Pensions

Pensions actuaries work with other specialists, such as pensions lawyers and administrators, to help different pension schemes meet the needs of trustees, employers and scheme members. As schemes will be affected by the investment market, and changing legislation and regulation, an actuary is on hand to provide specialist advice.

The typical work a pensions actuary undertakes includes advising the scheme trustees and companies on:

• Scheme funding - the funds needed to be held in respect of scheme benefits now as well as the funds needed to be paid in the future
• Investment - strategies for selecting the most suitable assets for the funds held in the scheme
• Scheme design - the level and form of benefits to be provided to the members
• Accounting for pensions - determining the impact the pension scheme has on the company's accounts
• Managing risk - strategies for managing and mitagating the risks associated with providing pension benefits, affecting the trustees, company and members
• Corporate transactions - advising on the pensions aspects of sales or mergers which can have a significant impact
• Individual benefits - advising trustees, companies and often individual members on complicated options relating to individuals' pension benefits.