- LCP Ireland’s Investment Summary for March 2026 has revealed that its sample defined benefit (DB) scheme’s funding level dropped to c.105 per cent during the month, reflecting a decline in asset values.

In addition, its high-risk, medium-risk and pension purchase defined contribution (DC) strategies all experienced negative returns over the month, with both equities and bonds down. Annuity prices also fell in the month due to the decrease in bond prices.

LCP said global equities fell by -6.3 per cent (in local currency terms) in March, with Eurozone markets falling by -8.5 per cent and North America falling by -2.6 per cent (in euro terms). The US dollar strengthened against the euro over the month.

- Finnish earnings-related pension provider Varma has signed a partnership agreement with the Finnish Startup Community to support the development of Finnish growth companies.

The collaboration aims to bring Varma’s expertise as both an investor and pension insurer closer to startups, strengthening its role in supporting companies at different stages of growth. The Finnish Startup Community represents a network of more than 300 startups, growth firms and investment funds, working to position Finland as a leading environment for launching and scaling businesses.

“The Finnish startup and growth company sector is currently at a very exciting stage of development. Varma’s investment activities now cover the entire domestic ecosystem.

“From our perspective, we have recently identified an increasing number of investment opportunities in the unlisted sector – both in funds and direct investments – that are attractive and stand up to international comparison. We look forward to close collaboration with companies, founders, funds, and other stakeholders in the growth enterprise sector,” Varma investment director, responsible for private equity and corporate finance investments, Tommi Walther, said.

- The Dutch pension fund ABP is to invest in around 1,000 rental properties for Dutch senior citizens, with more than half of these properties falling into the affordable rental category.

The project involves an initial investment of €350m over the coming years and is part of a partnership between the pension fund and CBRE IM to focus on developing sustainable and affordable rental properties.

ABP chair of the board, Harmen van Wijnen, said: "The Netherlands is ageing rapidly, whilst the supply of suitable housing for older people is failing to keep pace. By investing in affordable and sustainable housing for older people, we are helping to ensure a stable return for our members and a liveable society."

- Denmark's Lægernes Pension has joined a Nordic investor group to acquire a 30 per cent stake in Nordic Ferry Infrastructure for approximately €510m.

The consortium, which also includes Interogo Infrastructure and Gotlandsbolaget, is purchasing the stake from EQT Infrastructure V. Nordic Ferry Infrastructure operates 101 vessels across 59 routes in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, transporting more than 25 million passengers annually.

The company is focused on supporting the green transition of ferry services, including investment in electric vessels and low-emission technologies, while benefiting from long-term concessions and stable cash flows. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.

- The Finnish Centre for Pensions (ETK) has launched a new registry office to improve administrative processes and document management.

The registry office, which began operating on 7 April 2026, is intended to clarify workflows and ensure documents are processed efficiently and without delay, while supporting improvements in information management, data quality and accessibility.

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