Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) Schemes
We have been at the forefront of thinking in relation to collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes (also known as collective DC schemes, defined ambition or target benefit schemes).
In June 2014, we published a paper on a possible regulatory framework for CDC schemes, and we have also hosted workshops and given talks and teleconferences on the subject.
Since 2013, the DWP has been actively exploring the possibility of a "third space" in pensions where:
- employers are not exposed to the risks associated with defined benefit plans
- but members can expect better outcomes than they would achieve under conventional individual defined contribution arrangements
They, and others, have also produced useful information and papers on the subject of CDC schemes.
As well as being an important issue for the country at large, we believe that innovation in this "third space" is potentially crucial for employers from a workforce planning perspective: an employee who feels financially insecure will be less willing to retire.
One of the most significant options is CDC schemes, of the kind seen in the Netherlands and Canada. Sometimes called "target benefit" plans, these arrangements seek to produce a more predictable (and generally better) benefit outcome for members by adopting a collective approach to investment and decumulation, while at all times remaining DC from the employer perspective.
The Pension Schemes Act 2015 received Royal Assent on 3rd March, 2015 and sets out the framework (in Part 2 of the Act) for Collective DC Schemes (referred to as schemes which provide collective benefits). The next step is for the Government to bring forward draft Regulations for consultation.
Please visit our current issues section for more information and developments on CDC Schemes.
For other information and research on CDC Schemes, please visit our useful links section.
Partner Contacts
Useful UK government and other websites and downloads:
UK Parliament:
- House of Commons Library Standard Note on CDC schemes
- Dedicated Pension Schemes Bill page, including an overview of the legislative timetable and links to debates on the Bill
Department for Work and Pensions:
- Download the information note on CDC schemes [PDF, 39KB]
- Download the "Reshaping workplace pensions for future generations" (Cm 8710) consultation paper published 7th November, 2013 [PDF, 39KB]
- Download the response to the November 2013 consultation (Cm 8883) published 25th June, 2014 [PDF, 521KB]
- Download the "Modelling Collective Defined Contribution Schemes" paper [PDF, 167KB]
Office for National Statistics:
- Office for National Statistics website - for ongoing publication of data and projections on CDC schemes
Aon Hewitt:
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST):
PIMCO:
Pensions Policy Institute:
- "Risk Sharing Pension Plans: The Dutch Experience" briefing note
- "Risk Sharing Pension Plans: The Canadian Experience" briefing note
Useful Canadian websites:
Aon Hewitt:
C.D. Howe Institute:
Canadian Institute of Actuaries:
Recent papers:
Collective DC Schemes: Where are we now?
Collective benefit schemes in the UK: Where have we got to?
Amendments to UK legislation required to enable Defined Ambition Pensions Schemes to be set up
CDC schemes: The Third Space: More Than Just A Vacuum?
Recent conferences:
18 May 2015 - International Pension and Employee Benefits Lawyers Association's Conference in Brussels
Slaughter and May partner, Philip Bennett, spoke on Defined Ambition/Shared Risk/Collective DC Plans and other innovative plan designs.
Co-speakers: Angela Mazerolle (Superintendent of Pensions and the Superintendent of Insurance for the New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission) and Louis Kuypers (Supervisor of Financial Institutions, Dutch Central Bank).
12 March 2015 - NAPF Investment Conference in Edinburgh
Slaughter and May partner, Sandeep Maudgil, spoke on "How might a collective DC approach work in practice?".
The session was chaired by Emma Douglas (NAPF DC Council) and Niels Kortleve (Innovation Manager, PGGM) was co-speaker.
21 January 2015 - TUC Pensions Conference in London
Slaughter and May partner, Sandeep Maudgil, spoke at the TUC Pensions Conference on the "ABC of CDC".
Co-speakers: Kevin Wesbroom (Principal Consultant, Aon Hewitt), Hilary Salt (Actuarial Director, First Actuarial)