Shaping the future for defined benefit plans 

Findings from Mercer’s defined benefit plan sponsors survey

Mercer’s survey of plan sponsors reveals many are integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their defined benefit (DB) plans. 

Findings from Mercer’s Shaping the Future survey of DB plan sponsors

All DB plans, regardless of size, are experiencing the same compelling reasons to integrate ESG factors.

The top reason for considering ESG is to align with corporate missions or beliefs

What are your reasons for considering ESG factors in investment decisions?*
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DB plan sponsors expect to do more with ESG data in the near future

How do you use ESG data?*
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* The data presented is not intended to, and should not be interpreted as, representing a total or sum that equates to 100%. The percentages refer to respondents who may have selected multiple responses or none of the responses.
Wherever you are on your ESG journey, we can help.

Mercer’s survey of defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors reveals their perspectives on investing in private markets.

Private markets investment appeals to plans of all sizes

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More could be done to demystify private markets investments. One in five plan sponsors doesn’t invest in private markets because “it’s too complex.”

What’s next?

39% expect to invest more in private assets in the next three years, and they expect to increase investments in private debt more than any other asset class.

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Accomplishing your investment goals starts with defining them now.

Mercer’s survey of defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors reveals many are protecting their plans now to secure better long-term outcomes.

Findings from Mercer’s Shaping the Future 2023 survey of DB plan sponsors

DB plan sponsors are eyeing long-term success.

Pension management priorities

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There is no one-size-fits-all solution to de-risking

Main ways that DB plan sponsors expect to de-risk their DB plans
It’s never been more important to take a strategic approach and establish your DB pension plan goals now and in the future.

Mercer survey conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2023. 

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References to Mercer shall be construed to include Mercer LLC and/or its associated companies. This contains confidential and proprietary information of Mercer and is intended for the exclusive use of the parties to whom it was provided by Mercer. Its content may not be modified, sold or otherwise provided, in whole or in part, to any other person or entity without Mercer’s prior written permission. Mercer does not provide tax or legal advice. You should contact your tax advisor, accountant and/or attorney before making any decisions with tax or legal implications. This does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell any securities. The findings, ratings and/or opinions expressed herein are the intellectual property of Mercer and are subject to change without notice. They are not intended to convey any guarantees as to the future performance of the investment products, asset classes or capital markets discussed. For Mercer’s conflict of interest disclosures, contact your Mercer representative or see www.mercer.com/conflictsofinterest. This does not contain investment advice relating to your particular circumstances. No investment decision should be made based on this information without first obtaining appropriate professional advice and considering your circumstances. Information contained herein may have been obtained from a range of third-party sources. Although the information is believed to be reliable, Mercer has not sought to verify it independently. As such, Mercer makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information presented and takes no responsibility or liability (including for indirect, consequential or incidental damages) for any error, omission or inaccuracy in the data supplied by any third party. Investment management services for Canadian investors are provided by Mercer Global Investments Canada Limited. Investment consulting services for Canadian investors are provided by Mercer (Canada) Limit
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