This specialized e-learning course, “Impact of Investment Surveys and Place of Investment Consultants in Pension Fund Advisory,” offers a critical deep dive for pension trustees, administrators, and financial professionals seeking to optimize scheme performance and ensure member satisfaction. The course begins by meticulously defining “value proposition” from the perspectives of members, sponsors, and trustees, emphasizing that the ultimate measure of a pension scheme’s success lies in its ability to deliver a strong income replacement ratio (IRR) at retirement. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how IRR is calculated for both Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) schemes, analyzing the factors that influence it, such as contribution levels, investment returns, and annuity features. The curriculum highlights the pivotal role of actuaries and other qualified investment consultants in preparing Investment Policy Statements (IPS) and continuously monitoring performance to identify opportunities for increased returns and address underperforming asset classes. By exploring the trends in fixed income, equities, and offshore investments, this course equips learners with the analytical tools to make informed decisions, enhance member engagement, and ensure the long-term financial health of pension schemes.

Key Topics

• Measurement of Value Achievement
• Income Replacement Ratio (IRR)
• Variation between DC and DB IRR
• Sample DB IRR Calculations
• Sample DC IRR Calculations
• Fixed Income Trends
• Equities Trend
• Offshore Trends
• Segregated vs. Guaranteed Fund
• Importance of Performance Review