Aviva has launched a fast-track feature aimed at accelerating the pension scheme buyout process.

The insurer said the option was designed to set the standard for efficiency and accessibility, allowing schemes with the right amount of preparation to move from transaction through buy-in to buyout at pace. It will look to reduce overall processing times, with a key feature being Aviva’s data validation template that aims to improve accuracy and provide trustees with an early indication of scheme readiness. Four schemes have already completed buyouts using Aviva’s fast-track option, and the insurer indicated that more schemes were in the pipeline for 2026.

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pool Border to Coast Pensions Partnership has invested £70m in single-family rental homes in Cambridge.

It has exchanged on the forward funding of 139 homes in Springstead Village. The transaction was advised by Aberdeen Investments and will see more than £70m invested in the construction of 93 houses and 46 apartments in the development. The investment comes from the pool’s UK Real Estate Fund, which 10 of Border to Coast’s partner funds have committed £2bn to since October 2024.

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has renewed its insight partnership with outsourced services provider Paragon.

The partnership aims to support schemes with improving how they communicate with members. Paragon will provide insight and expertise to PMI members to help them convey messaging to scheme members through channels such as web platforms, email campaigns, and speaking engagements. The PMI said the renewed collaboration continued a relationship founded on a shared purpose of helping pension schemes navigate complexity, improve member journeys, and deliver clearer, more effective communications.

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