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Read articles from Scottish Widows experts on the latest workplace pensions, investments and key industry developments.
Market concentration: What could it mean for DC default strategies and member outcomes?
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation
September 2026
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, considers how defaults can pursue growth without becoming overly reliant on a narrow group of mega-cap stocks.
For EBC and adviser use only
2026: The year pensions got serious about AI
Robert Cochran, Innovation & Engagement Specialist
September 2026
2026 feels different. This is the year UK financial services stopped talking about AI as a future trend and started treating it as a present-day reality.
Why systems-level stewardship matters for pension portfolios
Shipra Gupta, Scottish Widows Responsible Investment Expert
September 2026
Systems-level stewardship looks beyond individual companies to the wider market, policy and regulatory conditions that can affect long-term pension outcomes. In this article we explain why this matters for pension portfolios and how advisers can assess whether managers are addressing systemic risks in practice.
For EBC and adviser use only
Using data and insights to help more people retire better
Claire Thomson, Head of Employer Experience
August 2026
To help people save enough for retirement, we first need to understand how they are saving today.
Peter Fitzgerald, Chief Investment Officer
August 2026
Peter Fitzgerald, Scottish Widows Chief Investment Officer, reflects on investment markets in the second quarter of 2026 and shares his outlook for the months ahead.
AI's real promise?: better member outcomes
Matt Bailey, Director of EBC Distribution
August 2026
With pension adequacy remaining such a critical challenge, could AI and new digital technologies give members support so that they improve their retirement outcomes?
For EBC and adviser use only
The future belongs to scale – but there’s more to it
Jerry Butcher, Workplace Savings Director
July 2026
How scale can support better pension outcomes through technology innovation, investment expertise and proposition development.
A step forward for inclusive workplace pensions
Mithesh Varsani, Head of Investment Solutions
July 2026
Mithesh Varsani, Head of Investment Solutions, explores how inclusive pension design can improve engagement and long-term outcomes.
For EBC and adviser use only
Good governance in an AI-enabled world
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead
July 2026
As AI becomes more widely used across pensions, trustee boards must ensure strong governance, oversight and accountability to protect member outcomes.
How AI is becoming a pensions powerhouse
Eleanor Hassall-Marlow, Workplace Take-to-Market & Strategy Lead
July 2026
AI can give people guidance to make better financial decisions. But it’s about using the right tool for the task – that’s why we’ve launched InvestAI.
Why pension investors should look beyond political headlines
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation & Research
July 2026
With Sir Keir Starmer's resignation in the spotlight, what does political change really mean for pension investors? Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, explains why long-term investment returns are shaped by far more than politics alone.
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Reimagining DB Surplus for today’s workforce
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead
June 2026
Many defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are now in a markedly different position from just a few years ago. For employers, this raises key questions.
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation
June 2026
In the wake of the SpaceX IPO (initial public offering) in June – the biggest in history – Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, notes that not all IPOs soar to new heights.
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The surprising link between toast, Everest and lost pensions
Richard Brown, Head of Workplace Savings Proposition & Eleanor Hassall-Marlow, Workplace Take-to-Market Lead
June 2026
How can we help people – especially younger workers – find their millions of 'lost' pensions.
Hidden cost of women’s careers and why the system needs to change
Jill Henderson, Head of Workplace Strategic Relationships
June 2026
Women aren’t choosing to save and retire with less - the system stacks the odds against them.
Welcoming a brand-new era in pension administration
Claire Thomson, Head of Employer Experience
May 2026
Pension administration has always mattered. But for too long, it’s been treated as something behind the scenes – essential, yet rarely noticed, and judged mostly on whether it simply “works.”
Energy security and investment risk – building resilience
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
May 2026
Volatility in global energy markets has prompted governments, businesses and investors to reassess their strategies for reliable energy supply.
For EBC and adviser use only
Beyond Consumer Duty: Pension support must reflect real lives
Jerry Butcher, Workplace Savings Director
May 2026
Cost of living pressures and rising cancer rates show why support for members is essential.
