FOR PROFESSIONAL CLIENTS ONLY BETTER DESIGN BETTER OUTCOMES LIFEPATH TARGET DATE FUNDS. Retirement

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1 FOR PROFESSIONAL CLIENTS ONLY BETTER DESIGN BETTER OUTCOMES LIFEPATH DATE FUNDS Retirement

2 Retirement is changing: markets are volatile and people are living longer. More than ever, pension scheme members need clarity and guidance to help them make better investment choices. BlackRock s range of LifePath funds are designed to balance the need for capital growth with a focus on controlling investment risk at each stage of a member s retirement journey. All members have to do to start is answer one question: When do I want to retire? [2] BETTER DESIGN. BETTER OUTCOMES.

3 LifePath from BlackRock WHY DATE FUNDS? Increasing numbers of employers and trustees are turning to target date funds (TDFs) as their default offering and for good reason. Members are given the option to invest in one fund right through to retirement, offering a simple and intuitive investor experience. Yet, because TDFs automatically adjust their asset allocation as they progress towards a chosen maturity date, they are also aiming to provide the best possible outcome for each member. WHY LIFEPATH? Not all target date funds are created equal. We ve been offering our LifePath range of TDFs in the UK since 1997 and our philosophy throughout that time has been consistent: to deliver more predictable retirement outcomes with fewer negative surprises our for members. BlackRock s global investment and risk management capabilities have enabled us to maintain a long track record of evolution in managing LifePath across different market cycles. We have adjusted for shifting demographics, and incorporated increasingly sophisticated asset allocation models into a timetested investment strategy that has helped thousands of members prepare for retirement. Previously, LifePath was only available as part of an investment-only arrangement. Today, however, employers and trustees can choose LifePath in the way that best fits their needs. Whether it be through an investment-only, full service or master trust arrangement, our extensive team of more than 150 defined contribution (DC) professionals will ensure seamless implementation and provide ongoing support for employers, trustees and members alike. That s why increasing numbers of DC plans choose to entrust their members retirement futures to BlackRock and our LifePath fund range. Our time-tested process, vision and commitment to DC pensions makes BlackRock the ideal partner in the new world of retirement investing. LIFEPATH DATE FUNDS [3]

4 Greater simplicity, greater confidence Although most people believe they should take responsibility for their finances, the prospect of making investments can be a daunting one. Excessive choice, fear of losses and complexity can all create feelings of uncertainty, leading to poor investment decisions or inaction. of UK adults believe they should take responsibility for their finances *. KNOWLEDGE of those currently in retirement 30 % ** would advise their younger self to start saving for retirement from a younger age. Only 3 feel knowledgeable about investing and only 4/10 are interested to learn more about investments. * TDFs were designed to overcome these problems by simplifying the member experience. Members need only focus on when they want to retire and their contributions are then invested in a single fund that is managed in line with that specific time horizon, scheduled to mature in the three-year period in which they plan to retire. The advantages of this are considerable. The member is no longer confronted with a confusing array of investment products and can focus on saving as much as they can. As a result, they are more likely to engage with the retirement planning process. Moreover, because the time to investment maturity has been determined, the fund can dynamically adjust its mix of assets optimally over the time to maturity, increasing the likelihood of better investment outcomes. Designed to work with the new pension choices and freedoms, BlackRock s range of LifePath funds have been enhanced so that they deliver an optimised fund at the target date irrespective of how a member wants to access their pension savings. There are three options available to members: take a cash lump sum, buy an annuity or choose the new income drawdown approach. [4] BETTER DESIGN. BETTER OUTCOMES.

5 Fewer negative surprises, more predictable outcomes We understand that members invested in default funds will want a smooth, consistent investment experience. For many of them, retirement planning will be all about being prudent and conservative, and reducing uncertainty. That s why we manage the LifePath range to minimise three major risks. MARKET RISK: NEGATIVE SURPRISES LifePath focuses on preserving capital (although capital values at any time are not guaranteed) rather than chasing higher returns, especially as retirement approaches. This helps members to approach their retirement with a certain level of confidence. LONGEVITY RISK: OUTLIVING THEIR MONEY A recent BlackRock survey found that 45% of people are concerned about outliving their savings in retirement. LifePath aims to capture long-term growth when each member s human capital and risk capacity is highest. 32 % CONFIDENCE of UK adults Only believe 32% they should feel well takeprepared responsibility for their finances financially for retirement. *. INFLATION RISK: ERODING SPENDING POWER Even relatively low inflation rates can seriously erode spending power over decades of retirement. LifePath s mix of equities and diversified exposure to real assets is designed to reduce the effects of inflation on member s savings in the lead-up to drawing benefits. of those currently in retirement ** would advise their younger self to start saving for retirement from a younger age. * All statistics, including those in blue boxes, are results from the BlackRock Investor Pulse survey 2014 ** Those aged at the time of the BlackRock Investor Pulse Survey 2014 LIFEPATH DATE FUNDS [5]

