Retirement’s next era: Exploring the art of the possible

We recently held our annual DC Conference. The theme of the day, ‘Retirement’s next era: Exploring the art of the possible’, wasn’t just a slogan. It was a challenge. A call to rethink what we offer, how we engage, and why it all matters.

Because the world is changing – fast. Defined Contribution (DC) pensions are now the dominant model, and with that shift comes a new reality: the responsibility for retirement outcomes increasingly rests with the individual. A new generation of savers – Generation DC – is stepping into the spotlight. They’re digital natives, values-driven, and navigating a system where their choices, engagement, and understanding directly shape their financial futures.

However, as Pensions Minister, Torsten Bell, stated at the conference: “We have created a system of saving pots, but not a pension system. We need to create a pension system that allows people to enjoy a financially secure retirement.”

That distinction matters. According to the UK government's 2025 analysis[1], a significant proportion of working-age individuals are under saving for retirement. This includes both depth and breadth of under saving across income groups, with many projected to fall short of adequate retirement income.

At the conference, we explored how our industry can rise to meet that challenge. Not by tweaking the edges, but by reimagining the core. Smarter investment strategies that go beyond the status quo. Technology that doesn’t just inform but empowers. Behavioural insights that speak to the person behind the pension. And global learnings that help us redraw the retirement roadmap here in the UK.

The UK continues to benchmark against international systems like Australia’s, where pension engagement and outcomes are shaped by decades of superannuation reform. These global learnings are increasingly informing UK policy and provider strategies.

But perhaps the most powerful message came from our final keynote speaker – not from a pension expert, but from a footballer. Jill Scott MBE, Lioness legend and jungle champion, reminded us that resilience, reinvention, and leadership aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the traits that carry us through uncertainty and help us thrive in transformation.

Her story – of grit, growth, and going the distance – mirrored the journey our industry is on. Because let’s be honest: navigating pensions sometimes feels like surviving the jungle. And scoring long-term goals is what we’re all about. 

This is the lens through which we see the future – inclusive, intuitive, and impactful.

What is clear is that pension schemes are no longer just adapting – they’re transforming. We’re seeing shifts in regulatory frameworks, rising expectations from a new generation of savers, and the accelerating influence of technology. 

Because the art of the possible isn’t just a theme. It’s a mindset. It’s about imagining a future where pensions are more inclusive, more intuitive, and more impactful. Where every saver feels confident, supported, and empowered. That’s a challenge we’re ready to take on.

If you found this article interesting, you can find our latest content on DC pensions and investments on our designated DC blog page.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/analysis-of-future-pension-incomes-2025?form=MG0AV3