Re‑imagining pensions for real life in the digital age
Richard Brown, Head of Workplace Savings Proposition
April 2026
The right information, at the right time, will help people make clearer choices on their future, earlier and with confidence.
Taking DC savers beyond the limits of public markets
Mithesh Varsani, Head of Investment Solutions
April 2026
Private markets open the door to a far bigger investment universe than public markets.
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Tackling the pension payroll challenge
Matthew Bailey, Director of EBC Distribution
March 2026
For large and complex arrangements, integration can create operational efficiencies and stronger governance.
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Insights, innovation and what’s next for workplace pensions
Jill Henderson, Head of Workplace Strategic Relationships
March 2026
In workplace pensions, the pace of change isn’t slowing, and employers are increasingly being asked to play an active role in shaping outcomes, not simply overseeing provision.
Modern trusteeship and the balance between professionalism and diversity
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead, Scottish Widows
March 2026
The UK pension system is undergoing a period of tremendous change. Greater consolidation into “fewer, bigger, better schemes”, reform momentum through the Pensions Schemes Bill, and an operating environment which is more complex and data-driven than ever are reshaping what it means to be a pension scheme trustee.
Middle East conflict and what it means for your employees’ pensions
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation and Research
March 2026
Recent events in the Middle East have caused some uncertainty in global financial markets. Over the weekend, military action between the US, Israel and Iran led to sudden movements in markets around the world.
Our Robeco sustainable investing partnership: One year on
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
March 2026
We’re celebrating a successful year in our partnership with Robeco, a €240bn+ global asset manager and leader in sustainable investing.
The cornerstone of this partnership is the co-development of exclusive ESG‑tilted developed and emerging market equity indices. These underpin growth funds in our new workplace default proposition, Scottish Widows Lifetime Investment.
For EBC and adviser use only
Market volatility in the wake of conflict in the Middle East
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation at Scottish Widows
March 2026
The US and Israel have launched air strikes on Iran, while retaliatory attacks by Iran have hit several countries around the Middle East. As a result of these events, there was a volatile opening for many investment markets in the immediate aftermath, with many equity markets dropping back in the first hours of trading. At the same time, oil and gas prices have soared on fears that supplies may be impacted by shipping disruption in the Persian Gulf.
Unlocking access: How pension funds can secure quality private market investments
Mithesh Varsani, Head of Investment Solutions
February 2026
As pension funds increasingly allocate to private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real assets, the focus shifts from whether to invest in private markets to the more nuanced challenge of how to implement to secure the most attractive opportunities.
For EBC and adviser use only
What will pension dashboards mean for members, providers – and employers?
Robert Cochran, Innovation and Engagement specialist
February 2026
Pension dashboards are edging ever closer to becoming a reality, although the exact go‑live date is unconfirmed. The research phase is underway, and encouragingly, some industry participants have already begun testing early versions in an unmistakable sign of progress.
2026 Responsible investment trends: navigating opportunities in a shifting landscape
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
February 2026
As we enter 2026 following a year of increased polarisation for sustainable finance, the responsible investment landscape continues to evolve and recalibrate. Global economic pressures, political polarisation, and urgent climate realities mean that there’s a growing focus on re-emphasising the commercial drivers and financial materiality of responsible investing.
For EBC and adviser use only
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead, Scottish Widows
February 2026
Lessons from authorisation and supervision: a blueprint for change?
Longer-term impact of geopolitical tensions on markets
Heather Coulson, Head of Portfolio Management & Implementation
February 2026
Geopolitical tensions have dominated headlines in early 2026, from US-Europe tariff threats to developments involving Iran, Venezuela and the Arctic region.
For EBC and adviser use only
2026: Keeping a weather eye on markets
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation at Scottish Widows
January 2026
Sunny skies or cloudy with a chance of rain? Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation at Scottish Widows, considers some of the broad opportunities and challenges that could potentially impact investment markets in 2026.
For EBC and adviser use only
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
December 2025
Fresh from attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil, our Head of Responsible Investment, Eva Cairns, shares her thoughts on the outcomes of the global climate conference.
