Why Trustees are bothered by Brexit

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I am sure that with the many aspects of Brexit that are occupying the minds of businesses around the country the impact on the company pension scheme might not be high up on the list for the sponsoring employer. Whilst I have every sympathy for this view it would be remiss of me not to suggest that companies don’t lose sight of this and to engage with their trustees for whom this is a very real issue. Let me start with a question. If you asked your trustees what was the top risk on their scheme risk register what would they say? If it is not “Brexit” then ask them again until they get the right answer. (Yes, I gave you a hint there.) The current economic uncertainty caused by Brexit highlights the need for an effective integrated risk management framework for pension schemes. It is important that your trustees understand the risks that the scheme faces and that they are actively engaging with you. Effective contingency planning is key and that planning is needed now. But, as the events of November 2018 have shown, no one knows what 29 March 2019 will bring or indeed who will be leading the discussions, so how can I plan? Will there be a deal? If there is a deal what will it look like – a hard Brexit, a soft Brexit or something in between? Maybe no Brexit at all? Will the date or the transition period be extended? All valid points, but, as I was always told, you hope for the best but prepare for the worst. So with that in mind what do you need to discuss with the trustees? Employer Covenant The impact that Brexit will have on the business of a sponsoring employer is critically important to the trustees. Conversations should be taking place so that trustees and their covenant advisers can understand the impact on the sponsoring employers business prospects given the uncertain economic climate and potential shifts in currency or other markets  which may impact on their support for schemes – either in terms of DB funding or contributions to DC pots. This is something that you will be very aware of for your business and open and honest dialogue with your trustees will allow them to effectively assess risk and plan. Actuarial Assumptions The impact of Brexit should be taken into account in setting assumptions for actuarial valuations and agreeing recovery plans. To enable the trustees to assess the impact on planned contributions to the scheme, they need to understand the impact of Brexit negotiation outcomes on the cashflows of the business. The funding levels of DB schemes need to be reviewed as continuing low interest rates and quantitative easing means DB liabilities remain high. New market conditions will raise questions about whether the scheme’s valuation is still current. The funding level and the associated risk it poses to the employer needs to be considered and ways of mitigating this risk need to be discussed. Buy out prices for DB schemes may be more attractive and trustees may be checking with the scheme’s advisers whether now is the time to remove some risk from the scheme. For a sponsoring employer this is all relevant and relevant now. Being an active part of the process is crucial not just for the scheme but for your business too. Investments Trustees will need to consider whether the scheme’s investment strategy is still appropriate for current market conditions and take advice from their investment advisers. For a DC scheme, they will need to check to see if the default fund is suitably diversified so as to protect members from any shock to the UK or European economy. A check should be carried out to see whether there has been an impact on the value of collateral that the scheme posts or receives under derivative contracts. The scheme might need to post extra margin, or ask their counterparties to do so. It will be some time before there is clarity on how Brexit affects schemes’ investments, contingent assets and investment yields in other countries – both EU and non EU. Trustees need to keep this under review. Trustees will also need to check that their fund managers have a Brexit plan. They should. Scheme members may well be worried about security of their pensions in the run up to 29 March 2019 and beyond.  It is imperative that you and the trustees prepare for whatever 29 March 2019 brings. As far as you can, protect the scheme and the members from the impact of Brexit. Communication will be key both with your trustees and your employees to manage the uncertainty that Brexit

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