Aptia Group

Aptia is proud to have contributed to the latest Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) report 'Unlocking DB surpluses: Balancing Risks and Rewards'. This important research brings much-needed clarity to a fast-evolving area, and highlights some key issues facing the sector: Surplus access may be more limited than headline figures suggest Funding positions vary widely depending on the lens used- with many schemes still short of full buy-out funding levels Economic conditions have played a significant role in driving recent surpluses Despite these challenges the report reinforces that with the right safeguards, unlocking DB surplus has the potential to deliver meaningful benefits for members and the wider pensions industry. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ftzzjR

We’re very proud to have the following Aptia colleagues nominated for the Professional Pensions Rising Stars Awards: Anvita Jain, AIA C.Act; Will Wormald: Heather Bathgate; Jonathan Cooney; Victoria McKeeman, Ben Holden and Yathurshika B. The awards celebrate the emerging talent and future leaders shaping the pensions industry, recognising the individuals making an impact early in their careers as well as the organisations that are supporting and developing them. To have seven nominees reflects the strength of talent across our teams and Aptia’s commitment to growing the next generation of pensions professionals. A huge congratulations to all our nominees - a fantastic achievement and very well deserved!

What does pension administration look like when it’s shaped around real client and member needs?   Sue Doughty, our Head of Administration at Aptia, talks about how we work with clients and their members to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and focus on what will make a practical difference.   That includes services like our recently launched Pension Decision Service, which supports members as they navigate choices at retirement - offering clearer, more straightforward guidance at a key moment in their lives. It’s one of several ways we’re working to make pensions easier to understand.   If you’re interested in being part of a business shaping the future of pensions, we’re hiring – please check out our job tabs here on LinkedIn.   #FutureOfPensions #WeAreAptia #Hiring #Listening

Energised… but stretched? That’s pensions right now. At our recent Aptia Showcase event, we asked pensions professionals and trustees how they’re feeling about the industry today - and the results paint an interesting picture... Nearly 60% said that working in pensions is a mix of energising, fascinating, overwhelming and exhausting - all at once. The encouraging part? Positivity is winning out with 21% describing the profession as 'fascinating', and 1 in 10 calling it 'energising'. It’s a reminder that while the pace and complexity of the pensions industry continues to grow, so too does the sense of purpose and opportunity. Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4wdORis

We’re pleased to share that Aptia has acquired Pension Decision Service (PDS), strengthening our commitment to helping pension scheme members navigate some of life’s most important financial decisions. PDS is recognised for its personalised, one‑to‑one retirement guidance, supporting members to clearly understand both their scheme options and the wider choices available to them. Its expert team is known for breaking down complex retirement concepts in a way that is clear, supportive and tailored to each individual. With retirement decisions becoming increasingly complex – and many savers still unsure of their options – access to clear, expert guidance has never been more critical. This acquisition enables Aptia to further enhance the guidance and support we provide to pension schemes and their members at the moment that it matters most. To find out more, watch our video below and read our press release here: bit.ly/4uoHYJh.

In response to the passing of the Pension Schemes Bill today, Malcolm Reynolds, Aptia's UK President, said: 'We welcome the news that the Pension Schemes Bill has completed its passage through Parliament - particularly given the risk of delay ahead of prorogation. Getting it over the line is an important moment for the pensions industry. ‘But this very much marks the beginning, not the end. For administrators in particular, the Bill brings a wide range of implications to consider - from guided retirement and the small pots agenda, to more technical elements of the surplus reforms, including reporting requirements, tax treatment, and member communications. With most provisions not expected to take effect until 2027, the focus now turns to how this framework will be translated into practice. ‘We look forward to working closely with DWP on the forthcoming consultations on secondary legislation, helping to ensure that the final regulations are clear, workable, and capable of being implemented successfully across the market.' #pensionschemesbill #pensions

It’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who joined us at our showcase. It was great to spend time with clients and partners, share what we’re focused on, and have such open, thoughtful conversations about where the market is heading. We really appreciated the energy, questions, and chance to connect properly. We hope you enjoyed the food, drinks and conversations as much as we did. And for those still debating the playlist quiz answers on the way home… 🎶Golden: KPop Demon Hunters 🎶Back in Black: AC/DC 🎶God Put a Smile Upon Your Face: Mark Ronson 🎶Human: Killers 🎶Step by Step: New Kids on the Block 🎶Promise: Girls Aloud #AptiaShowcase26 #WeAreAptia #FutureOfPensions #ThankYou

We closed the Aptia Showcase with reflections from Malcolm Reynolds, who spoke about how interconnected pensions have become. When the parts don’t join up properly, the consequences are felt by real people, often at moments of vulnerability. That’s why our industry has such an impact. Malcolm shared how Aptia is continuing to invest and broaden what we do. This isn’t growth for growth’s sake. It’s shaped by what clients, trustees, members and partners are telling us. He closed with our commitment to keep listening, really listening; to keep learning; and to keep raising standards so our industry can be the best it can be. A sincere thank you to all our speakers, panellists and guests for sharing their insights throughout the day. We're excited for what's next. #AptiaShowcase26 #FutureOfPensions #WeAreAptia #ThankYou

Our final panel at the Aptia Showcase, Pensions trustees: Today’s pressures, tomorrow’s opportunities, explored what’s weighing most heavily on trustees right now, and where the biggest opportunities lie. Chaired by Sarah Steel, with perspectives from Kate Hardingham, Robert Branagh and Clare Routledge, the discussion focused on the growing challenge of pensions adequacy. As more people rely solely on Defined Contribution pensions, there’s a real risk that many won’t have enough to retire on - often without realising it. The panel highlighted the opportunity for the industry to do more to help people understand how much they’re saving, what that could mean for retirement, and the choices available to them. The conversation also highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable members. Vulnerability can take many forms, and trustees and administrators need practical, thoughtful ways to respond. Clear, simple and accessible communication remains essential. AI sparked thoughtful debate too. Used well, it has the potential to support governance, target help more effectively and improve member outcome, but only when combined with human judgement and care. That balance was reflected in the audience view. When asked how working in pensions feels right now, most selected “all of the above” (energising, fascinating, overwhelming and exhausting), with regulatory pressure and pace of change standing out as the biggest challenges facing trustees. #AptiaShowcase26 #PensionsTrustees #PensionsAdequacy #MemberOutcomes #FutureOfPensions

At the Aptia Showcase, our panel, Consulting insights on the future of Defined Benefit schemes, explored how trustees and sponsors are navigating an increasingly complex end‑game landscape. Chaired by Peter Redhead, with insights from Stuart Heatley, Jaysukh Shah, Terry Wharton and Steph Gold (Ledger) EPMI, the discussion focused on the reality that there’s no single destination for well‑funded schemes. While buy‑out is a clear route for some, others are choosing to run on, or to remain ready to act when the right opportunities arise. What matters is clarity of objectives, strong data, and a well‑sequenced plan. A strong theme throughout was the value of involving advisers early. End‑game planning brings challenges from data readiness and project delivery, to investment strategy, member engagement and regulatory expectations. The panel also reflected on how consulting itself is evolving. Today’s support goes far beyond traditional actuarial or investment advice, bringing together settlement expertise, risk transfer, communications and project delivery. Stuart closed by reinforcing Aptia’s commitment to a value‑for‑money, bundled proposition, combining consulting, communication, administration and delivery to support schemes end‑to‑end, always guided by trustee objectives and members’ best interests. #AptiaShowcase26 #DBPensions #EndGamePlanning #RiskTransfer #PensionsConsulting