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Let’s end women’s £113,000 pension penalty
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Workplace Relationships
November 2025
Aside from my day job supporting workplace pension clients and members I am driven to support women’s financial empowerment and doing what I can to help effect change.
Whether it’s leading our team at Women in Work events, presenting to business leaders at Google in November, or the release of our 21st Women & Retirement Report just out, supporting women to grow their finances throughout their lives is what I’m most passionate about.
Understanding the Budget proposals on salary sacrifice
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Relationships
December 2025
With details to be worked through, why it’s business as usual for employers.
How Pension Engagement Season “sparked a movement”
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Workplace Relationships
November 2025
When Pension Engagement Season launched with the ‘Pay Your Pension Some Attention’ campaign, fronted by actor Ross Kemp, it generated more positive media coverage around pensions than I’ve seen in some time.
New Scottish Widows Retirement Report reveals widening gender pension gap – here’s how to close it
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Relationships
November 2025
Aside from my day job supporting workplace pension clients and members I am driven to support women’s financial empowerment and doing what I can to help effect change.
How can the £160bn pensions schemes surplus be used effectively?
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead, Scottish Widows
November 2025
Defined Benefit (DB) pension scheme funding levels are at record highs, with three in four schemes now in surplus. Deficit payments have dropped by over £10 billion annually, and the collective deficit has shrunk from £500 billion in 2019 to just £140 billion in 2024.*
Perspectives from the Pensions UK Conference
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Workplace Relationships
October 2025
With over 1,400 delegates from across the pensions industry, a diverse line-up of expert speakers, and appearances from current and former Government ministers, the Pensions UK Conference 2025 delivered on every front.
From emissions to alignment: Embedding forward-looking climate metrics
Scottish Widows
October 2025
In this article, we discuss why focusing on forward-looking alignment metrics rather than just backward-looking emissions data is vital to build more resilient portfolios and capture opportunities and explain how Scottish Widows is putting this into practice.
For EBC and adviser use only
Using capital market assumptions for future-focused investing
Matthew Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation and Research, Scottish Widows
October 2025
In today’s fast-moving financial landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in the headlines – quarterly earnings surprises, political developments, or shifting market sentiment, to name a few. These factors can all affect investment performance in the short term.
For EBC and adviser use only
How digital innovation is changing pension engagement
Matthew Bailey, Director of EBC Distribution
September 2025
Pension apps, Tik Tok, gamification, open finance – it’s a brave new world of pension engagement.
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Navigating the complexities of private market investing
Matthew Bailey, Director of EBC Distribution
September 2025
How workplace pensions can make private market investing work for them.
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Assets that could hedge portfolios against higher inflation
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, Scottish Widows
September 2025
In the UK, we’ve had a step up in inflation in recent months and there are arguably several issues that could keep inflation elevated over the longer term, including protectionism or geopolitical issues. As we saw back in 2022, prolonged inflationary pressure can lead to higher correlation between equity and bond market performance, with both underperforming.
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What interest rate changes can mean for investors
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation and Research
September 2025
Interest rates play a key role in the economy, influencing a variety of financial products including savings, investments, pensions and property markets. Changes in interest rates are often a hot topic because of the effect they can have on things like our mortgages and savings.
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3-3-3: Can Bessent’s triple play reform the US economy?
Heather Coulson, Head of Portfolio Management, Scottish Widows
September 2025
Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary and former hedge fund manager, has touted a “3-3-3” plan – a bold economic strategy aimed at tackling three major areas of the US economy.
For EBC and adviser use only
Getting to grips with systemic risks
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment, Scottish Widows
August 2025
New report explores how investors can better identify, understand and tackle systemic risks.
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At the heart of reform: The expanding role of master trusts
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead, Scottish Widows
August 2025
Policy change and redefined workplace pensions
Pensions adequacy needs to tackle inequality too
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Relationships
July 2025
We need to help people save more – and women have most to gain.
