February 2025
Hymans Robertson
For over 100 years, we’ve been embracing change, innovating and navigating uncertainty.
February was all about the three Rs—Risk Transfer, Race Equality, and Responsible Investment—and we’ve got plenty to share! This month, we’re shining a spotlight on:?
?Curious? Keep reading for all the details!??
The risk transfer market is booming, with insurer volumes reaching a record-breaking ￡45bn and even greater activity expected in 2025. Large transactions continue to dominate, with ten deals exceeding ￡1bn, but smaller schemes are also thriving thanks to increased automation and efficiency. The alternative risk transfer market is gaining momentum, with two superfund deals completed in 2024 and more expected as Clara expands its capacity. New entrants like Brookfield Annuity will further drive competition, while most insurers remain active in transactions under ￡100m. Our Risk Transfer 2025 Report highlights the growing opportunities for pension schemes of all sizes, alongside challenges such as illiquid assets for larger schemes. We explore key trends in ESG, longevity risk, investment strategies, and regulatory changes, reinforcing risk transfer as a vital de-risking tool for pension schemes in the years ahead. Read more here.?
Last year, we joined over 1,500 organisations across the UK for Race Equality Week—and this year, we took things up a notch! From February 3rd to 9th, we embraced the theme #EveryActionCounts, moving beyond awareness to drive real change against racial inequality.?
Our 5-Day Challenge made it easy (and engaging!) for everyone to get involved, with just five minutes a day of ‘microlearning’—bite-sized, thought-provoking tasks designed to spark reflection and action. Each day tackled a different theme: Intersectionality, Recognising Privilege, Inclusive Language, Code Switching/Masking, and finally, The Big Promise—where we pledged to keep the momentum going.?
To wrap up the week, we brought colleagues together for fantastic lunch events in our Glasgow and London offices, supporting small, independent caterers from the local community. It was the perfect way to celebrate our commitment to inclusion.?
We also took this opportunity to champion our Hymans Robertson Foundation partner, London Screen Academy, helping young people from all backgrounds break into the film and TV industry—because inclusion matters in every space.?
A huge shout out to our Race Community Working Group for their dedication in making this week a success. Race Equality Week left us inspired, connected, and more determined than ever to create lasting change!??
Our Q1 2025 edition of Responsible Investment: News and Views addresses the escalating anti-ESG sentiment, particularly in the United States, where environmental and social considerations have become highly polarised. This backlash has led companies to retract commitments on climate action and diversity, equity, and inclusion to avoid political and financial repercussions. We review what asset managers are doing in terms of their strategies, with some reducing support for environmental and social resolutions and withdrawing from initiatives like Climate Action 100. And we explore what investors might do to clearly define their objectives, scrutinise their asset managers' stewardship activities, and ensure alignment with their long-term goals. Additionally, we reflect on the proxy voting season, noting a decline in support for environmental and social shareholder resolutions, and anticipate that themes such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and biodiversity will remain prominent in 2025. Read more here.?