Contingent assets in UK pensions [UK]

The UK Pensions Regulator has issued guidance today on the usage of contingent assets in funding pension schemes. This is of particular interest to pan-European schemes since they require full funding.

A contingent asset of a pension scheme generally will be treated as a contingent liability of the employer. According to IAS 37, such contingent liabilities usually will not need be recognised in the employer's balance sheet, but require disclosure only. Therefore funding pension schemes by means of contingent liabilities may be an attractive funding option for employers.