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Administration is the system

Monday, March 16, 2026

For a long time, pensions administration has been described as back office. A necessary function. An operational engine room. Important, certainly, but rarely seen as strategic.

Start Early, Retire Strong: Time is Your Financial Ally

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

As a young person starting my career, the topic of saving money is often a loaded subject. Many of my peers have started to consider saving “a rich person’s game”, or something to be postponed for later life.

International retirement systems and income: a practical blueprint from global leaders

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

How do you turn decades of savings into a dependable income for life?

Disclaimers: not a “get out of jail free” card

Monday, January 26, 2026

Pension schemes should ensure that all information given to members about their benefits is as accurate as it can be. However, even when the best of efforts are made, errors can still occur from time to time. And, when they do, they are a common subject of member complaints.

Government to impose another tax on pensions saving

Monday, January 19, 2026

As part of the Government’s Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025 the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced that pensions salary sacrifice contributions are to be capped at £2,000 per annum from 6 April 2029.

Dashboards Put Data Quality Back in the Spotlight

Thursday, January 8, 2026

With just 10 months to go until pensions dashboards become a reality for most schemes, trustees are now firmly in the regulatory spotlight when it comes to data quality. And for good reason.

Three Tips for Navigating the Risk-Benefit Balance of ESG Investing

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Whether we like it or not, the three initials “ESG” – shorthand for environment, sustainability and governance – have become a key part of modern-day investing, and it looks like they are here to stay.

Light at the end of a long tunnel?

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

How a chink might finally open up in the fight for justice for pension scam victims.

CDC - Truth or Quality

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

The concept of Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pensions is gaining momentum. The Royal Mail Collective Pension Plan has proved popular and is off to a good start. With multi-employer regulations expected to be finalized this year, various organizations are considering whether CDC could be the right solution for their members, colleagues, or affiliates.

The red face test – how would you fare?

Thursday, November 27, 2025

When things don't go our way, it's only natural that we want answers. To ask those in charge, how did this happen? (Or more likely, how did you let this happen?)

Europe’s Supplementary Pension Push: How Do We Compare?

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Across Europe, policymakers are grappling with the same challenge we face here in the UK: how to ensure pension systems remain adequate, sustainable, and fair in the face of demographic change. In the EU, pensions are a cornerstone of social protection, ensuring income security and dignity in old age.

Navigating the critical middle ground: From buy-in to buy-out with confidence

Monday, November 17, 2025

As pension schemes edge closer to their endgame, the transition from buy-in to buy-out is no longer a distant milestone. With record insurer capacity and many schemes now fully funded on a buy-out basis, trustees and sponsors are entering a new and unfamiliar phase facing a new set of challenges that demand foresight, coordination and resilience.

Pensions administration consultancy is back from the brink, and needed more than ever

Friday, October 31, 2025

Pensions administration has come a long way – and not always in a straight line. Somewhere along the journey, we lost something important: experienced administration consultants.

Just How Serious Are the Growing Pains in the UK’s Bond Market?

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

The UK economy is grappling with a sense of déjà vu. Three years ago, the Bank of England intervened in the treasury market when 30-year UK Gilt yields surged by over 1.1% in three days, contributing to the collapse of the Liz Truss government. Yet, little seems to have been learned.

Guided retirement and targeted support: A turning point for pensions

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

The pensions industry is on the cusp of significant change. By 2027, trustees of DC schemes will face new duties under the Pension Schemes Bill to provide or partner on decumulation solutions, while in parallel, the FCA and Treasury are reshaping how targeted support can be offered to consumers.

A rude awakening

Thursday, September 25, 2025

The last 10 days have been a rollercoaster and I’m not talking about cabinet changes and the red carpet for a convicted felon!

From Policy to Delivery: Readying for CDC

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

The UK pensions industry stands at a pivotal moment. With multi-employer Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes expected to gain regulatory approval in 2026 and begin accepting contributions by mid-2027, providers who want to offer CDC must act now to prepare their technology and operations, or risk being left behind.

