PLSA raises concern over new DB transfer advice

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has responded to the FCA’s consultation Advising on Pension Transfers. The Association has supported FCA proposals for more broadly based advice to people considering a transfer out of their DB scheme – but has raised concerns about how the FCA want the information presented.

The combination of pension freedoms and high transfer values, plus increased concern over pension scams, had prompted the FCA to ask whether the current rules on advising on DB transfers are still fit for purpose.

James Walsh, Policy Lead: Engagement, EU and Regulation at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, commented:

“The PLSA agrees with the FCA’s argument that advice should be more broadly based. It is vital that members consider their DB rights in the context of their overall circumstances, including their other assets, debts, health, family circumstances and strength of their employer.

“However, there is a risk that the proposed new Transfer Value Comparison (TVC), which would focus the member’s attention on a single set of figures, could inadvertently lead to people taking decisions which are, in fact, quite narrowly based.

“Combined with the high transfer values generated by current low interest rates, this could lead to more people transferring. The TVC should be used with caution – and should be presented in the context of the full range of factors that scheme members need to consider.

“Worryingly, one spur to activity in the DB to DC transfer area has been the increase in pension scams. Although many people are presented with transfer options quite legitimately, scammers are also using DB transfers to part people from some or all of their hard-won retirement savings. Under these circumstances, the FCA is right to ask whether the current advice requirements are still fit for purpose.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

PRESS CONTACTS

Lee Blackwell, Head of Media & PR, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association

T: 020 7601 1726, M: 07713 073 023, E: [email protected] 

Kathryn Mortimer, Press Officer, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association

T: 020 7601 1748, M: 07901 007713, E: [email protected] 

ABOUT THE PENSIONS AND LIFETIME SAVINGS ASSOCIATION

We’re the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association; the national association with a ninety year history of helping pension professionals run better pension schemes. Our members include over 1,300 pension schemes with 20 million members and £1 trillion in assets, and over 400 businesses. They make us the voice for pensions and lifetime savings in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels. 

Our purpose is simple: to help everyone to achieve a better income in retirement. We work to get more money into retirement savings, to get more value out of those savings and to build the confidence and understanding of savers.