SPP 2026 Conference: The future of pensions at a time of fundamental change

Session 3: SPP In-person conference – Delivering pensions of the future

We are delighted to invite you to the in-person element of the SPP’s 2026 Conference, being hosted in-person only at the London office of A&O Shearman.

This session will feature three sessions: 

Session 1: Investment strategies for pensions of the future
At a time of a significant global change, we consider the macro-economic landscape. In that context, and as pensions policy, design and the needs of pensioners change, investment strategy must evolve with it. This session brings together a highly respected economist, with DB and DC perspectives to explore how investment approaches need to change to support new models of provision, risk sharing and decumulation. We will consider how schemes can position portfolios to deliver long term objectives in a world of heightened economic uncertainty, market volatility and structural change, and what this means for trustees, sponsors and advisers in practice.

Session 2: Improving equity in pension outcomes

Session 3: Tomorrow’s industry professionals

Our preceding conference sessions have explored future innovation and evolution within DB and DC pensions, and the investment strategies that will be required for these developing markets. In this session and with that context, we will ask what a thriving pensions profession will look like to deliver this future. How do we want to evolve as a range of professions within the industry to remain relevant and value-adding? With a wide-ranging industry panel, we will explore questions such as:

• What will define a good advisor?
• What differing skills and capabilities will be needed for the diversity of pension professionals?
• As AI progresses and knowledge becomes ‘free’, what are the skills that professionals will deliver?

After these sessions, there will be an opportunity to relax and meet colleagues over drinks.

Agenda:

13:30 Registration and coffee

14:00 Session 1: Investment strategies for pensions of the future

15:15 Session 2: Improving equity in pension outcomes

15:45 Comfort break and networking

16:15 Session 3: Tomorrow’s industry professionals

17:30 End of session and drinks