A survey carried out by Aptia, a leading provider of pension administration, consultancy and actuarial services, has revealed that pensions industry professionals believe Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes have the potential to improve retirement outcomes, but a lack of employer demand could slow their adoption.
The survey, conducted among pensions professionals attending the Pensions UK conference on 13 October 2026, found that four in five (80%) respondents are confident that Unconnected Multi-Employer CDC (UMES-CDC) schemes can deliver better retirement outcomes than traditional Defined Contribution (DC) arrangements.
The findings suggest a growing momentum behind CDC as the industry explores alternatives to traditional retirement savings models. However, despite this confidence, only a third (33%) of organisations are actively exploring UMES-CDC, while 21% are monitoring developments. Just over a quarter (27%) said CDC isn’t being considered by their organisation – demonstrating that interest hasn’t yet turned into widespread adoption.
When asked whether UMES-CDC would become a mainstream workplace pension option within the next five years, nearly three-quarters (73%) expected it to be adopted in some form.
However, the biggest hurdle facing CDC is employer demand with nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents saying their employers are not yet actively seeking CDC solutions, while far fewer pointed to member understanding (18%) or implementation costs and complexity (9%).
The survey also revealed what organisations will be looking for as the market develops. When selecting a CDC provider, 34% of respondents agreed that investment capability would be the most important consideration, ahead of administration and technology (20%), and track record and scale (20%).
Guy Opperman, Strategic Adviser for Aptia and former Pensions Minister, said: ‘The survey highlights a fascinating contradiction in the market. Pension professionals are broadly confident that CDC can help improve retirement outcomes, yet many organisations remain hesitant to take the next step. The challenge is no longer whether CDC can work - but how the industry builds confidence among employers and demonstrates its practical value.
‘The findings also show that strong investment expertise, effective administration and proven scale will be critical as commercial CDC arrangements come to market. As the industry moves from policy discussions to implementation, providers, trustees and employers will need to work together to ensure CDC's potential can be translated into tangible benefits for members.’
To coincide with the Pensions UK conference, Aptia has published a white paper examining the practicalities of collective defined contribution (CDC) pensions delivered through unconnected multi-employer schemes (UMES). Download a copy of 'Unconnected Multi-Employer CDC Schemes in Practice' here.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The survey was conducted among 300 pensions industry professionals, including pension scheme trustees, consultants, administrators, providers and advisers, attending the Pensions UK conference on 13 October 2026.
- Founded to shape the future of pensions, health, and insurance solutions, Aptia is a leading UK pensions consultant and administrator, and employee benefits administrator in the US, and is dedicated to simplifying complexity for businesses and individuals. It brings together cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise to help organisations navigate an evolving landscape with clarity and confidence.
- Aptia's UK business is the largest third-party private sector pensions administration provider, serving more than 1,600 clients and over three million members. Its clients include trustees, master trusts and insurers, for whom it provides administration and consulting services across both DB and DC pension schemes.
- Aptia has made significant investment in current and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven insights, ensuring it remains at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation within the pensions industry.
- Aptia has a presence in the UK, US, India. Aptia’s strength lies in the combination of smart technology and expert teams, ensuring that managing pensions, health, and insurance is more effective. By focusing on innovation, accessibility, and client success, Aptia helps businesses take care of their people, so they can focus on what they do best.
For more information contact:
Corinne Gladstone, Aptia Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations.
Email: media.enquiries@aptia-group.com
Sam Emery/ Emma Murphy/ Robbie Lawther/Bruno Aldridge, Quill PR
Email: Aptia@quillpr.com
