Blog: Protection dictatorship is not the answer

About a year ago I was sat at a table listening as a financial adviser and a chap from NEST went toe-to-toe over the issue of compulsion when saving for retirement.

Scott Sinclair
clock

About a year ago I was sat at a table listening as a financial adviser and a chap from NEST went toe-to-toe over the issue of compulsion when saving for retirement.

One of them (can’t remember which) believed individuals should be free to make up their own minds about when, or whether, to save. The other did not think it should be up to them, but mandatory. There is a case for both sides. It is well-documented that a significant number of today’s retirees have inadequate savings. With life expectancy continuing to increase, the state will have to stump up more to support them. But is compulsion a more satisfactory solution than education? Is compulsion even legal? This issue was raised again this week, this time over the issue of protection. ...

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 Protection

Consumer Duty: Two years on – the protection impact

Consumer Duty: Two years on – the protection impact

Impact on the market and next steps

Jaskeet Briah
clock 01 August 2025 • 5 min read
Alcohol, Britain, one night stands and smartwatches… what does Gen Z really think?

Alcohol, Britain, one night stands and smartwatches… what does Gen Z really think?

'Listening to younger people is as refreshing as it is challenging. But ignoring it isn't an option'

Kevin Carr
clock 24 July 2025 • 4 min read
Group life cover excluded from IHT liability

Group life cover excluded from IHT liability

HMRC decision on protection and inheritance tax

Cameron Roberts
clock 23 July 2025 • 2 min read