FCA retirement outcomes review: Half of pots accessed fully withdrawn

FCA exploring further protections for drawdown

Carmen Reichman
clock • 3 min read

More than half of retirement pots accessed under pension freedom rules have been fully withdrawn, the Financial Conduct Authority confirmed in its interim retirement outcomes review.

Published on 12 July, the report said 53% of pension pots accessed by consumers since the rules came into force in April 2015 were fully encashed, however 90% of those were below the value of £30,000. What's more, 94% of consumers making full withdrawals had other sources of retirement income in addition to the state pension, the FCA found. Interestingly however, the regulator also found 52% of fully withdrawn pots were not spent but were moved into other savings or investments. Some of this was due to a lack of public trust in pensions, it said, warning this could result in "consu...

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 Regulation

Regulation as a deal driver: How FCA scrutiny is reshaping wealth management consolidation

Regulation as a deal driver: How FCA scrutiny is reshaping wealth management consolidation

In wealth management M&A regulation has moved from footnote to headline

Louise Mahon
clock 27 April 2026 • 3 min read
Dropping annual advice reviews is 'watershed moment' – Keith Richards

Dropping annual advice reviews is 'watershed moment' – Keith Richards

Speaking at PA360 conference in London

Jenna Brown
clock 23 April 2026 • 3 min read
FCA: Consolidation has not reduced access to advice

FCA: Consolidation has not reduced access to advice

Advice sector stable but room for growth

Jenna Brown
clock 23 April 2026 • 2 min read