Average regular pension withdrawal rate jumps from 4.7% to 5.9% - FCA

276,000 pots being accessed

Tom Ellis
clock • 2 min read

The average annual pension withdrawal rate jumped more than one percentage point between 2016/17 and 2017/18, according to the latest data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The regulator's retirement income data bulletin said the average withdrawal rate from drawdown or UFPLS (uncrystallised funds pension lump sum) pots - where a regular payment is set up - rose from 4.7% to 5.9% over the last two financial years. In this context, the FCA data compares the mid-point for each withdrawal rate band (see graph below). Although the financial watchdog's data shows many of the pots that were drawn down by 8% or more were small pots, more than 20,000 pots worth more than £100,000 were accessed at this higher rate. The following graph shows that a withdrawal rate...

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

Retirees feel regret after rushing to take out tax-free cash

Retirees feel regret after rushing to take out tax-free cash

Chancellor urged to provide earlier clarity ahead of 2026 budget

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 July 2026 • 3 min read
Third Financial launches white-labelled SIPP

Third Financial launches white-labelled SIPP

Titan Wealth first client to use service

Jenna Brown
clock 29 June 2026 • 1 min read
Environmental due diligence for SIPP/SSAS is as important as ever

Environmental due diligence for SIPP/SSAS is as important as ever

Environmental due diligence isn't just a ‘tick-box'

Caitlin Southall
clock 29 June 2026 • 4 min read