UK DC Pension and Financial Wellbeing Survey 2026

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2026 DC Pension & Financial Wellbeing Survey

2026 DC Pension and Financial Wellbeing Survey

Aon’s latest research examines how workplace DC pensions are evolving, where schemes may be falling short, and practical actions to improve member outcomes.

As employers and trustees continue to focus on improving pension outcomes, financial wellbeing and value for money, Aon’s latest research explores how workplace DC pension arrangements are evolving and where further action may be needed. The research highlights emerging priorities, identifies areas where schemes may be falling short, and outlines practical actions to help improve outcomes for members.

Headline Themes

  1. UK Pension Schemes Have an “Adequacy Blind Spot”
    Three quarters of those involved in running UK pension schemes do not know what level of retirement outcome their DC arrangement is expected to deliver. At a time when savers increasingly depend on DC pensions for retirement income, understanding adequacy has become more important than ever.
  2. Pension Contribution Levels Have Stalled Despite Growing Concerns
    Workplace pension contribution levels have largely flatlined despite increasing concern about retirement adequacy. However, contribution practices vary significantly across organisations, creating markedly different outcomes for members.
  3. Value Should Be Measured Through Member Outcomes
    As value for money becomes the leading DC priority, organisations will increasingly be focused on the outcomes delivered to members rather than traditional measures alone. This will need a change of approach for many in areas such as investment performance; considering the returns needed to deliver adequate outcomes, not just fund benchmarks. The new Value for Money framework is expected to accelerate this shift.

Key Findings

  • 73%

    of respondents do not know the expected retirement outcome for a typical member of their DC pension arrangement.

  • 63%

    of respondents identified delivering good value for money as one of their top three DC priorities.

  • 56%

    are prioritising targeted communication and engagement initiatives to help members make better retirement decisions.

  • 6%

    Is the median default company pension contribution, with an additional 4% match

Methodology

The 2026 DC Pension and Financial Wellbeing Survey gathered insights from organisations responsible for the design, governance and delivery of UK workplace DC pension arrangements. Responses were provided by employers, pension professionals, trustees and reward leaders, helping to build a comprehensive view of current priorities, challenges and future expectations across the UK DC market.

Better Decisions for Better Outcomes

The defined contribution pensions landscape continues to evolve. Rising expectations around value for money, increasing focus on member outcomes and growing concern over retirement adequacy are reshaping scheme priorities.

This report explores five key areas:

  • Strategy and design
  • Contributions and adequacy
  • Investment
  • Engagement and wider wellbeing
  • At retirement

The findings can help employers and trustees benchmark their arrangements, identify areas for improvement and prioritise actions that deliver better outcomes for members.

Ready to Explore Further?

2026 DC Pension and Financial Wellbeing Survey

As employers and trustees continue to focus on improving pension outcomes, financial wellbeing and value for money, Aon’s latest research explores how workplace DC pension arrangements are evolving and where further action may be needed. The research highlights emerging priorities, identifies areas where schemes may be falling short, and outlines practical actions to help improve outcomes for members.

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