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

Training day: How will CPD changes impact protection?

Training day: How will CPD changes impact protection?

Rules may “lead to protection being overlooked”

Cameron Roberts
clock 30 May 2025 • 6 min read
'Surely we're capable enough of doing it ourselves': Industry says protection should be in-house

'Surely we're capable enough of doing it ourselves': Industry says protection should be in-house

Majority believe IFAs and wealth managers should not outsource, PA Asks finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 13 May 2025 • 3 min read
Five things to know when assessing critical illness policies

Five things to know when assessing critical illness policies

Five critical illness factors to consider

Alan Lakey
clock 12 May 2025 • 4 min read