Investment Briefing, September 2025 – Gilt market update

In this long-read briefing, we provide an update of developments in UK gilt markets, and ask the question – are gilts really ‘risk-free’? We provide a summary of our arguments, followed by a detailed analysis for those who want to dig deeper.

First Actuarial case studies

Barnardo’s

Leading UK charity, Barnardo’s, needed to review the group life assurance market as its policy approached renewal. First Actuarial listened carefully to Barnardo’s objectives and negotiated a cost-effective group life assurance premium.

BACB

At London-based British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB), there was an increasing focus on getting a better deal for members of the Defined Contribution (DC) Scheme. First Actuarial helped BACB move the Scheme to a master trust, delivering time and cost savings while improving the member experience.

Standard Group

Independent trustee ZEDRA approached First Actuarial to help take the Standard Group (UK) Pension Scheme through a £26m buy-in and wind-up. First Actuarial supported the Trustee throughout the process, with its end-to-end risk transfer service.