The defined contribution (DC) section of the Schroders Retirement Benefits Scheme (SRBS), chaired by BESTrustees professional trustee Lisa Mundy, has announced its investment in Schroders’ climate-focussed private assets long-term asset fund (LTAF), the Schroders Capital Climate+ LTAF.
The SRBS has made a £48m investment – equalling 20% of the default growth fund – as it aims to provide greater diversification benefits and access to the ‘robust returns’ private markets can deliver. The strategy is to invest in a range of assets including infrastructure, real estate, private equity, natural capital and biodiversity through a combination of Schroders Capital and externally managed funds.
“A review of our default investment strategy found that our members would gain valuable diversification benefits through an allocation to private markets. We believe the addition of Climate+ supports the trustee’s objective of enhancing overall returns compared to our previous default investment strategy, thereby improving retirement outcomes for our members. It also supports the trustee’s stewardship objectives in relation to climate change and sustainable investment.”
SRBS trustee chair Lisa Mundy
“The addition of the Schroders Capital Climate+ LTAF means SRBS members now have access to a multi-asset private markets fund which offers significant diversification across asset classes and geographies and the potential to enhance returns over the long-term. This was made possible through a careful and considered approach which addressed what previously have been the specific obstacles preventing private markets allocations. The LTAF structure overcomes these historic barriers to entry while taking into account the liquidity needs relating to the wider portfolio and members’ retirement glidepaths.”
Schroders head of UK DC clients Ryan Taylor
Latest Insights
BESTrustees response to the DWP consultation
We are delighted to have had the opportunity to respond to the Department for Work and Pensions’ consultation regarding trust-based pension scheme trusteeship and governance. BESTrustees’ response is in the context of our experience as a firm of professional trustees providing pure trusteeship and governance. We are an independent, employee-owned company with no other services or products to cross-sell, unlike some of our competitors. Our commercial drivers do not require us to add other service lines and we don’t need to provide dividends to meet external shareholders’ requirements. In our model, the distinction between impartial trusteeship and independent advice can …
Continue reading “BESTrustees response to the DWP consultation”
BESTrustees and the Deloitte UK DB pension scheme completes £700m Bulk Purchase Annuity
BESTrustees client, the Deloitte UK pension scheme (DUKPS) section of the Pensions Master Plan, has concluded a £700 million Bulk Purchase Annuity (BPA) transaction with Standard Life, securing the benefits of all pensioner and deferred members of the legacy defined benefit scheme. The transaction completed in January 2026 and is to be followed by an accelerated move to full buyout by April 2026. As part of the transaction, Standard Life will equalise Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMP) on behalf of the Scheme following buyout. This will involve Standard Life taking on additional responsibilities compared to a typical transaction, undertaking both the …