Shows
Changing World, New OpportunitiesInvestment strategy, consolidation and the future of DC with SEI master trustIn this episode, hosts Louise Farrand and Dave Whitehair chat to Steve Charlton, DC and solutions managing director for SEI across EMEA and Asia. Steve takes us through SEI’s goals-based investment philosophy, explaining how the master trust starts with members’ retirement income needs and designs portfolios backwards from that objective. He outlines why SEI maintains a high-equity, factor-driven default through the early and mid-career stages, using tilts such as value, quality and momentum to manage risk while targeting long-term return drivers. They discuss the impact of industry consolidation, including SEI’s acquis...
2025-12-0435 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesThe future of Master Trusts: climate, private markets and member engagement with NatWest CushonIn this episode, hosts Louise Farrand and Dave Whitehair chat to Veronica Humble, CIO at NatWest Cushon.Veronica takes us through how Cushon is shaping its investment strategy for a changing world, from expanding its private markets allocation to exploring opportunities in venture capital. She explains the team’s approach to diversification, governance, and long-term risk management, particularly given market volatility.They discuss Cushon’s climate framework, including its focus on real-world decarbonisation, natural capital and portfolio resilience. Veronica shares how digital storytelling is helping members connect with their investments, and why UK-based projects are beco...
2025-11-2737 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNavigating DC pensions in 2025: private markets, sustainability, and innovation with FidelityIn this episode of the DCIF’s podcast, hosts Louise Farrand and Dave Whitehair sit down with James Monk, investment director at Fidelity’s FutureWise. James explains why the FutureWise team is embracing private markets – but hasn’t signed the Mansion House Accord. We dive into how FutureWise is using LTAFs and peer beneath the bonnet at its private markets allocations, plus hear more about James and the team’s future plans for using these assets in members’ later lives. James also talks about other asset classes, sharing why he’s keen on gold. We hear more about...
2025-11-2042 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesRegime change, retirement income and private markets with Liz FernandoIn this episode of Changing World, New Opportunities, hosts Louise and Dave sit down with Liz Fernando, chief investment officer at Nest. Liz explains how Nest is reshaping DC investing, moving beyond pot size to focus on retirement income and member outcomes. She shares her reflections on why investors could be in the midst of a regime change and what this may mean for asset allocation. Liz also discusses how the scheme blends multiple portfolios across different risk and return profiles, and how private markets, including timberland and private credit, play a growing role in driving diversification and long-term...
2025-11-1343 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesJames Lawrence - Mastering the future of retirement: private markets, ESG, and innovation with Smart PensionIn this latest episode of Changing World, New Opportunities, hosts Louise Farrand and Dave Whitehair sit down with James Lawrence, director of investment proposition at Smart Pension. Smart Pension has made headlines for its forward-thinking approach, combining bold investment ideas with a strong focus on member outcomes. As a tech-led disruptor in the DC market, it is innovating on multiple fronts, from synthetic equities to private markets integration, and user-centric retirement solutions. James explains why Smart Pension has leaned into private markets, what is behind their use of synthetic equities to free up capital for h...
2025-11-0630 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesDan Mikulskis on value for money, private markets and profit for membersIn this season of the DCIF’s podcast, Dave and Louise are chatting to master trust chief investment officers. And who better to start us off with a bang than Dan Mikulsis?! As well as being CIO of People’s Partnership, Dan is a podcast veteran; in a former role, he hosted LCP’s own podcast, a top listen. In this week’s episode, we cover a huge amount of ground. But just a few highlights: Dan tells us why People’s Partnership signed the Mansion House Accord (when they hadn’t signed the compact), what private...
2025-10-2349 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesLessons from our international guestsMay we be so bold as to suggest that if you listen to one of our international episodes, it should be this one. Mark and Louise reflect on the key lessons they’ve learnt from their series of conversations with international pensions policymakers. What should UK policymakers take from the season? The episode is interspersed with nuggets of wisdoms from all our fantastic guests from all over the world. This is the final episode in this season and Mark and Louise give a preview of what to expect from season four – look out for that in a few weeks.
2025-09-1245 min
V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #123: The pensions goth - Daniela SilcockIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to pensions goth and research guru, Daniela Silcock about all things pensions.
As well as talking about what value for money means to Daniela, we discuss:
politics, pensions and winter fuel payments;
the politics of DC pension allocation building on research Daniela has just conducted on behalf the the DCIF;
developments in the 'at retirement' market
and a whole lot more.... enjoy!
