Pension transfers face problems in two out of five cases - research

Old pension schemes cause delays

clock • 2 min read

Almost two out of five pension transfers from old to new schemes are hit by delays and "reluctance" from providers to carry them out, new research has found.

MetLife said 38% of savers wanting to transfer out of their pension schemes were experiencing issues, with 21% saying their old scheme was reluctant to help, while 17% claimed it was delaying the transfer. Pension transfers are needed in some circumstances to enable people to benefit from pension freedom. The government has allowed all defined contribution savers to access their pots freely from age 55 but some old schemes are not able to facilitate full access. The regulator has already proposed to ban early exit charges for new pension freedom contracts and cap existing ones at 1% o...

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

DWP, TPR and FCA launch consultation on guided retirement to help 'resurrect' pensions

DWP, TPR and FCA launch consultation on guided retirement to help 'resurrect' pensions

Consultation covers how default pensions should work in practice

Holly Roach
clock 03 November 2026 • 6 min read
Do clients already own the best retirement portfolio?

Do clients already own the best retirement portfolio?

'Feeling safer and being safer aren't the same thing'

Alex Funk
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read
Budget 26: Government to get rid of two-year tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Budget 26: Government to get rid of two-year tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Changes will also be made to how tax due on excess lump sum death benefits is collected

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 28 October 2026 • 1 min read