In giving their advice, actuaries form part of a complex series of interlocking relationships – pensions advice must take account of the Trust Deed, the Faculty's and the Institute's Rules of Professional Conduct and the law.

The law is paramount as interpreted by judges. Lawyers and judges have little difficulty in investigating transactions of many years ago – what was deemed normal and proper by actuaries then could well not be perceived by the court as reasonable – either then or now. The fact that everyone does it may be a defence against negligence – or it may not.