Blog

DC Futures: the Smart way to zero-cost equity allocation

calendar icon 09 April 2025
time icon 15 min

Speakers

Anthony Ellis

Anthony Ellis

Partner and Head of DC Investment Strategy

James Lawrence

James Lawrence

Investment Director, Smart Pension

As part of our 2025 investment theme – resilience – we’re looking at how schemes can strengthen outcomes through capital allocation, climate considerations and continuity.  This latest DC Futures video focuses on capital allocation – and takes a closer look at one of the boldest strategies in the DC space: zero-cost equity. We sat down with James Lawrence, Investment Director at Smart Pensions, to explore how they’ve delivered this innovative approach for their members.

In this 15-minute bitesize video, James takes us through the story behind Smart Pension’s equity strategy, explaining how they’ve managed to implement a zero-cost allocation for their members. 

A purple shooting star at night over the mountain range

What you’ll learn from this session: 

  • The evolution of Smart Pension’s strategy: How Smart has developed and refined their investment strategy to stay ahead of the curve. 

  • Zero-cost equity allocation: James explains what zero-cost equity means, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for pension schemes. 

  • Selecting the right partner: Insights into how Smart selected the perfect partner to implement this strategy. 

  • Managing risks and improving outcomes: The practical considerations and risks that come with this innovative approach, plus the potential benefits for members. 

This conversation provides a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most forward-thinking voices in the DC industry and gain valuable insights into strategies that could shape the future of pensions. 

Click the link to watch the full interview to discover how Smart Pension sets a new standard for equity allocation in the DC space. 

If you have questions on anything covered, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

 

Derivatives: All forms of derivatives can provide significant benefits, but may involve a variety of significant risks. Derivatives, both exchange-traded and OTC, include options, forwards, swaps, swaptions, contracts for difference, caps, floors, collars, combinations and variations of such transactions, and other contractual arrangements (including warrants) which may involve, or be based upon one or more of interest rates, currencies, securities, commodities, and other underlying interests. The specific risks presented by a particular derivative transaction depends upon the terms of that transaction and your circumstances. It is important you understand the nature of these risks before entering into a derivative contract.

This video is based upon our current understanding of events. It is designed to be a general summary of zero cost equity allocation, it does not constitute investment advice and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. Please note where reference is made to legal matters, Hymans Robertson LLP is not qualified to provide legal opinions and you may wish to seek independent legal advice. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions.
Hymans Robertson LLP® is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC310282. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

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