London, UK

Aptia, the UK’s largest third-party pensions administrator, and the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) have partnered to create a groundbreaking new qualification for professionals working in the pensions administration industry. 

Technical advancement and the increasing use of AI is transforming pensions administration, improving efficiency, accuracy, and member engagement. However, crucial to this is providing users with the skills to use it effectively, allowing them to use their knowledge and understanding to better support members. 

This qualification – the first of its kind for the sector – will enable employees to stay informed about changes in pensions law and practice, industry trends and technological advancements, making them more effective in their roles and supporting their long-term career growth. 

Training for the qualification will initially be rolled-out to Aptia colleagues in the UK and India, before being opened out to the whole sector ensuring that every administrator has access to the best possible professional development. 

The qualification aims to set a new standard for the pensions administration industry, elevating expectations by encouraging a commitment to professional development and enhancing service quality for clients, trustees, and stakeholders. 

Going forward, it is hoped that the qualification will become an industry standard and adopted by other pensions administration organisations to get a broader buy-in for that very reason. 

Malcolm Reynolds, Aptia’s UK President, said: ‘We believe that knowledge and education are the cornerstones of excellence in pensions administration. This partnership with the Pensions Management Institute reflects our dedication to continuous learning and to empowering our colleagues with industry-recognised skills and standards. This is especially important for colleagues that have been in the industry for many years and haven't had the opportunity to take any qualifications for quite some time. 

‘Investing in qualifications makes great business sense, and this partnership offers significant benefits to Aptia and its clients. It reinforces our position as a trusted leader in pensions administration, while empowering our teams to deliver best-in-class services, building trust with clients and trustees alike.’ 

Gareth Tancred, CEO of the PMI said ‘At the PMI our central mission is empowering change through education. We are dedicated to supporting and developing experts who manage UK pension schemes. We are also committed to fostering industry collaboration and driving innovation to enhance retirement outcomes. This strategic partnership is part of that drive to work with the industry to continuously improve our qualifications and raise standards across pensions.’

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

About the PMI

The PMI is the professional body which supports and develops the experts who run UK pension schemes by delivering exceptional thought leadership, comprehensive education, advanced training, and recognised qualifications in pension management. It has the broadest skills base of pensions professionals and trustees in the UK, with more than 7,600 members dedicated to establishing, maintaining, and advancing the highest levels of pensions knowledge. 

PMI members are responsible for managing and advising some of the largest institutions in the world and taking key decisions on substantial financial matters. With well over £1 trillion invested in UK pensions, PMI members have a vital role to play in shaping the nation’s financial future. With 48 years of successful operation behind it, the PMI is an organisation at the cutting edge of pensions, committed to fostering industry collaboration and driving innovation to enhance retirement outcomes. 

Media contacts: 

Smithfield Henry Conner henry.conner@edelmansmithfield.com +44 (0)7709 577 073 

Ged Brumby ged.brumby@edelmansmithfield.com +44 (0)20 3047 2527