Mind the Gap - Rising State Pension Age and DB Schemes: A Looming Retirement Income Gap

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

At the creation of the modern State Pension in 1948, the State Pension Age (SPA) was fixed at 65 for men and 60 for women. This remained unchanged for over 60 years and many defined benefit (DB) schemes were designed to align with these ages.

Navigating overpayments: a cautionary tale for pensions administrators

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

A recent Ombudsman case involving the Trustees of the BIC UK Pension Scheme offers important lessons for those responsible for the administration of occupational pension schemes.

The Gold Standard of the Digital Age?

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

For trustees and pension professionals navigating the future of value preservation, a crucial question has emerged: is Bitcoin becoming the “digital gold” of the 21st century?

Perfect sense?

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

This is shaping up to be a busy summer. There is a flurry of activity on the pensions front and for the first time in ages, I have not planned any holidays. I had hoped to head to the Rocky Mountains, but the awful political weather in the US made me change my mind. So here I am, with plenty to keep me busy.

Rethinking Pension Adequacy: Opportunities from Denmark and the Netherlands

Thursday, July 17, 2025

The Danish and Dutch pension systems are frequently ranked among the top three in the Mercer Global Pension Index, reflecting their effectiveness in delivering strong retirement outcomes.

The Role of Member Experience in DB Scheme Success

Monday, July 7, 2025

In the evolving pensions landscape, defined benefit (DB) schemes have traditionally focused on funding, investment strategy, covenant support, and endgame planning. While these technical areas remain critical, there’s growing recognition that member experience is now a fundamental part of long-term scheme success.

“Mandation” in the Pension Schemes Bill: what do we know so far?

Monday, June 30, 2025

As promised, the government has included a reserve power in the Pension Schemes Bill that would allow it, in future, to set quantitative baseline asset allocation targets for some pension scheme investments: so-called “mandation”.

The Tech Revolution is coming for pensions admin (and it’s not wearing a suit)

Friday, June 20, 2025

Let’s be honest—pensions technology has always been a bit... beige. Bloated legacy platforms, endless upgrade cycles, and a tendency to stick with what (sort of) works.

It’s not just about cost – it’s about value

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

We have a super-fest of pensions legislation heading our way - again. Most of it is encouraging, even if much of it has been spoken about in hushed tones over the last decade or so.

Pension Scheme Insurance Deliberations – Are you Being Paid to Wait?

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Recently there’s been growing industry talk around the idea of UK pension schemes being encouraged to ‘run on’ rather than securing liabilities through bulk purchase annuity (BPA) contracts.

Trustees must speak up to safeguard member outcomes in pensions buy-outs

Friday, June 6, 2025

As the UK pensions landscape continues to evolve, trustees have a responsibility to take a more active role in shaping the future of member outcomes and sustainability throughout buy-out transactions.

The Mansion House Accord - is it really such a good deal for DC pension savers?

Thursday, May 29, 2025

As any other economy, the UK would benefit from more investment in its key infrastructure. The hurdle to making this a reality is a heavily indebted UK government that can't afford to allocate the capital required to support such ventures.

From simplicity to complexity, from friction to freedom

Thursday, May 22, 2025

In the evolving world of pension administration, ironing out friction in member journeys has never been more important.

Don’t let your members leave their pension to chance

Friday, May 16, 2025

When we think about planning for the future, most of us focus on saving enough for retirement. But there’s a crucial piece of pension planning that’s often overlooked by members and it could leave their loved ones without the support they may be expecting.

How best to manage residual risks – future trends

Friday, May 9, 2025

More DB schemes are approaching their endgame (whatever that may be) than ever before. As a result, the focus on residual risks and how these are managed is evolving.

Time for a Reset?

Friday, May 2, 2025

April has been an interesting month for PSIG. Readers will recall PSIG’s consultation with the industry last year which showed that everyone appreciates what PSIG has achieved and wants us to continue protecting schemes and members from fraud and scams.

Beating the National Insurance Hike – why more employers are turning to salary sacrifice

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

With recent changes pushing the employer NI rate from 13.8% to 15% and the threshold for payments dropping from £9,100 to £5,000, costs are stacking up fast.

