Hymans Robertson report: UK DC pensions in 2026: from participation to outcomes

Hymans Robertson’s latest publication explores the key themes shaping the DC market and examines how employers, trustees and providers can respond to the growing retirement adequacy challenge.

The UK defined contribution (DC) pensions market is entering a new phase. Automatic enrolment has successfully increased participation, but attention is now turning to a more fundamental question: are people saving enough to achieve good retirement outcomes?

The report covers:

the retirement adequacy challenge, why it matters now and how financial wellbeing shapes retirement readiness
balancing affordability with better member outcomes in a changing value-for-money landscape
the future of retirement support, retirement income solutions and the growing role of Collective Defined Contribution
how technology, data and AI are creating new opportunities to improve outcomes.

As regulation evolves and scrutiny of member outcomes increases, businesses will need to think more strategically about pension design, retirement support and member engagement. This publication sets out where the market is today and where it may be heading next.

Download the publication.