Companies can now manage pension programs in real time with an innovative tool from Buck Consultants at Xerox. Pension Risk NavigatorTM PDF file provides a new approach to monitoring by helping pension fund managers better seize market opportunities and reduce risk. Employers can now set, monitor and adjust the risk strategy for their retirement programs in real time, rather than waiting for monthly or quarterly updates.
Pension Risk Navigator is a software tool that sheds light on funding and investment strategy by providing up-to-the-minute information to help manage both expenses and balance sheet volatility. The tool analyzes proposed changes in contribution and investment strategies; assessing the effect of transferring plan liabilities, such as offering lump sums to certain plan participant groups, and illustrates the impact of closing or freezing the pension plan.
Pension Risk Navigator's innovative "Chart Your Course" feature allows employers to define goals and view estimates of the probability of attaining pension objectives. Alternative strategies can also be compared side-by-side to assist employers in optimizing their course of action.
"Navigating defined benefit risk is an important function for all employers with pension plans," said Scot Martin, planning and risk management leader, Wealth Practice, Buck Consultants at Xerox. "Pension liabilities and assets can impact the health of the overall corporate balance sheet. Pension Risk Navigator is essential for managing both frozen and ongoing plans."
Clients engage with the interactive software tool by logging onto Buck's Global Vision® site and then accessing the Navigator portal. The easy-to-use interface helps employers set their pension goals. Assets and liabilities are updated automatically, recognizing and incorporating market fluctuations. The patent-pending tool also graphically shows whether the plan strategy is on or off course, so employers can quickly identify and make adjustments as needed. It is not a guarantee of a particular outcome.
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