Bulk purchase annuities

De-risk your defined benefit scheme with confidence

  • Transfer the management of your scheme to Aviva with buy-in or buy-out solutions
  • There’s no one size fits all – our tailored approach works for large or small schemes
  • Governed by our experts, you and your members are in safe and capable hands

What is a bulk purchase annuity?

It’s a way to  remove some of the risks associated with defined benefit pension schemes by transferring the management of some or all of the scheme to an insurance company. We offer buy-in and buy-out de-risking solutions that are designed carefully to protect against things like investment underperformance, interest rate charges and inflation. 

In capable hands

We’re highly experienced in the bulk purchase annuities (BPA) market, with almost 900 transactions already completed. And with our robust and efficient processes, you’ll benefit from a smooth-sailing process from start to finish.

Financial strengh

You can rely on our meticulous approach to sourcing assets, matching cashflows for years to come. Our financial strength is rated at the stronger end of the scale with ratings of AA- Stable (S&P and Fitch) and Aa3 Stable (Moody’s).

Sustainable investments

This is a non-negotiable part of our business. Our dedicated fund manager, Aviva Investors, was ranked fith out of 76 of the world’s largest asset managers across responsible investment themes by ShareAction in 2025.

De-risking solutions to suit every kind of scheme

Buy-in

  • Designed to help trustees and sponsoring employers provide long-term security, for some or all scheme members.
  • Protection from investment, inflation and longevity risks. We make regular payments into the plan to help meet monthly pensioner payroll requirements.
  • The relationship between the plan and its members stays the same – the plan continues to pay the benefits, and we have no direct relationship with members.

Buy-out

  • This solution is there to fully and permanently settle pension liabilities. Trustees can usually wind up the old pension scheme.
  • Aviva takes on responsibility for all known liabilities, removing the associated risks from trustees and sponsoring employers.
  • Scheme members get individual Aviva policies, meaning we take on the pensioner payroll and member administration. 

Why choose a bulk purchase annuity with Aviva?

Alongside our years of experience and specialist expertise in the BPA market, here’s how we could be the right choice for you and your members.

A provider you can trust

With over 20 years’ experience in the risk transfer market, we have the expertise and scale to de-risk defined benefit schemes with confidence. 

More than 100 UK-based specialists help deliver a trusted service to over 1.2 million annuity members, paying around £3.6 billion in benefits every year.

Driving better experiences for employers, trustees and members

Our people and our processes will support you and your advisers every step of the way. And your members will get the help they need to experience the best retirement they can.

A solution for years to come

With an estimated Solvency II ratio of 180% as of 31 December 2025, our meticulous approach to sourcing assets means our annuities provide reliable cashflow for years to come.

A sustainable approach

Our sustainability ambitions aim to act on climate change, build stronger communities and aim to protect members’ pensions long into the future. 

With £17.8 billion invested, we're one of the largest investors in UK infrastructure, helping build schools and health centres, and developing sustainable energy. 

Explore more of our Defined Benefit solutions

We're committed to providing the solutions that meet your scheme needs both now and long into the future.

Bulk purchase annuity news

Head to our newsroom to read about our latest defined benefit solutions.

Aviva completes £300m buy-in deal with the Elementis Group Pension Scheme

Aviva completes £180m full buy-in with Aston Martin Lagonda Pension Scheme

Aviva completes £100m full scheme buy-in with the Iveco Limited Pension Scheme

Aviva completes £104m buy-in deal with the Essentra Pension Plan

Other ways we can support your business

Building up a set of services can help provide a fuller, more rounded package, both for you and your employees. Here's how else we can support you.