Small defined benefit pension schemes are continuing to benefit from favourable conditions in the bulk annuity market, with well-prepared schemes increasingly able to secure competitive buy-in transactions, according to Quantum Advisory.
The comments follow the successful completion of a buy-in for a client in the transport sector by Quantum's risk transfer team. The £9.7 million transaction, which covers 100 members, was completed with Aviva.
Quantum Advisory, a pensions and employee benefits consultancy for small and medium sized schemes and employers, acted as lead transaction adviser in the process, with legal advice from Stephenson Harwood. The independent Chair of Trustees was Lynne Stewart-Brindle, Deputy Chair at PAN Trustees.
The transaction forms part of the Scheme's long-term strategy, providing increased security for members' benefits while helping the Scheme trustees and sponsoring employer meet their endgame objectives.
Chris Mason, Principal Consultant at Quantum Advisory, said:
“The market remains highly competitive and we continue to see attractive opportunities for smaller schemes that are well prepared and have a clear strategy. There can sometimes be a perception that insurers are focused solely on the largest transactions, but our experience is that smaller schemes can achieve excellent outcomes when they enter the market in the right way.
“Preparation is key. Trustees who understand their objectives, have high-quality data and take advice in the process from specialists in small scheme deals, like Quantum Advisory, are often in a much stronger position to secure a successful transaction. This was certainly the case for our client in the transport sector who wanted to buy-in and had been working towards it. With the right approach and support, smaller schemes like our client's can achieve their long-term goals.”
Quantum Advisory has developed a strong track record of advising smaller pension schemes through risk transfer transactions, working closely with trustees and sponsoring employers to prepare schemes for buy-in and buy-out opportunities.
The latest transaction is one of a number of buy-ins on which Quantum Advisory has advised.
Chris Mason added:
“Smaller schemes are increasingly moving towards endgame risk transfer transactions.
“Every scheme is different, but what remains consistent is the importance of planning ahead. Risk transfer is not simply about completing a transaction; it's about ensuring trustees are in the strongest possible position to make informed decisions at the right time.
“We're continuing to see encouraging opportunities for smaller schemes and expect that to remain the case as the market develops.”
