Certificate Course in Pension Trusteeship in Amsterdam

Program Introduction

From the collection of contributions to the investment of assets and payment of benefits, trustees play a crucial role in the pensions industry. They ensure the pension schemes are run properly and members’ benefits are secure. As pension schemes become more and more complex, it is absolutely vital for trustees to possess a comprehensive understanding of pensions environment, sector specifications, and their own responsibilities that are imposed both by legislation and social needs.

Certificate Course in Pension Trusteeship in Amsterdam an all-inclusive program that helps participants build blocks for implementing good scheme governance as well as employ appropriate risk management and control measures. As you progress through the course of the studies, you will acquire a quality understanding of core areas of trustees’ responsibilities, risk mitigation strategies, and techniques along with constructive ways for the deployment of good practices and procedures for running successful pension schemes.

Target Audience

Certificate Course in Pension Trusteeship in Amsterdam would be the best suit for:

• Executive Members of Trustee Organizations
• Professional Trustees
• Pension Scheme Providers
• Pension Scheme Advisors and Consultants
• Legal and Financial Advisors
• Pension Fund Insurance Providers
• Any Other Professional looking after the retirement security.

Program Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this training course, its participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Trustee Role in financing and administering pension schemes
• Comprehend the principles of trust law and the legal and regulatory obligations of the trustees
• Understand the structures and products available for accumulating retirement benefits, and appraise the roles of key parties involved in pension provision
• Gain detailed knowledge of DB and DC schemes and their investment strategies
• Assess the role of advisers in relation to appropriate investment strategies of DB and DC occupational pension schemes.

Program Contents

First Day – Pensions Industry and Trustees Role

• Pensions Industry Characteristics
• Role of Revenue
• Types of Pension Schemes: DB, DC, AVCs
• Need for a trust; Becoming a Trustee
• Legal Background to Trust
• Trust Deed, Rules, Duties, Powers, and Discretion
• Liabilities, Protection, and Delegation
• Trustee Decision-Making
• Trustee Meetings, Purpose, and Consent
• Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interests

Second Day – Scheme Financing and Administration

• Role of Actuary
• Actuarial Valuations
• Funding Standards
• Scheme Solvency and Wind-Ups
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Scheme Governance
• Risk Management and Internal Controls
• Scheme Administration and Member Data
• Record Keeping
• Payment of Benefits and Contributions
• Scheme Accounts and Preserved Benefits
• Scheme Registration
• Introducing and Appointing advisers and service providers

Third Day – Disclosure of Information and Pensions Law

• Annual Reports
• Audited Accounts and Explanatory Booklets
• Actuarial Reports/Funding Certificates
• Benefit Statements and Scheme Documents
• Pensions related legislation
• The Pensions Regulator
• Tax and the state pension
• Internal dispute resolution procedure

Fourth Day – Investments

• Investment in a pension scheme
• Setting an investment strategy
• Common assets
• Alternative assets
• Capital markets and economic cycles
• Risk and reward
• Active and passive management
• Suitability and diversification
• Reviewing investments

Fifth Day – DC Schemes

• How does a DC Scheme Work?
• Good Member Outcomes and Contributions
• Transaction Processing
• Value for Members and Charges
• Decisions at Pension age and Member Communications
• Investment Strategy for DC Scheme
• Default and Alternate Investment Options
• Charges
• Investment Performance Management

Sixth Day – DB Schemes

• How does a DB Scheme Work?
• Liabilities Management
• Employer Covenant and Risks to it
• Winding up a DB Scheme
• Corporate Transactions
• The statutory funding objective
• Valuing and Calculating the scheme’s liabilities
• Impact of assumptions
• Individual and bulk transfers
• Additional employee funding
• DB recovery plans, contributions, and funding principles
• Investment in a DB scheme

Program Methodology

The methodology used is designed to encourage maximum participation of all delegates. The consultant will lead sessions through open presentations and support them with interactive exercises, case studies, and group assignments. Panel Discussions and Scenario Analysis make up a fair share of the program. In order to make discussions more vibrant and diversified, Risalat will involve several guest presenters that can speak from the experience of different countries’ pension systems. The speakers will be selected based on audience requirements, interests, and background.

Program-Related Host Country Profile

Amsterdam is one of the world’s leading hubs for pension governance and fiduciary oversight, making it an ideal location for the Certificate Course on Pension Trusteeship. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the strongest and most sustainable pension systems globally, supported by rigorous risk-based supervision led by DNB and AFM. Home to major funds like ABP and PFZW, Amsterdam offers participants real exposure to advanced governance frameworks, investment oversight practices, and robust regulatory standards. With its highly developed financial ecosystem, excellent connectivity, and reputation for transparency and institutional strength, Amsterdam provides a perfect environment for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in trusteeship, compliance, and pension fund governance.

Course Deliverables

Participants will enjoy a full-service experience that covers everything needed before, during, and after the program:

During the Program

• Risalat Training Kit, including: bag, water bottle, coffee mug, t-shirt, cap, passport cover, pens, notebook, magnet, keychain
• Lunch Provided Daily during training days
• Comprehensive Course Manual & Training Materials
• Project-Based Templates, Tools, and Worksheets
• Mini Pad / Tablet for convenient access to digital resources
• Digital Case Studies, Reading Packs & Reference Materials
• Access to Sample Datasets & Practical Exercises
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Complimentary Refreshments & Full Training Venue Facilities
• Access to Online Learning Resources
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Program

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Program Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Program Report