DC provider insights - July 2026

Defined contribution (DC) pensions are entering a new phase of development as providers respond to evolving regulation, growing scale expectations and increased scrutiny of member outcomes. Our latest DC provider insights explore how default investment strategies across master trusts and group personal pensions are shaping retirement outcomes for members.

As retirement journeys become more complex, provider choice can have a significant impact on member outcomes. This edition explores how differences in investment strategy, asset allocation and provider design can influence long-term results.

In this publication, we explore:

• the road to scale – how providers are positioned against upcoming scale requirements under the Pension Schemes Act 2026
• performance and outcomes – how providers' default investment strategies have performed across the retirement journey
• future member outcomes – how projected retirement outcomes continue to vary across the provider market
• value for money – how the new framework aims to focus on member outcomes, not just cost

Read the full publication

DC provider roundtable

Join our DC provider roundtable on 7 July at 11:00, where Shabna Islam will be joined by leading providers - Fidelity, LifeSight and Standard Life. 

The webinar will focus on effective DC decumulation and will explore how schemes can better support members as they move towards to-and-through retirement. Including the role of guided retirement, risk management and digital tools.

Register here

If you’re unable to join us on the day, sign up anyway, and watch on-demand at a time convenient to you.

If you would like to discuss how your provider compares, or whether your current default strategy remains aligned to your members’ needs, please get in touch.

This communication has been compiled by Hymans Robertson LLP® (HR) as a general information summary and is based on its understanding of events as at the date of publication, which may be subject to change. It is not to be relied upon for investment or financial decisions and is not a substitute for professional advice (including for legal, investment or tax advice) on specific circumstances. HR accepts no liability for errors or omissions or reliance on any statement or opinion. Where we have relied upon data provided by third parties, reasonable care has been taken to assess its accuracy however we provide no guarantee and accept no liability in respect of any errors made by any third party.