2025-06-131h 29V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #123: The pensions goth - Daniela SilcockIn this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to pensions goth and research guru, Daniela Silcock about all things pensions.
As well as talking about what value for money means to Daniela, we discuss:
politics, pensions and winter fuel payments;
the politics of DC pension allocation building on research Daniela has just conducted on behalf the the DCIF;
developments in the 'at retirement' market
and a whole lot more.... enjoy!
2025-06-131h 29Changing World, New OpportunitiesBonus episode: Nest’s Retirement Blueprint with Gareth TurnerHow do you solve a problem like giving pension savers a lifelong income? It’s a topic at the top of the pensions industry’s mind – and Nest has been thinking hard about how to solve the conundrum. In this week’s bonus episode of the DCIF’s podcast, Nest’s Gareth Turner talks to Mark and Louise about how it is approaching retirement. Nest has developed the Retirement Blueprint, which Gareth outlines in the episode, kindly fielding questions about the finer details. The blueprint is a work in progress, and we discuss how Nest is keen to he...
2025-06-0530 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesIceland’s pension system with Bjorn AsgrimssonIceland’s pension system has been following us around. Rated an impressive number two in the latest Melbourne Mercer Pension Index and name-dropped by several previous guests on the show this season, nevertheless Iceland has flown beneath the radar in terms of global recognition. We put that right in this week’s episode of the podcast! Mark and Louise chat to Bjorn Asgrimsson, analyst at Iceland’s Financial Supervisory Authority. Bjorn explains how Iceland became a strong pension system and what others can learn. Bjorn and his colleagues are not resting on their laurels; what’s next on their agenda?
2025-05-1633 min
Dreamvisions 7 Radio & TV NetworkThe Story Walking Radio Hour with Wendy Fachon: Local ReturnLocal Return: Community Investing for Environmental Impact Guest Jessica David, Community Consultant and Co-Founder, Local Return What is ESG investing, and does it truly address earth's most pressing environmental issues - pollution, conservation, sustainability and social equity? How does community investing compare with global market investing, and why are the distinctions so important? What are the risks and rewards of shifting investments from Wall Street to Main Street? Community consultant and co-founder of Local Return, Jessica David answers these questions and seeks to educate more people about a new opportunity in investing that has a local focus. Local Return has the...
2025-05-0958 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesKeith Ambachtsheer on Canada's pension systemThis week on the podcast, we were lucky enough to be joined by pensions royalty! Keith Ambachtsheer tells Mark and Louise all about Canada's system.This episode contains all the wisdom and deep expertise you'd expect from someone like Keith, who over the years rubbed shoulders with economists like Harry Markowitz and William Sharpe.Keith tells us about his dramatic entry into the pensions world - and what he's learned from the Nobel prizewinners over the years since then.He tells us about his 40-year mission to define the characteristics of a well...
2025-03-0741 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew podcast episode: Sweden with Mats LangensjöThis week’s podcast is out now! In it, we take a fascinating dive into Sweden’s DC system with Mats Langensjö. First off, we find out how Sweden’s AP funds work. Mats describes one highly unusual feature of the Swedish DC system: a government-run fund selection agency which has the job of hiring and firing fund managers. How did this come about? And what criteria does it use? Mats explains all.Mats gives us a rundown of the best features of the Swedish system – and confides what worries him most about the future. He explains some of t...
2025-02-2841 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesThe USA’s DC system with Mark IwryIn this episode, the Godfather of auto-enrolment, Mark Iwry, tells us the story of how it was introduced in the USA. We peek inside the doors of the US government and find out how Mark and his colleagues helped employers to shape both their investment strategies and the wider DC system. The US’ auto-enrolment journey wasn’t without its tricky moments. Mark tells us of a memorable encounter with the police, and why Bill Clinton still owes him $75. We also find out how the US’ experience of auto-enrolment influenced the UK’s directio...
2025-02-2140 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesThe UK’s pensions system with Steve WebbIn this week’s episode, former pensions minister Steve Webb talks to us about defined ambition, the lessons he’s learned from international pensions systems, and why pendulums tend to swing back. Steve reflects on some subjects which are dear to our heart, including lessons he learnt from overseas, reflects on what he’s proud of and what he would go back in time to change, if he could. He tells us one important lesson he took from the Netherlands’ experience, which echoes a point last week’s guest Hans van Meerten made (spoiler alert: it’s about c...
