New default option will allocate an initial 25 per cent of an employee’s pension pot to private equity, infrastructure and property.
30th September 2025, Dublin:
UK-based pension giant Aviva is making headlines with its bold move to allocate 25% of employee pension pots into private markets, including private equity, infrastructure, property, and private credit. Its new default scheme, My Future Vision, will steer billions into unlisted assets, managed by major global firms like KKR, Apollo, and Invesco.
This shift reflects a growing recognition across the UK pensions industry that private markets can offer stronger long-term returns and better diversification. It also aligns with the UK government’s Mansion House Accord, which encourages pension funds to invest more in domestic, growth-oriented companies.
Currently, Irish pension schemes are overly reliant on listed equities and bonds, missing out on the potential of private assets — a sector that has delivered consistent outperformance over the past two decades. The UK example shows what’s possible when regulation and policy evolve to unlock pension capital for productive investment.
At Elkstone, we're advocating for a Pensions Bill that encourages Irish workplace schemes to access private markets. By following suit, Ireland can empower pension savers while supporting the next generation of Irish innovation and entrepreneurship.