Socius Technologies Group Limited

We’re challenging the DC market to move beyond vague benchmarks and embrace clear, actionable definitions of success. Our approach focuses on the importance of the terminal pot value, reflecting the real, tangible funds a member can rely on in retirement. This value-based focus is at the core of our SPERO® scoring and ranking system, designed to help trustees make informed, data-driven decisions about investment performance. With the power of advanced simulations, our framework stress-tests potential strategies, comparing schemes and measuring risk/return ratios that align with individual and collective goals. Instead of traditional volatility measures, we use metrics like the Sortino Ratio, which focuses on downside protection and doesn’t penalise out performance – better capturing the financial risks that matter most to members nearing retirement. This gives a balanced view of growth potential and risk management, so schemes can genuinely work in the best interest of their members.

De-risking strategies in pension schemes are changing as the profile of members retiring changes and we’re at the forefront of this transformation. We need to move away from traditional, static glide paths to agile, adaptive de-risking strategies. Static glidepaths often cap potential growth just as pots reach their peak value, leaving members vulnerable to market shifts and economic downturns. Our SPERO® framework factors in each member’s capacity for loss – a critical measure of financial resilience that diminishes with age. By assessing downside risk and using Monte Carlo simulations, we help trustees manage portfolios dynamically at scale, allowing for adjustments based on real-time performance rather than predetermined investment switches. Our approach ensures member pots have the opportunity for continued growth while safeguarding against significant losses. It’s a modern solution to secure financial stability for members as they approach retirement, adapting to market shifts and individual circumstances for optimised outcomes. It’s time we rethink traditional lifestyling.

No two members are the same, and dynamic personalisation allows trustees to consider each member’s unique goals, risk tolerance, and capacity for loss. Our platform enables trustees to shift from generic target-date funds to custom investment strategies that evolve alongside members’ life stages and market conditions. By blending performance assets with protective strategies, our approach, underpinned by our technology, makes sure that even default options cater to individual needs, adjusting allocation as retirement approaches. By leveraging real-time data, we deliver a retirement plan that is both resilient and tailored.

Traditional de-risking strategies in DC schemes are due for an overhaul! We’re advocating for a shift from rigid glide paths to agile, risk-adjusted de-risking strategies that adapt to each member’s financial journey. As members’ pots mature and savings grow we need more sophistication rather than mechanically shifting investments from equities to bonds to reduce volatility. This approach limits growth when members’ pots are at their largest. Our managed risk approach protects the minimum value of each member’s pot while maintaining growth exposure. We also consider factors such as capacity for loss – where a member’s risk tolerance decreases as retirement nears – our strategies adjust asset allocation in response to actual market conditions rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all path. Our SPERO® framework integrates this flexibility by tailoring risk-based de-risking strategies, giving trustees the opportunity to maximise member outcomes with confidence.

As an industry… we’re awash with data, yet trustees (and some would say Regulators) still struggle to pinpoint what truly drives better outcomes for pension scheme members. The FCA’s Value for Money framework offers a start by making comprehensive data available on investment performance. However, data without context is simply not enough. We believe that the ultimate goal for trustees should be to maximise the terminal value of each member’s retirement pot – in pounds and pence. Our proprietary SPERO® scoring and ranking framework gives trustees the power to compare investment strategies through a clear lens, focusing on potential retirement outcomes instead of mere volatility metrics. By using tools like Monte Carlo simulations, trustees can assess a scheme’s resilience against market changes and test risk/return ratios based on potential outcomes. We need to empower trustees and provide them with the necessary tools to make data-driven decisions. Understanding the trade-offs between asset allocation, volatility, and long-term outcomes is central to driving member value. This is the foundation of modern, effective pension management.

🥁 Drumroll please! 🥁 We've been working on a new website... and it's now live! https://sociustec.com/

We are delighted to announce that Socius Technologies has recently achieved 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟮𝟳𝟬𝟬𝟭: 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 certification, the world’s best known standard relating to information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection. This is part of our ongoing commitment to develop innovative, robust and scalable technology with information security integral to our company’s culture and mindset. Achieving 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟮𝟳𝟬𝟬𝟭: 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Socius team who have worked tirelessly to ensure our processes and systems meet the rigorous requirements of this international standard. Well done team! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀 to learn more about the exciting technology solutions that we develop which are driving innovation in the world of financial services. Visit our website: www.sociustec.com  #ISO27001 #InformationSecurity #CyberSecurity

If you're an IFA is your retirement planning solution adaptable and truly client-focused? We help IFAs (and asset managers and pension providers) to deliver personalised strategies. Each strategy will optimise for financial well-being both before and after retirement. Our dynamic advice framework and data-driven insights help our clients to build deeper relationships with their clients by proactively addressing their changing needs. Use technology that enhances your efficiency and prioritises what matters most... achieving the best outcomes for your clients. #RetirementPlanning #PersonalisedFinance #ClientEngagement #SociusTechnologies

📉 Can we build a better de-risking strategy for pensions? Many DC schemes still follow outdated strategies that focus on protecting annuity buying power, despite the fact that annuities are no longer the primary choice for most. The real goal should be increasing the terminal value of a member's pot at retirement. 💼 We advocate for a more agile, risk-based approach. Instead of following a rigid de-risking glide path, members should benefit from strategies that adjust to performance and market conditions, protecting the value that matters to them while still allowing for growth. 📊 Our SPERO® framework shows that a managed risk strategy outperforms traditional glide paths across all key metrics – higher final pot value, better returns, and increased income potential. 📈 It’s time for trustees to adopt strategies that reflect how members truly perceive risk and loss, offering clarity and protection without limiting their growth. Let’s rethink de-risking for better outcomes! 💡 #pensions #retirement #derisking #DCschemes #riskmanagement #memberoutcomes #SociusTechnologies

🌟 Is stochastic analysis worth the complexity? Absolutely! 🌟 When it comes to retirement income strategies, there’s no room for guesswork. That’s where stochastic analysis comes in — a powerful tool that models financial uncertainty and randomness to deliver personalised outcomes. Sure, it’s complex. But this approach goes beyond static assumptions, simulating thousands of potential scenarios — from market fluctuations to inflation and longevity. 💡Why it’s worth it: 👉 Enhanced accuracy: Predicts a wide range of outcomes, providing more realistic insights.   👉 Personalised risk management: Tailors strategies to individual risk tolerance.   👉 Flexibility: Adapts plans to changing life and market conditions.   👉 Better outcomes: Ensures income resilience even under adverse scenarios.  We use SPERO® to embrace this complexity and deliver dynamic personalisation. #RetirementPlanning #StochasticAnalysis #PersonalisedRetirement #FinancialSecurity #SPERO