Responding to the consultation, and in particular the question around pension scheme administration, Keith Everett of Aptia's Research & Technical Group said on mandatory minimum standards for administrators, "Unless a holistic approach was taken, there would be challenges in introducing additional standards into what is an already crowded landscape. Any new standards would have to be fully considered alongside existing regulatory requirements and current best practices. New standards developed in isolation would risk adding unnecessary duplication, cost and complexity." 

And on Registration of administrators with the Pensions Regulator, "Pension Schemes are already registered with HMRC and are required to provide scheme returns to TPR. Furthermore, if the direction of travel is to require pensions schemes (and we suggest not only TPAs but in-house administrators) to be accredited by PASA we do not see a register as providing any additional benefits." 

And in relation to the potential risks that increased levels of consolidation activity in the DC sector pose to administration service providers, "The ongoing consolidation of UK DC pension schemes, particularly through master trusts and large-scale occupational schemes, offers well documented potential benefits. These would include economies of scale, lower costs, and greater capacity for investment in illiquid assets. Nevertheless, there are also systemic, operational, and member-focused risks which could arise with an increased concentration of savers and assets in fewer, larger entities". 

Overall, Aptia welcomes the consultation and the objective of strengthening pension scheme governance across all forms of workplace pension - DB, DC and new defined ambition schemes such as CDC. We also support the recognition of the growing importance of high-quality administration in the management and oversight of trust-based pension schemes. 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

• Founded to shape the future of pensions, health, and insurance solutions, Aptia is a leading UK pensions administrator and US employee benefits administrator 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.
• With a presence in the US, UK, India, and Portugal, Aptia supports over six million people and more than 1,100 clients, delivering solutions that drive efficiency, enhance financial security, and provide peace of mind.
• 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 
Tel: 07989 448075