2025-02-1441 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesThe Netherlands (and a bit of China) with Hans van MeertenThis week, Mark and Louise speak to Professor Hans van Meerten about the Netherlands’ pension system. Hans is a lawyer and academic, specializing in EU and Dutch pensions law. We find out why the Netherlands is going through some big pension reforms, despite being top of the international league tables. From his legal perspective, Hans explains why he’s a critic of the current Dutch CDC model, the biggest problems in the system, and why he expects a lot of court cases down the line. We also dive into China’s pension sy...
2025-02-1036 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesIreland’s pension system with Jerry MoriartyJerry Moriarty is the outgoing CEO of the Irish Association of Pension Funds. In this episode, we chat about how Ireland’s pensions system is evolving, the similarities and differences between the Irish and UK pension systems, and the feature of the Irish pensions system that Mark and Louise most envy. We hear an update on how auto-enrolment is going in Ireland and the consolidation which is happening as a result. What did Ireland learn from the UK’s recent experience? How are members’ pension contributions being invested? What aspect of Ireland’s pension system is Jerry...
2025-01-3129 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesAustralia's pension system with Paul WatsonThis week on the podcast, we chat to Paul Watson about the Australian superannuation system. Paul has spent years as a senior executive in the superannuation fund world, most recently at Hostplus, one of Australia’s largest supers.We learn how the value for money debate has been ‘run and won’ in Australia, how Aussie superfunds got to grips with investing in private markets and why the Aussies are moving in the opposite direction to the Brits when it comes to retirement decision-making. Paul also offers his advice to UK policymakers as the Pensions Investment Review...
2025-01-2441 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew Zealand's pension system with Diane MaxwellWelcome to a brand new season of Changing World, New Opportunities! This season, we’re chatting to international policymakers and pensions experts about their DC systems. What are the challenges? What would they change about it? And – crucially – what can we learn in the UK?Diane Maxwell kicks off the season with a bang. The former retirement commissioner for New Zealand gives us the lowdown on the country’s pensions system, the flipside of consumer engagement, how retirement works and the crucial differences between the UK and New Zealand’s tax systems – as well as the key lessons she’d...
2025-01-1752 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesChatting long train trips, climate change and rethinking risk with Aegon’s Tim OrtonThis week’s guest is Tim Orton, CIO at Aegon. We enjoyed chatting about how making the world better for his grandchildren feeds into Tim’s passion for combatting climate change. 2022 caused him to think differently about diversification, risk and members’ journeys. Plus, Tim tells us why Aegon signed the Mansion House Compact. Enjoy the episode!
2023-12-0828 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNaomi Clark on USS’ private markets journeyThis week, Lorna and Louise really enjoyed talking to Naomi Clark, head of investment product management at USS. We find out about Naomi's long and winding road into pensions - from an English degree, via a start in shipping, to where she is today.Naomi tells us about a bumpy start to USS' private markets journey and shares the reason why USS hasn't signed the Mansion House Compact.Please note these are Naomi’s personal framings of USS’ formal positions.
2023-12-0140 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesLiz Fernando on the dangers of shorthandThis week, we had a great chat with Liz Fernando, CIO of Nest. We learn about why her time as a smaller companies analyst was a great training ground, why shorthand can be dangerous in investment, and what keeps Liz awake at night - where she gives us possibly the most poignant answer of the series so far. Happy listening!
2023-11-1733 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesSmart Pensions’ James Lawrence on the secret to engagementThis week, Lorna and Louise chat to James Lawrence, head of investment proposition at Smart Pension. James shares a snapshot of what's on his agenda, as well as what he thinks the secret to engagement might be.We overcame numerous technology failures to record this episode - and we hope you agree that it's a great one!
2023-11-1029 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesSeeing through the eyes of the member with Emma MatthewsOn the podcast this week, we chat to Emma Matthews, head of investment at NOW: Pensions. We find out about Emma's career path and how it's given her a different perspective on the member experience of investment. Plus, what's on NOW: Pensions' agenda right now? And what's keeping Emma awake at night?