Big isn’t always better: why consolidation isn’t the cure-all for pensions administration

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

If there was a phrase to sum up a key undercurrent at this year’s PASA conference, it was this: big is best.

TPR continues its fight against fraudsters

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

The Pensions Regulator (“TPR”) has again set its sights on pension scammers and there’s good reason for doing so. The latest figures from Action Fraud show that a total of £17.7 million was reported lost to pension-related fraud in 2023.

Heads we win, tails you lose

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

You know how it is when you think you’ve seen everything and then you get a WTF moment. The last few weeks seem to have been full of those moments that make you think the world has gone mad, but it was a home-grown version that made me spit out my tea.

Dawn of the Dashboard

Thursday, March 6, 2025

After many years of discussions, delays and disappointments, individuals who are not currently in receipt of their pension benefits will be able to connect to a Pension Dashboards over the next 18 months (depending on the size of their Scheme).

Pension dashboards – what to do right now

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

If you're set to connect to the pension dashboards in the next few months, you’re likely knee-deep in planning, decision-making, and liaising with your administrator.

DEIs Irae! US companies are abandoning their diversity and climate pledges. What does that mean for UK pensions?

Monday, February 17, 2025

It will be no surprise to most readers that there has been a transformation in US boardroom culture in the past 15 years.

How inheritance tax changes could be the next pensions admin nightmare

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Ah, inheritance tax (IHT) – that delightful topic that combines the solemnity of death with the bureaucracy of taxation.

Survival of the fittest – not just for boobies!

Friday, January 24, 2025

Margaret Snowdon updates her regular blog from further afield than usual, proving that travel always helps us see things from a different perspective.

Why not ask your investment adviser how a small allocation to bitcoin could impact your objectives?

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Sam Roberts of Cartwright discusses the scepticism surrounding bitcoin and whether crypto should be considered a suitable vehicle for pension investment.

Record-setting activity in the BPA market: 2024’s large deals

Friday, January 3, 2025

The bulk purchase annuity (BPA) market is bustling with activity across schemes of all sizes.

“If the law supposes that,” said Mr. Bumble… “the law is an ass – an idiot”

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

In her latest blog post, Margaret Snowdon of the Pension Scams Industry Group, updates on her unwavering fight in support of pension scam victims.

2024 Mansion House speech: what does the past tell us about the future?

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Sam Roberts of Cartwright Consulting puts forward his view on Rachel Reeves’ recent Mansion House speech.

Risk transfer market - Reflection on a record-breaking year

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

As we reach the festive period I feel compelled to reflect on how the bulk annuity market has evolved this year, and I can't help but consider what trends and developments we might see in 2025.

The Chancellor’s Gambit – Autumn Budget 2024

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

The recent Autumn Budget has made history, with it not only being the first Budget announcement made by a Labour led Government in over 14 years, but also the first ever Budget to be announced by a female Chancellor.

We’re not there yet, but getting closer?

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

I am writing this blog on the eve of a key meeting with HMRC officials to discuss what can be done about the plight of victims of pension liberation scams from the early 2000s.

An update on pension scams

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Margaret Snowdon, Chair of the Pension Scams Industry Group (PSIG), comments on some of the latest developments in the fraud landscape triggered by the recent change of government.

The Rising Economic Costs of a World Rife with Geopolitical Risk

Friday, September 6, 2024

As readers may have noticed, we are no longer in a business-as-usual environment. As the US ratings agency S&P Global recently warned, “a world ordered for generations by globalisation and geo-economics” has quickly become a world rife with “geopolitical risk.”

Act Now to Help Protect Pension Savers: PSIG Consultation Closing Soon

Monday, July 29, 2024

Rob O'Sullivan of the Pension Scams Industry Group requests industry feedback as part of the PSIG Consultation

Smooth Starmer or Hard Labour?

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Yona Chesner, Head of Investment - North at Cartwright, comments on the impact the new government could have on the financial markets.

The election and your pension scheme: what administrators should prepare for

Monday, June 24, 2024

As the election approaches, pensions administrators are increasingly concerned about the potential changes a new government might introduce, particularly in relation to the pension tax regime.

