FCA data reveals 'notable advice gap' in drawdown

Almost half of pots entering drawdown now do so without regulated advice

Sophia Panayi
clock • 2 min read

Almost half of retirement pots entering drawdown now do so without regulated advice, according to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) 2025/26 retirement income market data.

When the FCA initially began collecting retirement income market data in 2015, this figure was around a quarter. Quilter retirement specialist Adam Cole described the growing numbers as a "notable advice gap in drawdown". "While drawdown offers valuable flexibility, decisions around withdrawal rates and how long retirement savings need to last can have a significant impact on long-term outcomes," Cole said. Additionally, the regulator's data, published today (24 September), found more than half of annuity purchases are still made without either regulated advice or guidance. This...

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

Pension Lab processes more than one million digital LoAs

Pension Lab processes more than one million digital LoAs

Challenge around ‘standards for consistency’

Sophia Panayi
clock 06 November 2026 • 1 min read
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