• 48% of finance leaders see potential business benefits from transferring scheme responsibility
  • 74% describe the level of management time associated with running a DB scheme as significant
  • Two-thirds of UK DB pension schemes are now in surplus, prompting employers to reassess long-term endgame options

Nearly half (48%) of senior finance decision-makers at UK businesses with a DB pension scheme said they could devote more time to core business priorities if responsibility for governance and funding of their scheme was removed, according to new research from Standard Life.

The findings, based on research among 100 senior finance decision-makers including CFOs and Finance Directors at companies with a DB pension scheme*, suggest that pension schemes continue to demand significant management attention despite improved funding levels across much of the market.

The findings come at a time when 67% of DB schemes are now in surplus on a technical provisions liabilities basis**, up from 39% at the previous valuation cycle and as many sponsors are reviewing their endgame options.

The research sought to understand the time commitment and focus from finance functions and found that 74% of senior finance levels described the management time associated with their DB scheme as significant. The time intensive nature of managing a DB scheme was also evident when they were asked where the scheme sits in terms of their overall financial priorities with 46% describing them as a regular agenda item while 42% said they were a recurring Board level focus.  

When asked what impact removing the scheme from their responsibility would have 48% cited a greater ability to focus on core business activity while 37% said it would lead to a simplification of operations and internal processes while 35% said it would reduce demand on senior management time.

Claire Altman

For many businesses, DB pension schemes remain one of their most significant responsibilities. While finance teams are no doubt relieved that funding levels have improved from the significant deficits many experienced over much of the last fifteen years, it is clear they remain a major agenda item and source of management focus.  

The change in funding levels means many sponsoring employers now have options and can consider whether they want to continue to shoulder the responsibility for the scheme and run-on or pass the responsibility. Both routes involve trades offs but one of the major benefits of the insurance route is a reduction in the time DB schemes take up on management agendas and a greater ability to focus on core business decisions.

- Claire Altman, Managing Director for Pension Risk Transfer and Individual Retirement at Standard Life

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Notes to editors:

*Research conducted by Opinion on behalf of Standard Life from 3rd August – 11 August 2026, surveying 100 UK decision makers in accounts and finance teams for businesses that provide a DB pension to its employees.

**The latest Occupational defined benefit scheme funding analysis 2026 - The Pensions Regulator (TPR)

About Standard Life

Standard Life is a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement saving and income.

We are proud to manage around c£317bn in assets on behalf of our 12 million customers, and we champion the belief that everyone's journey to and through retirement can be better.  

With our focus entirely on retirement savings and income we want to be the business that people trust to guide their retirement journey, helping our customers achieve better outcomes and greater financial security in later life. 

As a FTSE 100-listed group we are using our size, expertise and influence to shape the world our customers will retire into, and are committed to helping three million more customers by 2035, take action towards a better retirement.  

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Standard Life is recognised as a leading employer, with long-standing accreditation as a Living Wage Employer, Living Pension Employer and Carer Positive Exemplary Employer and in 2025 became one of Britain’s Most Admired Companies in 2025.