Pensions - Articles - Transfer values peak in August but activity is down


Transfer values rose to record highs in August 2019, whilst the number of members requesting a transfer value fell, according to XPS Transfer Watch, which monitors how market developments have affected transfer values for an example member, as well as how many members are choosing to take a transfer value.

 XPS Pensions Group’s Transfer Value Index jumped sharply during August, rising to £258,200 on 21 August before peaking at £258,600 on 29 August 2019. It fell slightly to £255,600 at the end of the month, up from £247,400 at the end of July 2019. The increase was largely driven by a significant fall in gilt yields during August, partially offset by a smaller fall in inflation expectations.
 
 XPS Pensions Group’s Transfer Activity Index recorded a fall in the number transfers that the administration business processed during August, to an annual equivalent of 0.86% of eligible members, down from 0.98% in July. This is broadly in line with the rates seen in the last few months, but significantly down on the rates of 1.46% observed last August.
 
 In market news, one of the UK’s largest pension transfer advisors, LEBC, has withdrawn from the market following a review from the Financial Conduct Authority. This unexpected news is likely to put a significant strain on the already busy market for independent financial advice.
 
 
 
 
 Mark Barlow, Partner, XPS Pensions Group commented: “August was a particularly turbulent month for the financial markets which resulted in transfer values hitting all-time highs. Transfer activity has remained quite steady recently and it will be interesting to see whether current high transfer values will impact on activity over the coming months.
 
 “However, members may find it difficult to obtain financial advice on their pension transfer. The withdrawal of one of the UK’s largest advisors from the market, together with the potential forthcoming ban on contingent charging, is likely to create an advice capacity crunch.”
 
  

Back to Index


Similar News to this Story

No retirement plan leaves you four times more stressed
Almost a third of people in the UK admit to having no plan for their finances in retirement (30%). People without plans are four times more likely to
Regulatory risk remains high on the list of schemes concerns
Aon has released the UK results of its ‘Global Pension Risk Survey 2025/26’, which highlights regulatory risk as a continuing concern for defined bene
PPF publishes latest PPF 7800 update for September 2025
This update provides the latest estimated funding position, based on adjusting the scheme valuation data supplied to The Pensions Regulator as part of

Site Search

Exact   Any  

Latest Actuarial Jobs

Actuarial Login

Email
Password
 Jobseeker    Client
Reminder Logon

APA Sponsors

Actuarial Jobs & News Feeds

Jobs RSS News RSS

WikiActuary

Be the first to contribute to our definitive actuarial reference forum. Built by actuaries for actuaries.