Enough is Enough

Friday, June 21, 2024

The forthcoming election has meant lots of expected government activities have fallen away. But sadly, not all.

Could policy towards Bitcoin win Trump the election and bring Bitcoin further into the mainstream?

Friday, June 14, 2024

The US election certainly provides more entertainment than the UK version. With Trump’s time in court shortly followed by Joe Biden’s son - there is no end to the drama. So far, from what I can gather, we’ve seen some minor squabbles about tax (newsflash, they’ll both be taxing more in $ terms), oh, and there seems to be a contest for who’s got the biggest side parting.

PSIG launches consultation to determine its future

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

It feels likes Spring has finally sprung – the sun is shining, and vibrant green is spreading everywhere. I have so much faith, I have even put out the cushions on the garden furniture! In a mood of revival, PSIG has just issued a consultation aimed at defining our shape for the future.

How Central Banks Distort the Price of Money in Today’s Economy

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Before central banks took on a much more interventionist role in the economy, interest rates were generally left to their own devices. They rose and fell depending on the volume of savings, or capital, available at any given time. In this way, they played a vital role in telegraphing the price of money; in fact, interest rates are often described by Austrian economists as the price of money.

Another month, another injustice

Friday, April 5, 2024

Why are our governments so unwilling to recognise a wrong and do something about it to ease the suffering of ordinary people? Why is justice so often delayed? What do they gain? If a private company gets it wrong, it is expected to fix it, but government departments seem to feel they are above such things.

Why Time is so Important for Our Economic Health

Friday, March 22, 2024

This article explains how the nature of money in an economy dramatically affects the time preference of both individuals and companies, which has huge implications for that country’s economic performance and health.

Governments and central banks are destroying the value of your money

Thursday, February 22, 2024

It is time we look at how the value of money is being destroyed, why it is happening, and what you can do about it.

Predators Stalking our Pensions

Friday, October 20, 2023

Margaret Snowdon argues that fraud prevention creates a net benefit for everyone, not just potential victims.

What would pensions and investments look like with sound money?

Friday, September 29, 2023

Sam Roberts of Cartwright muses about how the pension system could work under a different monetary system.

Shifting the paradigm – support the victims and pursue the scammers?

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Margaret Snowdon, Chair of PSIG, argues that putting the focus on perpetrators rather than victims is an essential step in the fight against pension scamming.

Dashboards: Technology is great but don’t forget the member!

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

The UK pension dashboard scene has witnessed significant developments, albeit facing its fair share of challenges and delays.

When is a penalty not a penalty?

Friday, April 28, 2023

No, I’m not talking about football, but that other kick-about sport: HMRC’s relentless pursuit of tax from scams victims. And yes, I’ve talked about it until I am hoarse, but I learned something in my research last week, which is rather Kafkaesque - and no I am not referring to the Raabster’s resignation diatribe in the Telegraph, but to a genuine injustice.

An evolving dashboard is better than none at all

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Following the announcement that the launch of the Pension Dashboard will experience further delays, Jaco Wasserfall argues that staggering its release could be beneficial.

And you thought equal pay was the issue?

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Karen Partridge discusses how important it is to change how and when the pensions industry engages with women

Key issues for trustees in 2022

Monday, February 7, 2022

With 2021 behind us, and an uncertain outlook for the year to come, we asked three PTL Client Directors for their views on the top issues facing pension trustees in 2022.

“The World’s Factory” Reopens

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Just as Chinese manufacturers are coming back online, the rest of the global economy is still struggling to contain the outbreak. With overseas demand for Chinese manufactured goods weakening, where does demand come from? How might this affect China’s economy? Ning Meng at Neuberger Berman, discusses his views with Patrick Liu, Head of China at Neuberger Berman.

A New Cold War

Monday, June 8, 2020

U.S.-China relations have been tested over the course of the pandemic. There are rising concerns that a potential decoupling of the two countries could usher in a new cold war, which may bring negative impacts to the overall global economy. How might this affect China? Watch this video where Ning Meng, Portfolio Manager – China Equity at Neuberger Berman, discusses his views with Patrick Liu, Head of China at Neuberger Berman, on the economic and equity market outlook for China.

