Pensions Regulator Outlines Scope of New Pensions Criminal Offences but Uncertainty Remains

The UK Pensions Regulator has published its draft policy on investigating and prosecuting the new pensions criminal offences, which are due to come into force this Autumn. In this article for International Corporate Rescue, Samantha Brown and John Whiteoak consider the mixed messages contained in the draft policy and the uncertainty which surrounds the scope of these new powers, warning that this may negatively impact corporate activity and investment in companies with UK defined benefit pension schemes. It may also inhibit attempts to restructure such businesses at a time when flexibility and pragmatism will be needed.