Following a period of rapid change within the market, we’re proud to be trusted investment consultants to DB pension schemes across the UK, helping them to navigate new challenges and opportunities.

With no outside shareholders or investment management business, our award-winning team offer independent, impartial pension investment advice tailored to your specific needs, with the aim to devise an approach that benefits and protects your scheme members' savings.

Our DB investment services

We provide comprehensive investment solutions tailored to your specific needs. From crafting bespoke investment strategies to executing complex asset transfers, our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional results.

Our services include:

Customised investment strategies: Developing portfolios aligned with your risk tolerance and return objectives.

LDI and CDI solutions: Managing assets to match specific Liability-Driven Investment (LDI) and Cash-Driven Investment (CDI) requirements.

Investment monitoring and analysis: Employing advanced tools to track performance and identify opportunities.

Seamless asset transfers: Efficiently executing complex asset transfers with our dedicated team.

Sustainable investment implementation: Integrating ESG factors into investment strategies.

Endgame planning: Advice on endgame solutions including ‘buyout ready’ and ‘run-on’ investment portfolios.

Who we work with

We partner with trustees and scheme sponsors of both open and closed DB pension schemes, ranging from a few million to several billion in size, to confidently develop strategies that achieve their endgame.

We also look beyond the norm, advising on alternatives to buyout such as run-on strategies for those schemes looking to extract value from any surplus they have accrued, as well as highlighting sustainable investment opportunities that can offset your portfolio’s exposure to climate change risks.

Our philosophy

Guided by our Investment Philosophy, we are committed to delivering our key principles:

We help our clients to fully understand the risks, diversify appropriately, and only take those which help meet their objectives.

Equity, debt, skill and liquidity are the four key return drivers we home in on. How we approach each will depend on each client’s unique objectives and competitive advantages.

Considering ESG factors as an integrated part of the investment decision-making process adds value through improved risk management and identification of attractive investment opportunities. 

We choose simplicity over complexity – a view which might seem all too rare in the investment industry. Complexity should only be introduced into a strategy or portfolio if it adds clear value.

We help clients evaluate and choose the right implementation framework and are uniquely placed to advise clients on the full range of options.

We strive to ensure every client clearly understands our advice. This is how we build long-term, trusting relationships and why our clients become our biggest advocates.

We help clients to focus on the overall strategic picture, enabling them to place greater focus on the more financially material decisions.

"Our consultancy is built on providing independent advice, not selling products. This allows us to focus entirely on helping you make the right choices, without any conflicting interests – when we make a recommendation, it’s because it’s the best option for you, not for us."
Rod Goodyer Partner and Head of Investment Consulting, Barnett Waddingham
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Speak to our experts

To find out more about how our DB investment experts can support your needs, please contact our team.

Employer enquiries Trustee enquiries

Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs.

Employer enquiries

Trustee enquiries

A rectangular award certificate prominently displays "PROFESSIONAL PENSIONS UK PENSIONS AWARDS 2023" at the top, followed by "WINNER" and the category "DB Investment Innovation of the Year" awarded to "Barnett Waddingham."

What our clients say

"Their personalised approach, attention to detail, and exceptional communication skills make them a pleasure to partner with."
Joe Fazzino Chair of Investment Committee, UTC UK Pension Scheme
"BW explained the complex investment strategy in a simple manner so we could all understand and make an informed decision."
Secretary to the Trustees, Rexel UK Pension Scheme
"I would have no hesitation in recommending the BW investment team."
Harus Rai Managing Director, Capital Cranfield
"BW bring a wealth of experience together to help us make decisions."
Katherine Inns Deputy Director of Finance, University of Leicester
"Reliable, inventive and truthful."
Peter Dawson Trustee, University of Leeds
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Outsourced investment services

Our award-winning Fiduciary Evaluation team has the expertise to help you navigate the challenges of hiring a Fiduciary Manager or Outsourced Chief Investment Officer.

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Streamlined investment consulting

Efficient, cost-effective and high-quality investment advice and solutions for sub-£100 million DB pension schemes.  

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Illuminate

Illuminate is our specialist tool designed to guide trustees and sponsors through the financial management of their scheme.

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