Pensions and Pensions De-risking

Our pensions team is renowned for its advice in acting for corporates and trustees on key issues of funding negotiations, benefit changes, scheme closures and dealing with the Pensions Regulator. Our pensions de-risking practice sets us apart in the market, with particular expertise in the field of insurance de-risking solutions for pension schemes, including longevity swaps and pension scheme buy-ins and buy-outs.

Our range of pensions services include:

  • advice on the management of pensions issues on sales, acquisitions, domestic and international business transfers and reorganisations, including the management of section 75 debts, clearance applications and negotiations with the Pensions Regulator and trustee boards;
  • pension issues on transfers from the public sector and within privatised industries;
  • advice on cross-border and international arrangements;
  • liability management including buying-out liabilities, buy-in policies, enhanced transfer value exercises and benefit re-shaping;
  • advice on changes to pension plans, including new pension structures for managing pension liabilities, mergers, de-mergers, benefit changes, special issues relating to former public sector employees and employee communications and consultations;
  • guarantees and other types of contingent asset;
  • investment management and financial product work;
  • establishing new pension schemes;
  • special projects;
  • advising trustees on all aspects of on-going scheme management: benefit issues, the impact of legal changes, scheme governance and conflicts and negotiations on funding;
  • advising employers and trustees on scheme winding up, entry into the Pension Protection Fund and management of schemes in assessment periods; and
  • the management and resolution of pension disputes, including High Court litigation, Part 8 claims and Pensions Ombudsman cases.

What people are saying

Next

"The advice is very detailed, the legal drafting is very precise and both the partners and associates are extremely competent. They are also very approachable and respond quickly to queries whether by email or phone."

The UK Legal 500 2022

"A very strong life insurance team within depth knowledge on longevity reinsurance, pensions and the wider regulatory framework."

The UK Legal 500 2022

"Team balances practicality and thoroughness of advice very well. Examples include referrals for treatment of member cases where the advice was short and practical, while for advice on accrual closure they took the time to make sure the right steps were addressed upfront."

The UK Legal 500 2022