[SPONSORED CONTENT]
With £160 billion of surplus assets held across defined benefit pension (DB) schemes1, many schemes are sitting on a significant, yet underutilised, resource. Mercer’s Surplus Transfer Solution, via the Defined Contribution (DC) Mercer Master Trust (MMT), delivers strategic value for pension schemes seeking to optimise their assets and funding strategies. Designed to help pension schemes unlock dormant surplus assets, this approach enables employers to transfer surplus funds from their DB schemes to support future DC commitments.
Join Mercer for their webinar – A dual perspective to learn more
Date: 1 December 2025
Time: 1.00 -1.30 pm
In this session, Mercer will explore how the Surplus Transfer Solution can help schemes optimise their assets, particularly those no longer needed for ongoing liabilities. With extensive expertise in pension consultancy, Mercer is well positioned to provide a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges associated with surplus transfers. The webinar will feature insights from both trustee and employer perspectives, so informed decisions can be made that optimise surplus assets while navigating the associated considerations with confidence.
You’ll gain insights into:
- How Mercer’s approach works in practice.
- The possible strategic benefits of unlocking surplus assets.
- Practical steps and compliance considerations.
Why attend?
In recent years, many DB pension schemes have found themselves in a surplus position, a situation that presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges. While a surplus can be a sign of a well-funded scheme, it also raises important questions about the most effective use of these excess assets.
This issue is particularly relevant for DB schemes that are closed to future accrual. In such cases, the surplus may no longer be necessary to meet ongoing liabilities, leading to a disconnect between the scheme’s funding status and the needs of current members.
Mercer’s Surplus Transfer Solution, addresses this challenge by enabling structured transfers of surplus assets to fund future DC contributions. This approach can unlock value, support organisational priorities, and enhance long-term scheme sustainability.
Secure your place today and stay ahead in the evolving landscape of pension asset management. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Mercer’s approach can help your clients unlock their surplus assets.
“This solution helps schemes that are no longer accruing benefits to better align assets with current needs, freeing up resources for strategic priorities,” explains Grace Leggatt, Pension Manager of the Mercer Master Trust. “Managing surplus effectively can unlock value, support organisational goals, and optimise member benefits.”
Subject to internal approvals and compliance requirements, Mercer’s solution enables a structured transfer process that should better align assets with current needs, offering schemes greater flexibility and operational efficiency.
Please note:
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- Neither Mercer nor the MMT Trustees can provide legal, tax or financial advice to any prospective employer clients, any transferring trustees or any transferring members regarding the legal aspects of this potential process or its suitability for their specific purposes. It is crucial that all parties obtain their own legal advice to assess if the potential process is appropriate for their circumstances.
- The implementation of this potential solution is contingent upon obtaining the necessary internal approvals within Mercer Limited. The final process may be subject to modifications based on further assessments and compliance requirements.
To read more articles from Mercer visit the content hub on Corporate Adviser – here.
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1 Government response: Options for Defined Benefit schemes – GOV.UK