Pensions Regulator publishes overview of the UK’s occupational DC trust-based landscape

The Regulator has published its annual report of the occupational DC trust-based landscape in the UK, providing an overview of memberships and assets.

For the first time, the number of non-micro DC and hybrid schemes fell by 15 per cent over the last year, from 1,080 schemes in 2023 to 920 schemes in 2024. This consolidation affects mainly schemes with fewer than 5,000 members and aligns with the Regulator’s initiative to enhance value for money for savers.

Master trusts continue to provide for the majority of DC members, with 28 million memberships (91 per cent of DC and hybrid schemes) and £166bn in assets (81 per cent of DC schemes assets). DC scheme assets, excluding micro and hybrid schemes, have grown by 25 per cent, from £164bn in 2023 to £205bn in 2024. A micro scheme is one with 2 to 11 members.

The Regulator reports that its enforcement actions have resulted in over £33,000 in penalties for regulatory breaches, addressing concerns that only 17 per cent of schemes were completing mandatory value for members assessments.