Pensions
For most people, their pension represents the largest source of wealth that they will accumulate over their lives. In accumulation and decumulation the wealth management, financial advice and planning industry provides a reassuringly regulated and professional service that puts the customer at the heart of everything they do.
This has become increasingly complex for firms over the preceding decade as they have sought to navigate a changing regulatory environment. Despite substantive reforms such as the introduction of automatic enrolment, pension freedoms, changes to pension transfer advice and more, pensions continue to be a subject of reform from Regulators and the Government. Over the coming years we believe that we see more consolidation of pension schemes, further drive towards value for money, and a drive to focus the way in which and where these schemes invest. Where these reforms directly impact PIMFA firms, we will engage on your behalf to secure change in your interests.
- FCA Retirement Income Market Data 2024/25
The FCA has published retirement income market data for 2024-2025, with key findings set out:
- Total number of pension plans accessed for the first time in 2024/25 increased by 8.6% to 961,575 compared to 2023/24 (885,455).
- Sales of drawdown policies saw the biggest increase from 278,977 in 2023/24 to 349,992 in 2024/25 (25.5%).
- Sales of annuities increased by 7.8% from 82,061 in 2023/24 to 88,430 in 2024/25.
- The overall value of money being withdrawn from pension pots increased to £70,876m in 2024/25 from £52,152m in 2023/24. This is an increase of 35.9%.
- 30.6% of pension plans accessed for the first time in 2024/25 were accessed by plan holders who took regulated advice (down from 30.9% in 2023/24).
- The number of DB to DC transfers continued to fall from 7,181 in 2023/24 to 6,418 in 2024/25.
Access the publication here.
- Our Latest work
FCA DP24/3: Pensions: Adapting our requirements for a changing market
PIMFA Responds to FCA DP24/3: Pensions: Adapting our requirements for a changing market
Read the response here
This guide provides a review of the FCA policy statement on pension transfer advice.
Latest News
FCA Wider Implications Framework Annual Report 2025/26
The FCA has published the Wider Implications Framework Annual Report for 2025-26 and notes key areas of collaboration:
- Advice Guidance Boundary Review
- Consumer Duty
- APP Fraud
- Pensions Value for Money Framework
- Motor Finance Commission Redress
Updated Terms of Reference have also been published.
Read the full report here
Money and Pensions Service – Pensions Dashboards Update Report
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has released its latest progress update report on pensions dashboards.
The report notes that:
- The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard is undergoing user testing with an expected launch in Financial Year 2027/28
- Around 85% of personal and workplace pension records are connected, alongside the State Pension
The report also sets out ongoing work to enable private sector pensions dashboards with the Pensions Dashboards Programme expected to launch a working group for firms interested in being involved in operating or supporting a private sector dashboard.
Read the report here
FCA – Speech: Building the Fourth Retirement Pillar
The FCA has published a speech (by Emad Aladhal, Director of Retail Banking).
Whilst focused on later life lending, it highlights the importance of consumer trust and the role of advice and support throughout the customer journey to enable delivery of good outcomes.
Read the full speech here
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