Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Pension Schemes and Performance Metrics

• Overview of pension scheme types: defined benefit vs. defined contribution
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for pension schemes
• Understanding funding ratios, solvency, and sustainability metrics
• Case Study: Evaluating the performance of a corporate pension scheme based on KPIs

Module 2: Actuarial Valuation of Pension Schemes

• Principles of actuarial valuation for pension schemes
• Calculating pension liabilities and funding levels
• Assumptions for demographic factors, discount rates, and salary growth
• Project: Conducting an actuarial valuation for a defined benefit pension plan

Module 3: Pension Fund Investment Strategies

• Overview of pension fund investment options and strategies
• Asset-liability matching and diversification strategies
• Evaluating the impact of investment performance on pension scheme health
• Case Study: Analyzing the investment strategy of a pension fund and its impact on long-term sustainability

Module 4: Risk Assessment in Pension Schemes

• Identifying risks in pension schemes: longevity, inflation, investment, and funding risks
• Risk measurement techniques: Value at Risk (VaR), stress testing, and scenario analysis
• Strategies for mitigating pension scheme risks
• Project: Conducting a risk assessment for a pension scheme and recommending mitigation strategies

Module 5: Regulatory and Compliance Considerations for Pension Schemes

• Overview of pension regulation: funding requirements, governance standards, and reporting
• Compliance with local and international regulatory frameworks (e.g., IFRS 17, Solvency II)
• Ethical considerations in pension scheme management
• Case Study: Ensuring regulatory compliance for a pension fund and addressing ethical challenges

Module 6: Pension Scheme Governance and Management Best Practices

• Governance structures for pension schemes
• Roles and responsibilities of trustees, fund managers, and consultants
• Effective communication with stakeholders: employers, employees, and regulators
• Project: Developing a governance improvement plan for a pension scheme

Module 7: Measuring and Enhancing Pension Scheme Sustainability

• Long-term sustainability analysis for pension schemes
• Factors affecting pension scheme longevity and solvency
• Strategies for enhancing the sustainability of pension funds
• Case Study: Conducting a sustainability assessment for a pension scheme and proposing improvement strategies

Module 8: Pension Scheme Asset Allocation and Performance Evaluation

• Best practices for pension fund asset allocation
• Measuring investment performance relative to benchmarks and targets
• Aligning asset allocation with risk tolerance and funding objectives
• Project: Evaluating the asset allocation strategy of a pension fund and suggesting adjustments for better performance

Module 9: Pension Scheme Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Financial reporting requirements for pension schemes
• Analyzing pension scheme financial statements and actuarial reports
• Key financial ratios and their interpretation in pension scheme performance
• Case Study: Analyzing a pension scheme's financial statements to identify performance trends and issues

Module 10: Real-Life Project: Comprehensive Pension Scheme Evaluation

• Participants will conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation of a pension scheme, incorporating all techniques learned during the course
• The project will cover actuarial valuation, investment performance analysis, risk assessment, governance review, and sustainability evaluation
• Final Project: Presenting a full evaluation report with recommendations for improving the performance and sustainability of the pension scheme