The Morning Briefing: Broadstone advises Stantec on full buy-in with Aviva; The manager’s style of play
Good morning and welcome to your Morning Briefing for Monday 13 July 2026. To get this in your inbox every morning click here.
Broadstone advises Stantec on full buy-in with Aviva
The Stantec Pension Plan (UK Section) has secured a full scheme buy-in with Aviva, protecting the benefits of all 680 members.
The transaction, completed in May, covers 629 deferred and 51 pensioner members, finalising the buy-in of all plan liabilities.
The deal did not require additional sponsor contributions, though it was fully backed by the sponsoring employer, sustainable engineering firm Stantec UK Limited.
The World Cup Investor, Part 7: The manager’s style of play
As the World Cup reaches the semi-final stage, the tournament has done what it always does: tested every philosophy of how the game should be played, under pressure, against different opponents and in different conditions.
We have seen possession sides patiently pass their way through deep defensive blocks before looking vulnerable to one rapid counterattack, high-pressing teams suffocate opponents into mistakes before being exposed when a single pass breaks the press and counter-attacking sides absorb pressure and strike with precision.
Retirement Evolution Series: Rethinking diversification
We are entering a brand-new macroeconomic era defined by sticky inflation, higher interest rates and deep market uncertainty.
In this series opener, Kimberley Dondo talks to Amy Kibblewhite, investment specialist at M&G, to dissect why the traditional 60/40 portfolio no longer guarantees diversification.
Quote Of The Day
The FOMO effect remains strong, with retail investors fearful of missing out on buying into the current stars of the AI show
– Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club
Stat Attack
UK retail investors increased their portfolio contributions during the second quarter of 2026 despite mounting economic and political uncertainty, according to the latest Scottish Widows Investment Pulse.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 non-advised UK retail investors, highlights how shifting global events and living costs are weighing on minds even as overall confidence holds steady. It shows:
47%
increase in average portfolio contributions, which jumped to £3,554 between April and June from £2,413 in the first three months of the year.
48%
reported positive returns this quarter, down marginally from the 50% recorded at the start of the year.
81%
state that the cost of living and household expenses remain the single biggest factor influencing their decision-making.
63%
cite UK political uncertainty as a key driver of their investment decisions, making it a prominent new factor for the quarter.
44%
expect their portfolios to perform well in the third quarter, reflecting resilient long-term confidence despite short-term market noise.
Source: Scottish Widows
In Other News
Adviser platform Quilter has launched a one-year partnership with communications specialist Plain Numbers to enhance support for vulnerable clients.
The collaboration equips Quilter staff with training to apply the evidence-based Plain Numbers Method, which uses behavioural science to simplify financial data for individuals with low numeracy or dyscalculia.
Independent testing shows the approach can double comprehension rates.
Aligning with ongoing Consumer Duty requirements, the initiative builds on Quilter’s existing vulnerable customer framework.
Chief customer officer Jo Harris said the practical tools will make financial information more accessible, while Plain Numbers chief executive Mike Ellicock praised Quilter for prioritising vulnerability.
Aegon is extending its digital pensions experience and app Mylo to an additional 200,000 Aegon Master Trust workplace members throughout July.
The mobile-first platform provides digital guidance and personalised support to help savers manage retirement funds.
The roll-out follows strong initial engagement, with members generating more than 50,000 pension consolidation requests and 40,000 beneficiary nominations in less than a year.
Antonia Balaam, head of Master Trust at Aegon, said the expansion ensures a seamless experience across administration platforms, reinforcing Aegon’s commitment to making pension engagement accessible to UK workplace savers.
From Elsewhere
Stocks fall with bonds as Iran attacks boost oil: Markets Wrap (Bloomberg)
Oil price jumps over 4% and gold slides as the US and Iran trade attacks (The Guardian)
Andy Burnham explores holding expanded autumn Budget (Financial Times)
Did You See?
The upcoming changes to inheritance tax on unused pensions are triggering a ‘seismic shift’ in adviser conversations with clients, new research has revealed, Dan Cooper writes.
The study, from NextWealth and Quilter, found that the reforms, which take into effect in April 2027, are already placing pressure on advice firms, as advisers bring forward complex, time‑intensive discussions.
The findings are based on eight in-depth interviews with financial advisers, an outsourced compliance specialist and behavioural and emotional intelligence specialists, conducted in March 2026.
