UK – South Africa’s Investment Solutions, part of the same group as consulting firm Lane Clark & Peacock, has launched a multi-manager platform in the UK.

It said the service is aimed at those companies now offering both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Managers on the platform include ACM Bernstein, Baillie Gifford, GMO, Barclays Global Investors, Frank Russell, Hermes, Gartmore, Deutsche and Aegon.

Investment Solutions’ chairman Steve Braudo said: “It is imperative that the investment strategy of a closed scheme is integrated with its changing cash flow and liability profile to maximise the chances of funding benefits for current and future pensioners.

“Many existing investment and pension services in the UK are failing to address this adequately.”

In addition to multi-manager investment services, Investment Solutions also offers DC scheme administration and communication services.

Justin Taurog, Global Business Development Director of Investment Solutions, said: “We have created a full pension service comprising investment services, administration and communication, to help small and medium-sized enterprises move smoothly from a DB to a DC environment.”

Investment Solutions is part of Johannesburg-based financial services group Alexander Forbes, which also includes UK-based Lane Clark & Peacock.

Investment Solutions set up in the UK in September last year with the joint acquisition of the Schroder Pensions Group with affiliate LCP. It has 270 staff in the UK and South Africa.

In particular, it aims to close a significant gap in the UK market for products designed specifically for employers with mature or closed DB schemes.

Investment Solutions has more than 4.5 billion pounds (6.9 billion euros) under management.