Private markets, value for money and the next evolution of master trusts with Aviva’s Jonathan Parker

In this episode, hosts Louise Farrand and Dave Whitehair sit down with Jonathan Parker, head of DC at Redington and chair of the investment committee for the Aviva Master Trust, for a deep dive into how one of the UK’s largest master trusts is reshaping investment strategy for the decade ahead.

Jonathan talks through why Aviva has made a major move into private markets and what this means for members, from opening up access to infrastructure and private equity to managing liquidity in a more complex investment environment. They dive into the new value for money rules, the rising pressure of performance comparisons, and how trustees and providers are balancing long-term conviction with short-term scrutiny.

Louise and Dave also get Jonathan’s take on how governance is evolving as master trusts scale, how member behaviour is shifting, and what Aviva is doing to help people as they move into, and then through, retirement.

It’s a forward-looking and insightful conversation about the trends shaping DC right now. We hope you enjoy the episode!