The next chapter for DC

Defined contribution (DC) pensions have overtaken defined benefit schemes globally, marking a fundamental shift in how societies save for retirement. But while the model has grown in scale and sophistication, a central challenge remains: how can DC systems deliver reliable income for life? 

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of DC pensions — from technology and private markets to sustainability, systemic risk, scale, and member outcomes. Joined by Tim Hodgson, Co-founder, Thinking Ahead Institute, and Jelena Croad, Head of LifeSight, WTW, we unpack insights from Thinking Ahead’s Global DC Peer Study and discuss how leading providers are responding to growing pressures and opportunities. 

Tim Hodgson

– Tim Hodgson, Co-founder, Thinking Ahead Institute

– Jelena Croad, Head of Lifesight, WTW

More episodes

  • Episode 6
  • September 24, 2026
  • Is AI your next thinking partner? | IFM Investors

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly moving from a productivity tool to a strategic capability for investors. But its true potential may lie in helping investment teams make better decisions, challenge assumptions and consider a broader range of possibilities.

  • Episode 5
  • August 3, 2026
  • The human edge | Spellbound

Join us as we speak to Rio StedFord, St. James’s Place, about how the wealth industry is transforming.

  • Episode 4
  • June 25, 2026
  • The rise of climate physical risk | WTW

This episode explores climate physical risk — the floods, heat and extreme weather events already affecting assets, operations and portfolios today. Moving beyond long-term transition narratives, we look at how these risks are showing up in real investment decisions right now, and what it takes to understand and act on them.

  • Episode 3
  • May 26, 2026
  • Inside Middle East mega funds | CAIA Association

We turn our focus to the Middle East – a region rising up the ranks of global capital despite ongoing tensions. Drawing on our latest Asset Owner 100 research, we explore the Middle East as one of five global asset clusters, where leading sovereign wealth funds are moving beyond silos and thinking more holistically about capital, risk and opportunity.

  • Episode 2
  • April 24, 2026
  • Power, politics and portfolios | Jupiter

Markets like certainty. Geopolitics offers anything but. This episode explores why investors might be getting geopolitical risk wrong, how a shifting world order is changing markets, and what a more adaptive approach to risk could look like.