All annuities articles – Page 6
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OpinionWe need flexibility and security in retirement
Freedom and choice has empowered individuals to make decisions based on their unique circumstances. However, this freedom also leads to challenges when making retirement income choices – among them, uncertainty over spending needs and longevity.
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OpinionDon't end default at AE
Editorial: Another prominent industry figure has advocated introducing a default option at retirement this week, after last week’s informed comment piece was written with the same in mind.
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OpinionWhy we need a default option at retirement
In a world of freedom and choice, the in-retirement stage of the defined contribution journey is potentially fraught with difficulty.
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OpinionPost-retirement defaults are key to better outcomes
The advent of pension freedoms has meant that the government now expects savers to take responsibility for important financial decisions that could mean the difference between an inadequate retirement or a comfortable one.
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News
Annuity market shrinks further but expects little impact on rates
The annuity market was shaken up last week when Canada Life agreed to acquire Retirement Advantage. Just six annuity providers remain in the open market.
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NewsScottish Widows switches DC defaults to target drawdown
Scottish Widows has changed the default investment strategy of its group personal pension plan clients to target flexible access drawdown instead of an annuity, as member demand continues to shift away from guaranteed income.
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OpinionThe pensions industry needs more innovators
In today’s digitally connected world, one in which UK financial services companies compete for consumers’ attention, solely investing in the latest systems and software to incentivise customers may not go far enough.
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News
Calls for action on complexity at heart of DB transfer delays
Increased demand for defined benefit pension transfers, lack of transfer experience among independent financial advisers and complexity of DB pensions is adding to transfer delays by putting strain on administrator resources, recent research has shown.
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OpinionData Crunch: Drawdown is the number one choice for new retirees
The extent of the impact pension freedoms are having on the retirement income market are becoming evident.
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News
FCA cites ways to crank up consumer protection amid competition concerns
The rising number of consumers who buy drawdown without advice has given prominence to the need for greater support and protection, says the Financial Conduct Authority.
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Opinion
Could improved understanding revive the annuity?
Analysis: Many savers have been reluctant to purchase an annuity following the government’s introduction of freedom and choice in 2015, but should they be nudged to reconsider their options?
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NewsFCA final rule changes unlikely to help, experts say
The Financial Conduct Authority has published its final rules on requiring firms to provide an information prompt to consumers to improve shopping around in the annuity market, setting out a number of changes including an enhanced annuity warning.
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News
Annuity purchasers regret decision as confusion 'remains rife'
Despite widespread confusion, most defined contribution savers are happy with the retirement choices they have made in light of the introduction of freedom and choice, with the exception of those who have purchased an annuity, a survey has found.
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News
CPS 'auto-protection' call reignites freedoms debate
Thinktank the Centre for Policy Studies has highlighted the need to shield savers from financial risks in later life through the idea of “auto-protection”, with the introduction of auto-drawdown, followed by auto-annuitisation at age 80.
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News
Buyouts more affordable but only for a handful of schemes
Buyouts have become more feasible as annuity pricing for non-pensioners has improved, but some experts say many schemes still have a long way to go before being able to afford a buyout or buy-in transaction.
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NewsSavers still keen on cash until pot size grows
Full cash withdrawals are still dominating the retirement income market, according to analysis by the Financial Conduct Authority, as concerns were raised over consumer reluctance to seek financial advice.
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Opinion
Pru exit doesn't signal death of annuities... yet
From the blog: Insurance giant Prudential is leaving the UK annuity market, but analysis of ‘at retirement’ product offerings show that guaranteed income still has a significant role in the post-freedom and choice savings world.
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FeaturesLafargeHolcim reconstructs DC scheme
Building materials giant LafargeHolcim has changed the default fund and administration of its defined contribution pension scheme following a value-for-money assessment.
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OpinionWhy we need a minimum income for drawdown
The OECD recently identified the increasingly important role of defined contribution arrangements in providing retirement benefits as one of the international pension trends.
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News
Consumers to be encouraged to shop around with proposed annuity provider rules
New plans announced by the Financial Conduct Authority will require annuity providers to make consumers aware of rival deals before they purchase an annuity, but some experts say there should be a similar solution for other retirement products.