Why is it so difficult to switch a pension? Navigating the transfer maze

‘If I didn’t work in pensions, I might have simply given up on many occasions

clock • 4 min read

PensionBee’s Lisa Picardo shares her personal story of transferring a pension, something which just shouldn’t be that hard…

When I landed my first job in my 20s, my workplace pension felt like an afterthought – thrown at me with zero guidance. Defaults weren't a thing, investment choices were a guessing game, and engagement was non-existent. With no tech to simplify things, no paperwork that made sense of what it meant and no customer service to lean on, I did what many did: picked an option at random and then forgot about it. Looking back, it's clear how far the industry has come – but also how much further it still needs to go. Fifteen years later, after starting my own business, my pension remained n...

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

Average pension transfer took just 11 days at tax year-end

Average pension transfer took just 11 days at tax year-end

Origo says transfer times decreased around tax year-end with half taking seven days or less

Jasmine Urquhart
clock 17 June 2025 • 2 min read
IFAs 'have role to play' in tackling 'blissful ignorance' around pensions

IFAs 'have role to play' in tackling 'blissful ignorance' around pensions

Advisers must ‘open people’s eyes to the reality’

Isabel Baxter
clock 16 June 2025 • 4 min read
We need to work together to tackle pension overconfidence

We need to work together to tackle pension overconfidence

'Clients may assume they're on the right track simply because they're paying into a pension'

Ahmed Bawa
clock 13 June 2025 • 4 min read