In this issue:

• Inclusionary Pensions in South Africa: Wayne Hiller van Rensburg examines the legal and regulatory frameworks needed to expand retirement savings access for informal and gig-economy workers, exploring micropensions, flexible contribution models, and global policy implications.

• UK Governance Requirements: Oliver Reece and Larisa Gordan analyze new mandatory governance standards for UK pension schemes, including the introduction of Effective Systems of Governance (ESOG) and Own Risk Assessments (ORA), and what trustees must do to prepare for 2026 compliance.

• UK Defined Benefit Strategy: Clive Pugh explores alternatives to traditional insurance buy-outs, including superfunds and capital-backed journey plans, and considers how these emerging structures reshape risk transfer strategies for defined benefit schemes.

• U.S. Retirement Policy and Early Withdrawals: Anthony Roda evaluates the ongoing tension between preserving retirement savings and meeting short-term financial needs, reviewing SECURE Act reforms, emergency savings mechanisms, and evolving policy proposals aimed at reducing retirement plan leakage.

The issue can be found in the Members Only Resources section of the website, along with the full archive.

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Journal Editor:
Paul Williams
paul.williams@bakermckenzie.com