6 Real world experience, time-tested evolution Almost twenty years of experience has driven LifePath s evolution, creating an increasingly sophisticated investment process with a focus on robust risk control. HARD-WON PERSPECTIVE Our DC team is able to draw on considerable experience of implementing and supporting TDFs within DC pension plans. We have worked with pension plans of every size, including some of the largest in the world. We also have deep expertise in plan design and member communications. EXPERIENCE ACROSS MARKET CYCLES LifePath was introduced as the first target date fund in the US in 1993, and the UK version has existed since This means we are navigating seismic market shifts long before most funds were even established. THOUGHTFUL EVOLUTION Our deep experience, combined with our understanding of member attitudes to saving and our increasingly sophisticated risk models, has helped us make thoughtful adjustments to the LifePath range of funds. We have incorporated new insights into investor behaviour, preferences and needs in pursuit of better retirement outcomes. For example, in response to the new pension choices and freedoms that came into effect April LifePath was enhanced to allow three different outcomes at a target date through LifePath Capital, LifePath Retirement and LifePath Flexi. [6] BETTER DESIGN. BETTER OUTCOMES.

7 A sophisticated investment process designed to provide members with a simpler approach to retirement savings LIFEPATH DATE FUNDS [7]

8 Better design. Better outcomes. LifePath funds aim to reflect the changing investment needs of each member by gradually changing each fund s investment mix as as it nears its target retirement date. This process is called the glide path. Our rigorous approach to this process ensures that each step reflects our investment philosophy and our best thinking on how to help members grow their assets and protect their savings. The LifePath glide path seeks to achieve the optimal balance of risk and flexibility based on each member s chosen target retirement date and preferred retirement income strategy. There are three LifePath options to select from depending on how a member wants to access their pension savings. These are: LIFEPATH RETIREMENT ``LifePath Capital: for members planning to take their DC fund as a cash lump sum; ``LifePath Flexi: for those planning to leave their DC fund invested and draw down income from it; ``LifePath Retirement: for those planning to buy an annuity at their 2 retirement date. These funds aim to take risk in the early years before gradually de-risking in an optimal manner. The design differs to other target YEARS date TO funds RETIREMENT which have a steeper straight change at set dates pre-retirement. The gentler glide path has been designed to improve the risk/reward balance when investing at different stages throughout a member s working LIFEPATH life. FLEXI RETIREMENT DATE During the early years, the money will be invested in the same growth assets regardless of which LifePath option is selected. From 10 years prior to the target fund retirement date, the asset mix of the three LifePath funds will begin to differ as they progressively switch towards the three different retirement options using different glide paths. 2 Each glide path is based on long-term strategic forecasts and a dynamic asset allocation programme and is focused on delivering more predictable, positive outcomes YEARS TO RETIREMENT 0 RETIREMENT DATE LIFEPATH RETIREMENT LIFEPATH CAPITAL 2 2 [8] BETTER DESIGN. BETTER OUTCOMES. ALLOCATIONS LIFEPATH FLEXI UK Equities Developed Small Cap Equities Global ex UK Govt Bonds Global High Yield UK Govt Bonds Developed ex UK Equities Listed Real Estate Global ex UK Corp Bonds UK Corp Bonds Cash EM Equities Commodities EM Hard Currency Bonds UK IL Bonds

9 LIFEPATH CAPITAL GLIDE PATH LIFEPATH RETIREMENT Designed to glide towards cash-like investments, this fund will invest in our DC Cash Fund on reaching its target retirement date. When each LifePath Capital fund reaches its target date members will be invested directly in the DC Cash Fund. The money will remain invested in this way until they decide to access their retirement savings. LIFEPATH RETIREMENT GLIDE PATH Our Retirement glide path is designed to glide towards 25% in cash-like investments and 75% in DC Pre-Retirement that seeks to track immediate annuity rates. When each LifePath Retirement fund reaches its target, date members will be invested directly in an undated LifePath Retirement LIFEPATH FLEXI Fund that has an allocation of 25% to cash-like investments and 75% to DC Pre Retirement. LIFEPATH FLEXI GLIDE PATH Our Flexi option is designed to glide towards an asset allocation split of approximately global equities and fixed income. When 2 each LifePath Flexi fund reaches its target date, members will be invested directly in an undated LifePath Flexi Fund which will maintain the same 40/60 asset allocation LIFEPATH mix into RETIREMENT retirement to support income drawdown. LifePath also offers members greater flexibility to choose from specific target dates. Competing TDFs typically offer target dates in increments LIFEPATH of five years. CAPITAL By contrast, our LifePath range currently offers funds targeting retirement dates in increments of three years, with the glide path targeting 30 June of the middle year of the three-year period it spans. 2 2 LIFEPATH FLEXI 2 2 UK Equities Developed Small Cap Equities Global ex UK Govt Bonds Global High Yield UK Govt Bonds Developed ex UK Equities Listed Real Estate Global ex UK Corp Bonds UK Corp Bonds Cash EM Equities Commodities EM Hard Currency Bonds UK IL Bonds LIFEPATH CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS LIFEPATH DATE FUNDS [9]

