UK-based professional pensions trusteeship and governance services provider the Independent Governance Group (IGG) has launched a dedicated Strategic Pension Solutions offering. The services will be led by David Farmer, who becomes IGG’s Head of Strategic Pension Solutions. Having joined IGG from PwC in 2023, Farmer brings 25 years of experience in pensions law and corporate transactions, as well as in advising on alternatives to full-scheme buyouts. He was specifically formed to support schemes that are navigating the rising complexities associated with surplus distribution, utilisation and other endgame strategies. Strategic Pension Solutions is the latest addition to IGG’s ‘centres of excellence’ – first created following the group’s formation in February 2023 – and will set out a clear path for each pension scheme’s future, covering all variables in developing a robust strategy that meets its objectives. In parallel, IGG has announced a new partnership with advisory firm Pensions for Purpose (PfP) on climate, housing and pensions. As part of the partnership, IGG will become PfP’s community partner, furthering its commitment to addressing challenges faced by the pensions industry through systemic risks such as climate change, biodiversity loss and income inequality. The initiative builds on work carried out earlier this year by the two entities on the inadequacy of UK pension savings for people who retire without owning a home. PfP and IGG shared several concerns, including the increasing number of people with mortgage terms extending beyond retirement age, necessitating continued payments from their pensions. “Ensuring pension funds are managed with a sharp focus on sustainability is a key value and focus area for us,” said Tegs Harding, Head of Sustainability and Trustee Director at IGG. “This closely aligns with PfP’s core mission of empowering industry stakeholders to value people and planet alongside profit.”
