FCA tightens grip on DB transfers ahead of pensions freedom

Jenna Towler
clock

All defined benefit (DB) pension transfers after 6 April will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure mandatory advice has been taken and fully understood.

The FCA has today released a consultation on proposed changes to its pension transfer rules to reflect pensions freedom coming into effect on 6 April. The watchdog already oversees advice on transfers to personal pensions. However, the government's new regime will bring advice on transfers from DB schemes to occupational defined contribution (DC) schemes into the FCA's remit. It said consumers have to take advice before transferring out of a final salary arrangement. It will be the responsibility of the trustees to check that people have taken advice. FCA director of strategy and c...

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 Pensions

Salary sacrifice protections overturned by House of Commons

Salary sacrifice protections overturned by House of Commons

Commons overturns Lords amendment to increase cap to £5,000 from initial £2,000 proposal

Holly Roach
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
 Rachel Vahey: Advisers and clients still need clarity on NMPA increase

Rachel Vahey: Advisers and clients still need clarity on NMPA increase

'HMRC has had years to clear this up but has sat on its hands'

Rachel Vahey
clock 11 March 2026 • 4 min read
Pension freedoms exposed a longevity problem we still refuse to confront

Pension freedoms exposed a longevity problem we still refuse to confront

'The gap between product complexity and consumer understanding is not narrowing'

Julia Fintz
clock 11 March 2026 • 4 min read