DC scheme design and governance

Designing and governing a defined contribution (DC) pension scheme goes beyond compliance.

With our DC pension expertise and global market insight, we help employers and trustees create workplace pensions that are resilient, well run and designed to deliver better retirement outcomes.

Designing a DC scheme that fits your workforce

Data analytics

We use workforce data and member profiling to build a clearer picture of member choices and likely needs. Our collaborative tools provide interactive analysis across demographics, behaviours and outcomes, helping you make informed and confident scheme design decisions.

Scheme type and transitions

We take an independent view on scheme type. We explain the differences and what they mean in practice, support you in selecting the right option, and guide you through transitions from provider selection and asset transfer through to implementation. Our experience helps reduce risk and ease the pressure on your internal resources, while keeping you in control of key decisions.

Contribution structures

We review contribution options to ensure they are compliant and competitive. We model alternative approaches, show the impact on retirement outcomes and costs, and work with you to design arrangements that balance affordability with member value.

Investment strategy

Your scheme’s investment approach should reflect members’ real needs. We help design and review default strategies, at-retirement pathways and self-select funds, with a growing focus on ESG considerations and post-retirement drawdown. Supported by our DC investment consultants, we also manage transitions and bulk transfers with careful oversight to help control costs and reduce risk.

At-retirement solutions

Retirement choices can have a significant impact on the value of savings. We help you put frameworks in place that guide members through sustainable, tax-efficient options, from annuities to drawdown, helping reduce the risk of poor decisions and improve outcomes.

Our DC governance review tools

Using our tools, we benchmark contribution take-up, default investment performance, provider capability and projected member outcomes. This gives employers and trustees a clear view of how the scheme is performing and where changes or greater engagement may be needed.

We bring together clear data and analytics, giving you real-time insight, benchmarking and forecasting. We allow you to test scenarios, monitor performance, and provide members with the tools and communications they need to engage confidently with their pensions.