Publications

Placard is the discussion newsletter produced by the ACA on a periodic basis. It focuses on topical issues where Members feel the views of consulting actuaries can be helpful in resolving public policy issues and other financial problems. The ACA produces other publications, including major Consultation Responses and Parliamentary Briefs which are targeted at politicians and other opinion formers, often commenting on legislation that is either pending or before the Houses of Parliament.

Report maps out pension reform, so lifelong financial independence is secured for all

A report says the UK’s retirement system is built on outdated assumptions: people retire at 65, live modestly for a decade, and state and workplace pensions suffice. That era is over. Today brings longer lives, rising inequality, insecure housing, and Read More ... more »»

6th July 2025 David Robertson

ACA 2025 Survey Report – Unlocking DB pension scheme surplus

Our survey was conducted with ACA members in May 2025 with 363 responses. Find below a copy of the survey report: more »»

Our survey was conducted with ACA members in May 2025 with 363 responses. Find below a copy of the survey report:

24th February 2025 David Robertson

ACA publishes Unlocking DB surplus paper

Following a letter to the Chancellor and Pensions Minister, we have published a paper for Officials on ‘Unlocking DB surplus’. More… more »»

Following a letter to the Chancellor and Pensions Minister, we have published a paper for Officials on ‘Unlocking DB surplus’. More…

25th June 2024 David Robertson

Placard – our special General Election issue

Our latest issue includes commentary on the Parties election offerings on pensions, savings and care. It also includes a summary of the ACA’s own manifesto produced ahead of the election being announced and handy summaries of each Party’s relevant policy Read More ... more »»

14th November 2023 David Robertson

Placard – Mansion House search for the Holy Grail of growth

Our latest Placard focusses on the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech in July 2023 and his call for further pension reforms. We examine the issues raised, the progress made and the challenges ahead.. more »»

18th August 20231st November 2023 David Robertson

ACA survey into trustee skills informs our response to the evidence call

Following the HMT/DWP evidence call on Trustee skills, capability and culture, 208 trustees and consultants responded to our research survey on trustee skills and capabilities conducted in the summer of 2023 and which helped inform our response to the evidence Read More ... more »»

5th April 202313th June 2023 David Robertson

Placard – Calm before the storm

A review of pension developments and issues over the last few months… more »»

A review of pension developments and issues over the last few months…

1st March 202324th July 2023 David Robertson

Survey on DB Funding Code consultation

Our snap survey on the DB Funding Code found close to half the respondents felt that the draft proposals would not improve member outcomes. For a summary of the findings, see below: more »»

Our snap survey on the DB Funding Code found close to half the respondents felt that the draft proposals would not improve member outcomes. For a summary of the findings, see below:

30th March 2022 David Robertson

Pensions: Key reforms still needed to avoid crisis

The final report of the our 2021 Pension trends survey highlights a ‘Top 10’ list of key findings many of which underpin the ACA’s call for action on stalled pension reforms that the report says are brewing a crisis ahead. Read More ... more »»

30th June 202130th June 2021 David Robertson

Placard – State of the Nation

After a brief lull during the Winter, the pensions industry is once again full steam ahead on a number of different fronts with a tidal wave of consultations being issued… more »»

After a brief lull during the Winter, the pensions industry is once again full steam ahead on a number of different fronts with a tidal wave of consultations being issued…