FTSE350 companies paid seven times more to shareholders than to clear DB deficits in 2017. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has intimated that it sees this relationship as unfair.

With the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) currently taking steps to create a “clearer, quicker and tougher” TPR, will more action start being taken against companies deemed to be sidestepping their DB scheme funding obligations?

Balancing the needs of the DB scheme with those of the shareholders is a tough balancing act for companies, but one that is likely to come under increased scrutiny in the next few years. How does your company compare to others in the FTSE350? Have you got this balance right, or will your company be drawing the attention of TPR? What should you be doing to pre-empt a tougher regulator?