FCA proposes new pension freedom rules

The FCA says it expects firms to “challenge themselves on the level of charges they impose on investment pathways” and could consider imposing a cap. The FCA is consulting on new measures to stop consumers losing out on pension income when they access their pension freedoms. The regulator has previously expressed concern about consumers moving into drawdown and holding their …

Retirement ProfessionalsFCA proposes new pension freedom rules

Annuity rates up 19% since Brexit nosedive

Annuity rates have increased nearly 20 per cent since hitting rock bottom two years ago, Hargreaves Lansdown analysis shows. In an update, the fund shop notes annuity rates that nosedived following the EU referendum result have risen. Rates for 65 year olds are up 19 per cent since their low on 15th September 2016. At their lowest, a 65 year …

Retirement ProfessionalsAnnuity rates up 19% since Brexit nosedive

Drawdown regrets for savers ‘putting pension freedoms at risk’

Drawdown regrets for savers are putting pension freedoms at risk. Savers who invested in drawdown are unhappy with their choice while others admit they did not understand the risks before buying, new research* from MetLife shows. – More than one in five admit they did not understand the risks of conventional drawdown and more than one in 10 are unhappy …

Retirement ProfessionalsDrawdown regrets for savers ‘putting pension freedoms at risk’

Drawdown interest drops and annuities surge six months after pension freedoms

New research has suggested that 10 per cent more people are likely to seek a guaranteed income – such as an annuity – than they were in the immediate aftermath of the introduction of pension freedoms in April this year. The latest index from financial forecasters eValue has revealed that 43 per cent are now exploring a guaranteed income post-retirement, …

Retirement ProfessionalsDrawdown interest drops and annuities surge six months after pension freedoms

Calls for crackdown on drawdown charges

Calls for crackdown on drawdown charges Which? the consumer group wants the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Government to intervene in the drawdown market to ensure people are not confused by the wide range of charging options. Which? research has revealed huge differences in what pension providers are charging people looking to benefit from the new pension freedoms. Big differences …

Retirement ProfessionalsCalls for crackdown on drawdown charges

Pension Freedom: savers withdraw £1 billion

Since the chancellor, George Osborne announced the government’s new Pension Freedoms in 2014, savers have withdrawn over £1 billion from their pension funds. In response to questions in parliament, Osborne said 60,000 people had made use of the new freedoms, which allows savers to access their whole pot from the age 55. It’s the first time the government has disclosed …

Retirement ProfessionalsPension Freedom: savers withdraw £1 billion