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UK pension schemes have estimated £10.5bn invested in global coal industry

By Jack Gray

5/2/26

UK pension schemes have more than £10.5bn invested in companies that are extracting or burning thermal coal overseas, according to new research.

The study, conducted by Finance Innovation Lab (FIL) and the Leave it in the Ground initiative (LINGO), analysed 22 randomly selected funds across three major UK pension providers and found the majority retained exposure to coal

Professional trustee demand to rise in short term despite consolidation pressures

Demand for professional trustees is expected to grow in the short term as defined benefit (DB) schemes grapple with regulatory change, although consolidation and a shrinking DB market could dampen opportunities over the longer term, according to Hymans Robertson

Trustees urged to treat administration as critical infrastructure amid consolidation

Trustees need to view pensions administration as critical industry infrastructure rather than a routine outsourced service, as sustained consolidation reshapes the UK administration market, analysis from KGC has suggested

Govt urged to consider compulsory workplace financial education to improve retirement outcomes

The government should require large employers to provide workplace financial education to improve retirement outcomes, productivity, and financial resilience across the UK workforce, a white paper from MicroFact has suggested

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has launched its enhanced Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP), which aims to expand the pipeline of skilled pension professionals

Mandation not needed to boost UK pension investment, industry argues

Industry figures have continued to express concern about the government’s proposed reserve asset allocation powers, warning that they risk harming savers’ outcomes and distracting from the real barriers to domestic investment

Overseas equity allocations take centre stage in master trust investment strategies

Overseas equities have moved firmly into the spotlight within master trust default investment strategies, according to the latest Master Trusts Unpacked report from LCP

Industry warns against ‘giving up’ on saver engagement at retirement

The pensions industry should maintain engagement and not rely too heavily on default solutions at retirement, industry experts have stated

Bibby Line Group pension scheme concludes £55m buy-in with PIC

The Bibby Line Group Ltd Pension Scheme has completed a £55m buy-in with Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), covering the pensions of 667 members

IA calls for realignment of stewardship to provide sustainable value

The Investment Association (IA) has published a report calling for the realignment of the role of stewardship, charting a roadmap for participants across the investment chain

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Highlighted Content

Trustees Guide 2026

We cover many key issues to help Trustees navigate a complex environment in 2026

DC structures under the spotlight

Clare Freeman highlights the importance of reviewing established DC structures – whether its own trust, GPP or master trust – to improve governance, implement cost eﬃciencies and ultimately enhance member outcomes

Two steps forward, one step back

From reflections on the Budget, to considerations for future scheme design, our panel of experts reflects on the DC and master trust world of today and into the future

De-risking Guide 2025: Choosing the right path

The highlights, milestones and movements that defined the 2025 BPA space

What questions will define 2026?

Investments and markets leaders at BNY tackle six essential questions for the year ahead.

Going private: The asset class gathering pace

As the Mansion House Compact and Accord take hold, UK pension schemes are stepping up allocations to private markets. Sandra Haurant reports

Latest Podcasts

Podcast: From pension pot to flexible income for life

Podcast: Who matters most in pensions?

In the latest Pensions Age podcast, Francesca Fabrizi speaks to Capita Pension Solutions global practice leader & chief revenue officer, Stuart Heatley, about who matters most in pensions and how to best meet their needs

Podcast: A look at asset-backed securities

Royal London Asset Management head of ABS, Jeremy Deacon, chats about asset-backed securities (ABS) in our latest Pensions Age podcast

The role of CDC

In the latest Pensions Age podcast, Laura Blows speaks to TPT Retirement Solutions Chief Client Strategy Officer, Andy O’Regan, about the role of collective DC (CDC) within the UK pensions space

Keeping on track

In the latest Pensions Age podcast, Sophie Smith talks to Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP) principal, Chris Curry, about the latest pensions dashboards developments, and the work still needed to stay on track

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Check out our latest appointments

Appointments update – 5 February 2026

LGPS Central has confirmed David Kane will serve as its permanent chief finance officer (CFO) following a period as interim CFO, while Nicola Dymond has been appointed as chief operations & technology officer

Appointments update – 3 February 2026

Local Pensions Partnership Investments (LPPI) has appointed Roelie van Wijk as a non-executive director, effective 1 April 2026

Appointments update – 2 February 2026

Dalriada Trustees has appointed Rosy Anand as head of defined contribution (DC) trusteeship

Appointments update – 29 January 2026

Steve Deverell-Smith has been appointed as head of client consulting at Aptia

Appointments update – 28 January 2026

The London Pensions Fund Authority (LPFA) has appointed Matthew Hopson as its new director of finance and corporate resources

Check out our latest features

Swipe right for retirement: Can pension apps match modern expectations?