A clearer view of ‘advice gap’ proposals
Pete Glancy, Head of Pensions Policy
July 2025
Advice and Guidance Boundary Review has many complexities to work through.
Exploring AI risks and opportunities
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
June 2025
Widespread use of AI highlights the need for robust governance, our new report explains.
For EBC and adviser use only
Why is government debt so high, and does it matter?
Scottish Widows.
June 2025
What’s driving government debt and what does it mean for investors?
Watch this: the pension engagement good news story
Robert Cochran, Innovation and Engagement Specialist.
June 2025
Technology, AI, video benefit statements, and gamification are making things a lot more engaging.
Let’s talk about the Pensions Bill
Matthew Bailey, Director of EBC Distribution
June 2025
The Pensions Bill is bringing change, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For EBC and adviser use only
The AI challenge – unpicking risks and opportunities for investors
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
June 2025
Widespread use of AI highlights the need for robust governance.
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Balancing act: China’s path through policy, property and trade
Scottish Widows
June 2025
There’s much more to China than tariffs, as it navigates wider economic issues.
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Government debt in the spotlight
Scottish Widows
June 2025
We consider why government debt levels are so high and what the implications are.
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation
June 2025
The emerging market (EM) equities region has been a perennial underperformer for many years now. What’s been behind this, and could this situation be set to reverse?
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Three key ways to promote financial peace of mind
Stuart Hopley, Relationship Director, Workplace Pensions, Scottish Widows.
May 2025
Employers have a unique opportunity to support employees in achieving financial peace of mind.
Rethinking regulation: TPR’s evolving model of segmented supervision and innovation
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust and IGC Lead, Scottish Widows
May 2025
Rethinking regulation: TPR’s evolving model of segmented supervision and innovation.
Pensions are working harder, for longer
Graeme Bold, Managing Director, Pensions and Retirement, Scottish Widows
May 2025
Members’ changing behaviours require a new approach to help their retirement savings last.
How can we offer members better support?
Jerry Butcher, Workplace Savings Director, Scottish Widows
April 2025
When people are struggling, where can they get the right kind of support?
Employees want responsibly invested pensions
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
April 2025
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment, reflects on the findings of our recently published Responsibly Invested Pensions report.
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Taking the long view in turbulent times
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation
April 2025
In the wake of recent market volatility, Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, takes a look at what’s happening and what it means for investors.
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Building a community for DC professionals
Matthew Bailey, Director of EBC Distribution
April 2025
When we decided to run a series of Town Halls for EBCs and pension scheme advisers this year, there were a number of reasons why it made sense.
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Why salary exchange is difficult to ignore
Susan Hope, Workplace Savings Specialist
April 2025
Changes to NI and minimum wages make a compelling case for salary exchange.
Thrive in the pension (r)evolution
Jill Henderson, Head of Strategic Relationships
March 2025
Tackling the main pension challenges with a room full of employers provides fascinating insights.
Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation
March 2025
In this article, Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, looks at inflation trends and whether these could influence interest rate polices at major central banks.
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Leveraging UN Sustainable Development Goals for better outcomes
Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment
March 2025
Good retirement outcomes should not only consider financial return but also what kind of world pension savers will retire into.
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Let’s #AccelerateAction this International Women’s Day
Jill Henderson, Head of Business Development
March 2025
It’s known as a celebration of the very best of all things female, but what has International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March got to do with money, and pensions for that matter?
FCA targeted support and dashboards promise better outcomes
Pete Glancy, Head of Pensions Policy
February 2025
Proposed reforms could help more people achieve their financial goals.
How Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a ‘game changer’ for pensions
Sharon Bellingham, Master Trust Lead and Scheme Strategist
February 2025
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is essential for creating fair and sustainable pension systems. But when it comes to implementing DE&I strategies, there is little in the way of accessible support available for trustees to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Pension dashboards answer the big questions
Robert Cochran, Innovation & Engagement Specialist
February 2025
How will the pension dashboard revolutionise pension savers experience?
Matthew Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation and Research
February 2025
Will interest rate reductions continue, and can US technology stocks still dominate?
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