Defined Contribution Investment Strategy

As a specialist investment consultancy, we help trustees make informed decisions about their scheme's investment strategy. From designing and advising on default investment strategies and building self-select fund ranges, we work with you to deliver better retirement outcomes for your members.

In DC schemes, members bear the investment risk themselves. That's why having a well-designed investment strategy, supported by clear guidance, is vital for delivering good retirement outcomes.

Quantum Advisory can help you navigate the complexities of DC investment. We take time to understand your scheme and member demographics, delivering practical advice that puts retirement outcomes first.

Default investment strategy

Most DC members stay in the default investment option throughout their membership, making this one of the most important decisions trustees make.

Designing and reviewing default strategies

A well-designed default should reflect your membership's needs, providing a clear path to retirement, whilst remaining in accordance with regulations and guidance from the Pensions Regulator. We help you:

Analyse member demographics and retirement behaviours
Define clear objectives aligned to how members will access benefits
Determine an appropriate asset allocation that evolves as retirement approaches
Choose investment funds to implement the investment strategy
Integrate ESG considerations where appropriate

Glidepath review

The glidepath determines how your default transitions from growth to protective assets. Our specialist investment consultancy helps you review and optimise:

Starting allocations for younger members
When de-risking should begin
The pace of transition to lower-risk assets
Target allocations at retirement
The use of passive and active investments

Where appropriate, we can design multiple lifestyle pathways – for annuity purchase, drawdown, or cash - ensuring each is clearly communicated to members.

Ongoing monitoring

We provide regular reviews of your default strategy, monitoring performance, member demographics, regulatory changes, and value for money, as well as market developments such as Long-Term Asset Funds.

Self-select fund ranges

For members who want more control, a well-constructed self-select range provides choice without being overwhelming for members.

Building your range

We design self-select ranges that balance member choice with good governance and the trustees’ views:

Appropriate fund selection across asset classes and geographies
Clear risk profiling to support decision-making
Cost-effective fund selection with rigorous due diligence
Specialist options where there is member demand
Plain language fund information and educational support

As a specialist investment consultancy, we handle fund research, manager selection, performance monitoring, and regular range reviews.

Supporting good investment governance

We help trustees meet their responsibilities through:

Investment policy development and preparing the Statement of Investment Principles
ESG and stewardship frameworks
Provider oversight and performance monitoring, usually quarterly
Cost analysis and value for money assessments
Regulatory compliance support
Drafting the Implementation Statements for the annual report and accounts

Why choose Quantum Advisory?

As a specialist investment consultancy for small and medium-sized schemes, we deliver expert knowledge with a tailored approach, clear communication, and cost-effective advice. Big name service on a first name basis.

About us