Over 95% of people in defined-contribution (DC) pension schemes will remain in their scheme default fund.* So, we make sure we provide a robust and sustainable default strategy appropriate to scheme members. That’s why we selected BlackRock’s LifePath strategies as the default options for TargetPlan, and why we work closely with BlackRock to ensure it meets you and your members’ needs.
LifePath is a target-dated strategy that benefits from three layers of expert oversight. This includes oversight from BlackRock, Aegon and the Investment Sub-committee of the Trustee Board, and supported by independent investments advisers, Isio.
Supporting your scheme
Whether you choose to use our chosen default, the Aegon BlackRock LifePath Flexi fund, or use your own, we’ll support your scheme by providing bespoke investment options brochures, and online services to help your members make their own choices. You can select a core fund range to help narrow the choice, or you can simply give them access to the full self-select range of over 150 funds (as at November 2022).
To enable your members to make informed choices beyond the default, we provide a range of support, education and tools.
Guide me
You can select a core fund range tailored to your members’ needs.
Leave it with me
We offer a wide range of single and multi-asset funds, as well as a selection of responsible investment options.
Do it for me
Aegon BlackRock LifePath Flexi is our chosen default, but you can choose your own.
The LifePath investment strategy
LifePath is a target-dated investment strategy that automatically manages a member’s savings from their early working life, right through to retirement. It aims to make sure they’ve invested appropriately at all stages of their working life, to help deliver the retirement outcome they’re targeting. Members will be put into a fund that includes the year they’re retiring in. So, for example, someone retiring in 2074 would be put into the 2073 to 2075 version of the fund.*
TargetPlan offers three options, allowing you the flexibility to choose a strategy that suits your scheme membership. Find out more about the LifePath strategies.
There’s no guarantee the LifePath funds will meet their objectives. The value of investments and any income taken, can fall as well as rise and isn’t guaranteed. The final value of a member’s pension pot when they come to take benefits may be less than has been paid in.
This is further reinforced by our research, which shows that 72% of the UK public are concerned about environmental issues.2
Why BlackRock?
BlackRock, like Aegon, has committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. It’s an active steward of the funds it manages and a member of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.
BlackRock has invested significantly in its 70-strong investment stewardship team. This team engages with companies on effective corporate governance and how they’re managing material sustainability-related risks and opportunities. It has $586 billion in assets under management in dedicated sustainable strategies.3
1 The Pensions Regulator. DC trust: scheme return data 2022 – 2023
2 Customer research carried out by Aegon between August and September 2021, sample size 10,021.
3 BlackRock Sustainable Investing, global statistics as of December 2022. All values in $USD. Comprised of uplift, thematic, impact strategies and selected priority screened products