When good comms go bad

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Leanne Taylor, AHC, discusses why it is important to consider the impact of campaign communications, as things can take a very different turn if not thought through...

Measure what matters, not what’s easy

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Measure what matters, because what gets measured gets managed. This should be a new mantra for the pensions admin world.

Road signs and speed cameras - Member Emotions and Pension Communications

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

In this article form AHC, Francis Goss discusses the theory that emotions directly lead to behaviour, and how pension communication can learn from it.

Why is communication important?

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

In this interview with Roger Hattam, CEO of AHC, he explains why he feels tailored communications in a complex industry is vital.

Look Over There – Lessons from the Australian Superannuation market

Friday, March 29, 2019

Roger Hattam reflects on his time at the Australian Conference of Major Superannuation Funds and suggests that in the UK we could learn from the experiences of others and act before acted upon.

Don’t burn out on data, the real mileage is in comparison

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Richard Butcher explains why the the Cost Transparency Initiative is important but could be lost in translation without a comparative.

Come Together

Friday, December 14, 2018

DB schemes, Master Trusts and Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes can take advantage of coming together, Ian Neale discusses the benefits.

Creating a savings habit

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Francis Goss looks at how we develop habitual behaviours and discusses how the industry can learn from this and help create a savings culture.

What are Regulators for?

Monday, November 5, 2018

Ian Neale looks at the recent joining of regulatory forces and asks; what has this achieved?

I want someone to help me

Friday, October 12, 2018

Peter Nicholas explains how important it is to receive quality guidance and assistant at the right time.

FOMO – and changing savings behaviour

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Peter Nicholas looks at interesting behaviours we all exhibit and discusses how we can use these in the retirement savings world.

“Are you talking to me?”

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Peter Nicholas draws comparison from the movie 'Taxi Driver ' to highlight communication problems within the pensions industry. In this insightful piece Peter asks how the industry can translate important messages more effectively to all members.

The deadline has passed

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Are trustees compliant?

Clearer, quicker, tougher

Monday, May 21, 2018

Clearer, quicker, tougher - why TPR's new mantra matters to you

Pension freedoms: sounds great, but is it working?

Friday, May 4, 2018

Ian Neale debates the ideas proposed by the WPC when it comes to deciding what to do with your pension pot.

What does bowel cancer screening have to do with my pension?

Thursday, April 19, 2018

It’s all a matter of communication.

Retirement planning: challenges for pension providers and retirees alike

Friday, April 13, 2018

Today, pension providers like insurers and pension funds, face multiple challenges regarding pensions communication.

PPF Levy – Do you know the score?

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Ahead of the PPF levy deadline Robert Palmer explains how checking your data is correct could save more than just money.

“You’re fired”

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Alan Sugar has it easy.

Your choice: over and out

Friday, March 16, 2018

Minimum employer pension contributions to double and employee contributions treble but it still isn't enough. Ian Neale looks at the tough decisions members are facing in the coming months.

Peter Nicholas asks: who is the audience?

Thursday, February 22, 2018

When it comes to the Chair's statement, to whom is it aimed and what is the purpose?

Engaging DC schemes with ESG factors

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Stuart O’Brien explains what ESG might look like in practice as part of a scheme’s asset portfolio

Funding for later life

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Aries Director Ian Neale insists the pensions industry must support the fight for financing later life

Life is what happens while you are busy doing other things

Friday, January 5, 2018

Peter Nicholas urges us not to let time pass us by and to grab the opportunity to learn, develop and be prepared for now and for the future.

More change, not less

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Jenny Monger discusses the need for change as the real risk for schemes is accepting current administration standards and not taking that leap.

New Chair announced for Pension and Lifetime Savings Association

Thursday, June 1, 2017

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association has announced Richard Butcher, PTL managing director, will become its new Chair.

BlackRock says pension schemes are making five key mistakes

Friday, April 28, 2017

BlackRock has outlined five mistakes pension schemes are making and how trustees can overcome them.

Honesty needed for consultant-trustee relationships

Friday, March 17, 2017

A lack of frank conversation between consultants and trustees could be adversely affecting pension schemes and members.