LV= completes longevity insurance contract for DB pension

LV= has completed an £800 million longevity insurance contract for its defined benefit (DB) pension scheme.

The contract, with reinsurer Swiss Re, includes insurance of longevity exposure for 5,000 individuals who were members of the scheme as of 31 December 2011.

It covers a broad population, extending beyond in-payment pensioners to also cover members not yet retired, down to age 55.

Philip Moore (pictured), chief financial officer at LV=, said: “The ageing population and increases in life expectancy have created a need for better management of longevity risk across the insurance and pension industries.

“We are pleased to have worked closely with our pension plan trustees and Swiss Re to find a solution that insulates our pension scheme from much of this risk.”

Michael Allen, trustee chairman at LV=, added: “This is an important step in minimising the risks inherent in LV=’s main staff pension scheme.”