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Pension transfer times hit 10-day mark for first time since 2024

By Callum Conway

26/5/26

Average simple pension transfer times have fallen to 10 days for the first time since 2024, according to the latest figures from the Origo Transfer Index.

Data from Origo showed that simple pension transfers were completed in an average of 10.0 days over the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, down from 10.2 days in 2025

CDC pensions approaching ‘pivotal moment’ in the UK

Collective defined contribution (CDC) pensions are approaching a “pivotal moment” in the UK, according to Aon, as the consultancy predicted they could “revolutionise pensions” for both employers and savers

Scandinavian Airlines System pension scheme completes buy-in with Just Group

The Scandinavian Airlines System (Investments) Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme – SAS Section – has completed a £61.8m buy-in with Just Group

Pensions Commission report prompts warning over self-employed 'ticking timebomb'

The Pensions Commission’s interim report has revealed worsening pension participation among the self-employed, described as a “ticking timebomb” by Barnett Waddingham partner - corporate defined contribution (DC) pensions, Martin Willis

Research shows 1% increase in returns could add £150,000 to savers' retirement pot

The pensions industry and employers have been urged to focus on pension net returns, as a 1 per cent increase could potentially add £150,000 to a worker’s retirement savings, according to research by Smart Pension

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued finalised guidance to support pension scheme actuaries providing retrospective confirmation for historic rule changes, following the Pension Schemes Act 2026 receiving Royal Assent

Pensions UK warns gaps in FCA’s simplified advice plans need addressing

Gaps in regulatory clarity and alignment in the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) consultation on simplifying pensions and investment advice rules could limit their real-world impact, Pensions UK has warned

DC master trusts' illiquid asset allocations rise following Mansion House Accord

Defined contribution (DC) master trusts have increased their target allocations to illiquid assets a year on from the Mansion House Accord, new research from Isio has found

Don’t be afraid to be ‘different’ when designing decumulation strategies – Gallagher

Decumulation investment strategies need to be approached differently to accumulation, Gallagher co-head of investment, UK, Tara Gillespie has said, urging providers to “not be afraid to be different” when developing retirement investment journeys

Newly self-employed people with private pensions changing saving habits

Almost half (49 per cent) of self-employed people with a private pension changed their pension saving habits after leaving pay as you earn (PAYE) employment, according to Standard Life

News in brief - 22 May 2026

The latest news in brief and mandates from the past seven days

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Highlighted Content

Financial wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword; it should be a business necessity

Aviva Workplace pensions director, Simon Ellis, explains how financial wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword; it should be a business necessity.

Knowing your options: Journey planning for Defined Benefit pension schemes

Our video explores choices for benefit schemes. With funding improved, CFOs and FDs can step back from volatility, considering buyout, financial or operational consolidation to manage risk and secure outcomes.

Pensions and AI: Potential but beware the pitfalls

Ian D’Costa highlights key precautions to consider when using AI in pension-related tasks

Pensions Age Spring Conference

Endgame solutions, tackling administration challenges, the debate around surplus, CDC in retirement, targeted support, private markets in DC, value for money, and member engagement and empowerment were just some of the topics at this year's Pensions Age Spring Conference.

The silent risk in the boardroom: How to approach strategic succession planning for pension boards

Planning ahead: Pensions Age speaks to Aon partner, Michelle Burgess, and Aon head of DC governance, Madalena Cain, about what trustee boards should consider when implementing succession planning.

Pensions Age Winners Brochure

Highlights from the Pensions Age Awards 2026

Latest Podcasts

Podcast: From pension pot to flexible income for life

Podcast: Who matters most in pensions?

In the latest Pensions Age podcast, Francesca Fabrizi speaks to Capita Pension Solutions global practice leader & chief revenue officer, Stuart Heatley, about who matters most in pensions and how to best meet their needs

Podcast: A look at asset-backed securities

Royal London Asset Management head of ABS, Jeremy Deacon, chats about asset-backed securities (ABS) in our latest Pensions Age podcast

The role of CDC

In the latest Pensions Age podcast, Laura Blows speaks to TPT Retirement Solutions Chief Client Strategy Officer, Andy O’Regan, about the role of collective DC (CDC) within the UK pensions space

Keeping on track

In the latest Pensions Age podcast, Sophie Smith talks to Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP) principal, Chris Curry, about the latest pensions dashboards developments, and the work still needed to stay on track

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Check out our latest appointments

Appointments update – 20 May 2026

Troy Clutterbuck has been appointed managing director and leader of Cushon, following WTW’s acquisition

Appointments Update – 15 May 2026

The Investing and Saving Alliance (TISA) has announced that Carol Knight will step down as CEO in August

Appointments update – 13 May 2026

Local Pensions Partnership Investments (LPPI) has onboarded 25 new joiners, including 15 from Brunel Pensions Partnership

Appointments update – 6 May 2026

Lothian Pension Fund has appointed Jennifer O’Brien as chief financial officer (CFO), effective immediately

Appointments update – 5 May 2026

SEI Master Trust has appointed two trustee directors and a new chair

Check out our latest features

A power struggle

At the end of April, the long-running dispute about including investment mandation powers in the Pension Schemes Bill was finally settled with a last-minute compromise, after the row had threatened to sink the whole Bill. But why did this proposal to compel investment in some UK assets unite most of the pensions industry in opposition to it – and is the issue now really resolved? David Adams reports

Taxing confidence

With upcoming tax changes set to reshape both pension contributions and inheritance, Paige Perrin examines how reforms to salary sacrifice and inheritance tax (IHT) could affect saving behaviour, potentially weakening incentives at a critical time for pension adequacy

Direction of travel

There has been a push on the continent for pension reform, moving from first pillar-based systems to ones centred around second- and third-pillar provision. What are the implications for UK trustees?