2023-11-0325 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesMercer’s Jane Walker on the unique challenges of DCThis week, Lorna and Louise speak to Mercer's Jane Walker. We talk about why blips are inevitable in the investment world, and why she thinks members should stay in the driving seat instead of looking under the bonnet. We also find out Jane's one ask of asset managers and discover our mutual hatred of hills. It's a great episode - enjoy!
2023-10-2733 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesJulius Pursaill talks Mansion House and rethinking fiduciary dutyWe kick off season two of Changing World, New Opportunities with a fantastic guest: Julius Pursaill, strategic adviser to master trust Cushon. Julius spoke up for the Mansion House reforms and inspired us to rethink our definition of fiduciary duty. He also shared some great ways to get members engaged with investment. At the start of the episode, we also introduce new co-host Lorna Kennedy, this year’s chair of the DCIF. We hope you enjoy listening to the episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.
2023-10-0649 minV-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #36: The DCIF’s Louise Farrand talks pensions, investment and value for moneyIn this episode of V-FM, the pensions podcast, Nico and Darren chat to Louise Farrand, former journalist, now a freelancer and Executive Director of the DCIF. We talk about Lou's time as a journalist and editor of Pensions Insight and how Lou views value for money in her life (and pensions). Lou also brings in a coupe of cracking news stories about great thinkers and home working. Nico and Darren also learn what a "shoffice" is.....
2023-09-291h 06V-FM: The Pensions PodcastV-FM Pensions #36: The DCIF’s Louise Farrand talks pensions, investment and value for moneyIn this episode of V-FM, the pensions podcast, Nico and Darren chat to Louise Farrand, former journalist, now a freelancer and Executive Director of the DCIF. We talk about Lou's time as a journalist and editor of Pensions Insight and how Lou views value for money in her life (and pensions). Lou also brings in a coupe of cracking news stories about great thinkers and home working. Nico and Darren also learn what a "shoffice" is.....
2023-09-291h 06Changing World, New OpportunitiesSeason One OutroIn this outro episode, Jon and Louise close out season one of the podcast and reflect on the highlights of the series - as well as what's in store for season two.
2023-05-1013 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesAre we going through a sustainability revolution, akin to the industrial revolution?Are we going through a sustainability revolution, akin to the industrial revolution? Robbie Epsom thinks so. This week, Jon and Louise chat to CBRE Investment Management's EMEA head of sustainability, about how and why real estate should play a vital role in the revolution.
2023-04-2845 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesBonus episode: Nico Aspinall on the DCIF’s new TCFD researchThis week, Nico Aspinall joins us to talk about the report he has just written for the DCIF on TCFD. In the report, he takes the temperature of the UK DC pensions industry: how are they getting on with TCFD reporting so far? Listen in for Nico’s highlights of the report.
2023-03-3136 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesWhat retirement trends in four different countries tell us about the direction of travel for DCThis week, Jon and Louise chat to Jeri Savage about MFS' Global Retirement Survey. The survey covers subjects like sustainability, retirement confidence, default funds/target date in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. It has been running for a number of years, with fascinating trends emerging. We talk about the lessons DC schemes can learn from other countries, and the most interesting takeaways from the research.
2023-03-1036 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesSocial bonds with Simon BondOur guest today, Simon Bond, is one of the pioneers of social impact bonds. In this episode, he explains what social bonds are and how they can sit within DC portfolios, reflects on how they have evolved over the last decade, and gives us his outlook for the future. Simon is director of responsible investment portfolio management at Columbia Theadneedle Investments.
2023-02-1032 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesWhy is the retirement system broken and how can we fix it?This week, Louise and Jon speak to Lee Hollingworth. Formerly a longstanding member of the consulting world, Lee is now head of UK retirement at Franklin Templeton - and is thinking hard about what does and doesn't work for savers in the current pensions system. We find out why Lee moved from consultancy into asset management, probe him on his views on annuities and retirement pathways, and much more.
2023-02-0338 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew DCIF Podcast Episode: What is responsible listed infrastructure?Infrastructure can be perceived as difficult to make sustainable – this week’s guest Rebecca Myatt well and truly busts that myth. Jon and Louise chat to Rebecca, who is First Sentier Investors' lead portfolio manager for Responsible Listed Infrastructure. This week’s episode is for anyone who wants to know more about how investing in infrastructure works, and how it can tie in with DC schemes’ sustainability goals.
