Matthew Rankine: Why auto-enrolment's success is only half the battle

Sleepwalking towards disaster

clock • 3 min read

While it would be remiss not to raise a seasonal glass to the success of auto-enrolment, writes Matthew Rankine, a lifejacket is worthless if you do not know how to put it on

When auto-enrolment was introduced, a little over five years ago, it was described as a lifesaver for the millions of workers who were projected to end up relying solely on the state pension upon retirement. And it would be remiss not to raise a seasonal glass to the success of the scheme - after all, nobody can argue it is a bad thing that nearly nine million Brits have been dragged into pension saving. That success risks fostering a dangerous complacency, however, that simply ‘having a pension' is the same as being on course for the retirement you want. We all know this is just not ...

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 Retirement

Defensive income before retirement: A four layered framework

Defensive income before retirement: A four layered framework

Entering decumulation can be an unsettling time for clients

Joe Simpson
clock 10 August 2026 • 4 min read
The FCA's decumulation challenge: Can UK REITs help deliver sustainable retirement income?

The FCA's decumulation challenge: Can UK REITs help deliver sustainable retirement income?

A look at the three Ss of retirement income

James Peel
clock 04 August 2026 • 7 min read
What the decumulation shift means for advice firms, and how the best are responding

What the decumulation shift means for advice firms, and how the best are responding

'Technology is part of this picture in ways that are worth being honest about'

Andy Zanelli
clock 14 July 2026 • 4 min read