 2025
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12Dec

UK. Willis Towers Watson to acquire pensions and savings provider Cushon

Global advisory, broking and solutions firm Willis Towers Watson (WTW) has announced that it will acquire workplace pensions, savings and financial wellbeing provider Cushon from Natwest Group. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026. It will add 730,000 members to WTW’s portfolio and see an additional £4 billion in assets under management from Cushon. The deal will bolster WTW’s position in the UK defined contribution (DC) master trust space, enhance capabilities and...

December 12, 2025
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03Dec

UK. People’s allocates £3.6bn to emerging markets with new mandate

The People’s Pension has awarded a £3.6bn emerging markets mandate to Robeco – the latest in several investment strategy changes as it gears up for a period of growth. The £38bn master trust has shifted to an active, quantitative investing approach as part of the move, it said in a press release. The allocation was previously passive and run by State Street. People’s said the new mandate ensured “greater alignment with the scheme’s evolving responsible investment policy”, as well as aiming for...

December 3, 2025
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