Just 10% of annuity advisers are qualified

clock •

Just 10% of IFAs advising on annuities have specialist qualifications, according to research from the Annuity Clearing House (ACH).

The survey, commissioned by ACH, also reveals a significant minority of advisers are not confident advising on impaired or enhanced annuities. Advisers were asked if they have taken the CII's J05 qualification, which focuses on retirement income options. Just 10.5% say they have already passed the exam, though an encouraging 42% say they are already studying for J05 or have plans to. One in four of those surveyed say they feel ‘very confident' advising on enhanced or impaired annuities, while 12.3% say they are not confident. Steve Hunt, managing director of ACH, says: "The find...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Income

The problem with decumulation isn't withdrawal rates - it's platform plumbing

The problem with decumulation isn't withdrawal rates - it's platform plumbing

'It's time to think differently about sequencing risk'

Hugh Cutler
clock 08 October 2026 • 4 min read
Annuity rates reach 18-year high of 7.75% in July

Annuity rates reach 18-year high of 7.75% in July

Up from 7.66% in April

Sophia Panayi
clock 30 July 2026 • 2 min read
Enhanced annuities: Turning health realities into better retirement outcomes

Enhanced annuities: Turning health realities into better retirement outcomes

'Retirement planning is not about choosing one solution over another but finding the right balance between them'

Mike Batty
clock 20 July 2026 • 3 min read