As consumer technology races ahead, pensions are still struggling to deliver digital experiences that feel intuitive, responsive and engaging. Callum Conway explores whether pension apps are finally closing the gap

Sizing up the social mobility challenge

Paige Perrin investigates why social mobility in the UK pensions industry remains limited, and how apprenticeships, DEI initiatives, and smarter recruitment could finally open the doors to a more diverse workforce, in the latest for Pensions Age’s special focus on DEI

Disclosures without the drama

As policymakers grapple with the future of pension sustainability reporting, UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) chief executive, James Alexander, sits down with Sophie Smith to call for smarter, more coherent disclosure rules that drive real-world outcomes, rather than red tape barriers

Going private: The asset class gathering pace

As the Mansion House Compact and Accord take hold, UK pension schemes are stepping up allocations to private markets. Sandra Haurant reports

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

The challenge for the pensions industry to spot AI-generated ‘deepfakes’, and the role they may play in identity fraud

The sum of many small parts

As the number of self-employed continues to rise, what changes are required to better assist them in their retirement saving?

Coming of age

With the professional trustee market reportedly entering a new stage of maturity, Laura Blows

explores whether the sector is experiencing any growing pains

The future of covenant assessment

Employer Covenant Practitioners Association chair, Luke Hartley, explores the continued importance of the employer covenant throughout this period of great change

Putting the ‘me’ in member

Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pensions operations and services executive,

Stephen Worthington, explains how the UK’s largest private pension scheme has made member experience central to its operations

Cheap and cheerful?

The debate between cost and value has continued to persist, as whilst increased scale has allowed providers to negotiate better fees, not all are convinced that this is delivering the best value for savers

Closing the disability pensions gap

Many people with disabilities are unable to accumulate significant occupational or private pension savings, in part because of the difficulties to find work and the struggles they may face within the workplace. David Adams looks at what the pensions industry, employers and policymakers might do to help ensure more disabled people can enjoy a better income in retirement

Multi-employer CDC in practice – from drawing board to delivery

After years of planning, the first multi-employer CDC pension schemes could be launched as early as 2027, with regulators set to publish rules this autumn

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Head of Pensions

Posted by

84,421 to £93,565 plus benefits and relocation support

Stevenage / Hybrid

Full time

The Hertfordshire Pension Fund is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and administered by Hertfordshire County Council. With 123,922 members, 529 employers, and £6.25 billion in assets, we are a cornerstone of financial security for thousands of public sector employees across the county. Joining us means playing a vital role in delivering excellence, innovation, and integrity in public service.

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Pensions UK Chair

Posted by Pensions UK

Pensions UK is the voice of pensions in the UK, trusted and heard by the government and the pensions industry.

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In-House Pensions Manager, Governance

Posted by Sammons Pensions Recruitment

superb compensation package

Hybrid/Glasgow office 3 days per week

We’re looking for a Pensions Risk & Governance Senior Manager to lead risk oversight and governance for one of the UK’s largest occupational pension schemes. This is a high-impact role offering hybrid working from Glasgow (3 days in-office per week) and the chance to drive governance at the highest level.

To discuss this role in confidence please call Sarah Bergin-McCarthy on 020 7293 7022 or email sbm@sammons.co.uk. please quote reference 119233.

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Quality Assurance Pensions Administrator

Posted by Abenefit2u

Up to c£41,000pa plus excellent benefits

Leeds twice per week

Permanent

Are you highly detail-oriented with a passion for accuracy, continuous improvement, and high-quality outcomes? An established workplace pensions provider is expanding its Quality Assurance (QA) function and is looking for two experienced Pensions Administrators to help shape and strengthen this growing area of the business.

We are looking for someone with;

• Proven pensions administration experience, including manual benefit calculations (essential).
• Experience or understanding of User Acceptance Testing for system changes and calculation updates (desirable — training provided).
• A strong eye for detail with a naturally questioning and analytical mindset.
• An inquisitive, improvement-focused approach, with confidence navigating complex scenarios

For a confidential discussion please telephone Tasha Davidson on 0208 274 2842 / 07958 958626 or email tasha@abenefit2u.com

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Pensions Manager, In House

Posted by Sammons Pensions Recruitment

Excellent + competitive benefits & bonus

Hybrid/c.4 days a week office South East or West Midlands

Fantastic opportunity to take your career forward leading this in-house Pensions function.

To discuss this role in confidence please call Sarah Bergin-McCarthy on 020 7293 7022 or email sbm@sammons.co.uk. please quote reference 80721.

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