2023-01-2726 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew DCIF podcast episode: The DC trustee’s perspectiveIn this series of Changing World, New Opportunities, we were keen to hear from a trustee. There’s so much going on in the investment world all the time, and that’s just one element of being a trustee; what does it feel like right now to try to serve members while keeping abreast of regulation, admin, communications and governance?In this episode, Jon and Louise talk to Mark Austin, who as well as being a DCIF member and head of the UK for Northern Trust’s asset owner business, is chair of the Northern Trust UK Pensio...
2023-01-2042 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew DCIF podcast episode: New ways to invest in alternativesThis week, Jon and Louise focus on a thorny subject in DC: investing in alternatives. DC schemes have long struggled to access alternatives, but this week’s guest has found a solution. James de Bunsen is a portfolio manager on the Janus Henderson multi-asset team, with a particular focus on alternative investments. James and Janus Henderson launched a fund in 2013 to provide liquid access to less liquid asset classes, using investment trusts. We explore why DC schemes should consider using investment trusts to access alternatives and why they might not be at the moment. What kinds of alternatives can yo...
2023-01-1334 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew DCIF podcast episode: Investing in REITsNew podcast klaxon! This week on Changing World, New Opportunities, Louise and Jon are podcasting across the pond, with Kurt Walten, senior vice president, investment affairs & investor education for Nareit, the worldwide representative voice for REITs. In the third episode of our three-part real estate mini-series, Kurt explains what a REIT is, why a DC scheme might want to invest in REITs, and why DC scheme members might end up at a disadvantage compared to their DB counterparts if they are not invested in REITs.Listen now by searching for the DCIF on Spotify, Apple or any...
2023-01-0633 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesDomestic vs global real estateThis week on Changing World, New Opportunities, Jon and Louise continue their three-part real estate mini-series by chatting to Simon Redman, managing director of Invesco Real Estate. Simon argues that DC pension schemes should be investing in global real estate to access the best possible opportunity set and to achieve a diversified portfolio. We talk about whether DC schemes are doing this at the moment, and the mechanics of how they can access property. Plus, Simon explains why he’s putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to investing in global real estate.Listen no...
2022-12-1638 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew DCIF podcast episode: Investing in real estate 101Fresh off a plane, Sara Shean is Louise and Jon’s guest today on Changing World, New Opportunities. We ask Sara, who is PGIM Real Estate’s global head of defined contribution, why DC schemes should invest in real estate. How could investing in real estate help a pension scheme’s ESG objectives? And how do changing consumer needs impact what sorts of real estate opportunities look interesting right now? This is the first in our three-part real estate mini-series, giving you a broad introduction to investing in real estate.Listen now by searching for the DCIF on Spo...
2022-12-0930 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesNew DCIF podcast episode: Climate risk in the world of fixed incomeThis week on Changing World, New Opportunities, Louise and Jon speak to Bruno Bamburger, senior solutions strategist at AXA Investment Managers, about assessing climate risk and incorporating ESG into fixed income investments. How does integrating ESG within fixed income compare to the world of equities? Can fixed income investors play a role in stewardship? Ultimately, is the world getting there on the ambitious green targets we’ve set? We quiz Bruno on these topics and many more.Listen now by searching for the DCIF on Spotify, Apple or any other major podcast platform, or find it on th...
2022-12-0238 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesWhat’s a thematic fund? And how do you use it in DC? With guest Katie Magee from J.P. Morgan Asset ManagementThematic funds are growing rapidly – but how can they be used in a DC context? With our guest Katie Magee, an investment specialist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, we explore thematic investment: from what thematic investment entails and where demand is coming from, through to unusual client requests and why sustainability and thematic investment go hand in hand.
2022-11-2532 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesEffective engagement with Baillie Gifford’s Siobhan ClearyJon, Louise and guest Siobhan Cleary, an investment specialist at Baillie Gifford, discuss the purpose of engagement, how you measure it and communicate better with end investors. How are regulatory reporting requirements changing, and how are asset managers working to provide meaningful data to their DC scheme clients?
2022-11-1832 minChanging World, New OpportunitiesImpact investing with abrdn’s Sarah NorrisIn our first episode, Jon Holguin and Louise Farrand dive straight into the first of an ESG mini-series: impact investing with abrdn’s Sarah Norris. What is impact investing and how can DC schemes embrace it? How is impact investing evolving? In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover all things impact and why it should matter to DC investors.
2022-10-0616 min