Van Lanschot Kempen appointed fiduciary manager by University of Bristol Pension and Assurance Scheme

18 Mar 2026 09:00 CET

Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management UK (“Van Lanschot Kempen”) today announces its appointment by the Trustee of the University of Bristol Pension and Assurance Scheme as its new fiduciary manager. The mandate contributes £220 million in assets under management and follows a competitive tender process led by IC Select.

Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions, consistently ranking among the top universities globally. With over 30,000 students, it is renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and global impact, while remaining firmly committed to sustainability, social responsibility, and producing world-class research. The University of Bristol Pension and Assurance Scheme supports retired staff and has more than 4,000 members.

Delivering a fully bespoke fiduciary management service, Van Lanschot Kempen will work closely with the Trustee and its other advisers to implement a tailored investment strategy aimed at achieving the scheme’s journey to full funding. Van Lanschot Kempen added the assets to its Assets under Management in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Colin Richardson, (Zedra Governance Limited) Trustee of the University of Bristol Pension and Assurance Scheme, said: “The decision to appoint Van Lanschot Kempen as our new fiduciary manager followed a “whole of market” detailed tender exercise. It reflected their attention to the requirements of the Trustee and employer, the team’s strong technical expertise, commitment to providing bespoke investment solutions, and the implementation of a robust governance framework. Their dynamic asset allocation approach, resilient risk management, and steadfast focus on ESG integration were also key differentiators for us throughout the process. We look forward to working with their team as we journey towards full funding, while ensuring improved security and outcomes for our members.” 

Jonathan Craddock, Client Director at Van Lanschot Kempen, at Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management, said: “Our appointment by the Trustee is testament to our position as a trusted partner to pension schemes across the UK. With an established record in delivering client and operational excellence, we are committed to working closely with the Trustee to provide a tailored investment solution that meets the unique needs of the scheme and, ultimately, is supportive of better outcomes for its members.” 

Peter Dorward, Managing Director, IC Select Ltd (a third-party evaluator), said: “IC Select was delighted to support the Trustee, Zedra, the Sponsor and the University of Bristol procurement team throughout what was an exceptionally thorough and rigorous public tender process. We were pleased to see Van Lanschot Kempen appointed as Fiduciary Manager and to have provided additional support to the Trustee through the onboarding process. We look forward to continuing to support the Trustee in its ongoing oversight of Van Lanschot Kempen.”

This announcement builds on the strong momentum achieved by Van Lanschot Kempen’s fiduciary business in the UK this year, and follows the firm’s appointment as the fiduciary manager to two pension plans sponsored by companies within the Holcim Group.