Rethinking trustee oversight

As schemes consolidate and governance demands increase, Paige Perrin investigates industry opinions on the idea of a central trustee register, and how it could operate in practice, from scope and design to potential unintended consequences

The UK equity question

Sandra Haurant examines the shift from UK-focused equity allocations to global portfolios, and what it means for pensions and the domestic economy

Surplus in the spotlight

Association of Pension Lawyers chair, Matthew Swynnerton, reflects on the surplus implications of the Pension Schemes Act and The Pensions Regulator’s expectations

Shaping regulatory evolution

Financial Reporting Council executive director of regulatory codes and standards, Mark Babington, sits down with Paige Perrin to discuss the regulator’s current priorities, including its consultation on proposed changes to actuarial standards for CDC schemes and its ongoing work on the UK Stewardship Code

Rules and regulation roundup: What the FCA and TPR have on their plates

Callum Conway looks at how the FCA and TPR are moving from consultation to delivery, as targeted support, dashboards and the Pension Schemes Act drive a more outcome-focused, data-driven pensions system

Data regulations: Fit for purpose?

Thisbe Titley explores whether rules governing how pension schemes manage members’ data are keeping pace with modern risks

The journey to onboarding

Pensions Age sits down with Local Pensions Partnership Investments (LPPI) chief operating officer, Louise Jack, to discuss the provider’s onboarding of new partner funds following the 1 April implementation date for the government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ reforms

Thinking outside the box

Sometimes not abiding by standard protocol and instead thinking outside the box can make all the difference when it comes to assisting clients. Pensions Age finds out how

Pensions and AI: Potential but beware the pitfalls

Ian D’Costa highlights key precautions to consider when using AI in pension-related tasks

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Check out our latest jobs

Pension Scheme Governance Specialist

Posted by

63,089.00 Per Annum

Brighton: Hybrid (6 days per month in the office)

Permanent

The Pension Scheme Governance Specialist role supports the effectiveness of the Trusteeship, Administration, and Defined Benefits Supervision (TADBS) team within the Market Oversight directorate.

This role is pivotal in overseeing the requirements for schemes and professional trustee firms to demonstrate appropriately scaled, robust, and effective governance frameworks, ensuring that they operate with integrity, transparency, and in the best interests of scheme members.

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In-House Pensions Scheme Secretary +£bn scheme

Posted by Sammons Pensions Recruitment

Attractive benefits package and bonus potential

Hybrid/London or Scotland

High profile appointment as Secretary to the Trustees for this £multi-billion DB/DC Pension fund offering direct exposure to Trustee decision making and governance leadership.

To discuss this role in confidence please call Sarah Bergin-McCarthy on 020 7293 7022 or email sbm@sammons.co.uk. please quote reference 128675.

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Technical Operations Lead

Posted by Abenefit2u

Salary depended on experience

Hybrid – 2 days per week in London

Permanent

We’re looking for an experienced pensions professional to take on a key Technical Operations Lead role, driving day-to-day technical delivery and ensuring operational excellence across a dynamic and evolving environment

For a confidential discussion please telephone Tasha Davidson on 0208 274 2842 / 07958 958626 or email tasha@abenefit2u.com

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Pensions & Payroll Project Manager In-House, initial 12mth FTC

Posted by Sammons Pensions Recruitment

Excellent

Hybrid/Work from home, travel to various offices UK-wide as required

You will lead integration of newly acquired businesses into established payroll and pensions operations. Your ability to lead as well as deliver projects working closely with the in-house Pensions & Payroll teams will be essential.

To discuss this role in confidence please call Sarah Bergin-McCarthy on 020 7293 7022 or email sbm@sammons.co.uk. please quote reference 128608.

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Programme Manager

Posted by Abenefit2u

Depending on experience

London at least twice per week

Permanent

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to support the delivery of a complex and evolving business plan within a pensions environment. This is a senior role within the Management Team, responsible for overseeing a portfolio of projects and change initiatives, ensuring strong governance, effective reporting and successful delivery across the organisation.

You will provide high-quality management information to senior leadership, enabling effective control of business priorities, resources and risk. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will establish clear project mandates, budgets and governance structures, ensuring all initiatives are delivered to agreed scope, time, cost and quality standards.

For a confidential discussion please telephone Tasha Davidson on 0208 274 2842 / 07958 958626 or email tasha@abenefit2u.com

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Insurance, data and the path to buyout

Laura Blows discusses the challenges facing the DB sector and how small schemes can avoid a traffic jam en route to insurance, with Isio partner, Sam Coombes, and fellow Isio partner, Steve Robinson

Podcast: From pension pot to flexible income for life

Podcast: Who matters most in pensions?