10 Our goal is to make it easy for you Our experience of working with DC plans of every size from smaller plans to some of the largest institutional plans in the world helps us to apply global best practices to your DC plan. We work as an extension of your team, adding strength and expertise to help you keep your plan optimised as your needs evolve. CLIENT ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM Choosing LifePath is just the first step. Our DC team will work closely with you to navigate the complexities of administrative and regulatory requirements. We ll help you meet operational challenges to ensure a smooth, seamless process, whether it is the initial implementation of a plan, a menu change or a complete re-enrolment. MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS Our dedicated member engagement team has helped hundreds of plans to increase enrolment and member engagement. We take the time to show employers and trustees how members can take advantage of the full range of communications we offer, from traditional workplace-based communications including posters, desk-drops and member presentations, to advanced member engagement tools involving websites and other digital media. [10] BETTER DESIGN. BETTER OUTCOMES.

11 LifePath offers clarity in the new world of retirement LifePath offers a time-tested, differentiated approach to help you better protect your employees retirement savings and meet your regulatory responsibilities. BETTER DESIGN, BETTER OUTCOMES LifePath is designed to protect retirement savings (although capital at any time is not guaranteed), reduce negative surprises and deliver more predictable outcomes for members for their retirement. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BLACKROCK LIFEPATH FUNDS please speak to your corporate benefits adviser, your BlackRock contact, or get in touch with the UK DC team at: +44 (0) [email protected] blackrock.co.uk PROVEN EXPERIENCE LifePath is the industry s first target date fund, with a track record of performance in the UK since BACKED BY A TEAM OF EXPERTS AND RESOURCES LifePath clients enjoy access to plan design, client engagement and member communications teams to ensure a seamless transition and strong employee participation. About the BlackRock DC Team* ` `Number of clients: 294 Bundled, 187 Investment only ``Total DC AUM: $71.6 billion, 11.3 billion ** ``Number of members under administration: Over 300,000 ``Number of DC employees: Over 160 ``A full-service DC offering since 1996 ``In-house service centre since 2007 ``Managing LifePath range since 1997 WINNER WINNER * Source: BlackRock, data as at January 2015 ** Source: BlackRock, data as at December 2014 LIFEPATH DATE FUNDS [11]

12 WHY BLACKROCK At BlackRock, the breadth of our investment, administrative and employee engagement capabilities means we can deliver retirement savings plans that meet clients particular needs and those of their employees. ``A broad fund range Our broad fund range means we can help clients looking for index or active management across a wide range of asset classes or strategies, including multi-asset and target date portfolios. In addition, our operationally efficient platform enables trustees and their investment advisors to implement scheme-specific investment solutions quickly and efficiently. ``Robust and flexible technology Our DC solutions are backed by robust and flexible technology platforms. These support employer s systems intuitively, providing cutting edge record keeping and administration platforms that underpin the rigorous tailored service we offer clients. ``Employee engagement programmes Our employee engagement programmes cut through the jargon, helping both employers and employees to make the right decisions. They focus on delivering communications at key life stages to encourage members to make the right planning decisions, now they have more choice and flexibility. ``A collaborative approach Our dedicated DC team acts as an extension of clients teams. We are on hand to anticipate, understand and help clients to solve their toughest DC challenges. This collaborative approach, combined with our industry expertise, means that together we can take action to respond to market developments. Want to know more? +44 (0) [email protected] blackrock.com 2015 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, ishares, BUILD ON BLACKROCK, SO WHAT DO I DO WITH MY MONEY and the stylized i logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners. This material is for distribution to Professional Clients (as defined by the FCA Rules) and should not be relied upon by any other persons. Issued by BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited (BlackRock), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL. BlackRock Liability Solutions Funds ( the Funds ) are authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland (the Central Bank ) and may only be held by Qualifying Investors, as set out in the fund Prospectus and relevant Supplement. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may not get back the amount originally invested. Changes in the rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of investments to diminish or increase. Fluctuation may be particularly marked in the case of a higher volatility fund and the value of an investment may fall suddenly and substantially. Levels and basis of taxation may change from time to time. Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy. This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer a-ENG-DCSM