Research

This report aims to move the current discussion about UK productive asset investment forward by exploring the opportunities that lie beyond current constraints and considering how productive finance might contribute to UK defined contribution (DC) pension growth.

UK pension providers face an uncomfortable truth: they’re losing the battle for people’s attention. Over one-third of people in the UK don’t engage with their workplace pension; either it’s just not an imperative, or they find their pension difficult to understand.

Back in 2018, the Defined Contribution Investment Forum (DCIF) investigated the role that responsible investment played in member engagement. As schemes grappled with engagement issues, the idea that members would connect with their pensions through environmental and social issues seemed promising. Seven years later, we’ve spoken to a variety of pension schemes across the industry, and it’s clear the reality is more nuanced.

In this study of how pension schemes can create an all-important real-world change, we discuss three stages of the net zero transition, why trustees should make a net zero commitment when your fiduciary duty is to safeguard investors’ returns, which companies schemes should actually be investing in, and the complexities of reporting.

In this guide, we define natural capital and explain where pension schemes should start when thinking about making an investment. What are the risks? What does the regulation say?

In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is in the process of introducing Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), which introduces voluntary labels for sustainable funds as a key component.

Why pension schemes should become change-makers on the path to net zero.

Private markets are one of the hottest topics in UK DC right now, and rightly so. Opening a wider range of investment opportunities to DC scheme members can improve their retirement outcomes. As schemes grow and consolidate, they are increasingly looking to private markets.