Pensions Aspects Magazine October 2026

The October edition of the Pensions Aspects Magazine, PMI’s member-exclusive magazine, is now available, bringing together expert perspectives under the theme Retirement Reimagined.

As people live longer, working patterns evolve and retirement becomes increasingly personal, this edition explores how our industry can better support members throughout their retirement journeys.

In his foreword, Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director at WEALTH at work, reflects on the growing complexity of retirement:

“Retirement planning is inherently complex and highly personal. While one person may rely entirely on their pension savings, another may have ISAs, property assets, or a spouse's pension to consider. Some will prioritise security of income, others flexibility. A default 
solution, however well intentioned, can never fully reflect that diversity. The lessons learned from the pre-pension freedoms era remain eerily relevant.”

Highlights from this edition include:

• Retirement Reimagined: One Word, Many Retirements, page 24
  Laura Johns, Governance Consultant and Scheme Secretary at Pi Partnership, explores why there can no longer be one way of helping people prepare for retirement, and how digital tools and human support can respond to increasingly varied needs.

• From Pension Pots to Retirement Confidence, page 18
  Esther Hawley, Head of Retirement Proposition at Standard Life, considers how timely, personalised support can help savers navigate retirement choices with greater confidence.

• Shaping the Future of Retirement Around Members, page 12
  Louise Davey FPMI, PMI Non Executive Director, explores how education, diversity and innovation can help create a more member-centred retirement system.

• Rethinking Retirement for Longer Lives, page 36
  Alexandra Miles and James Smith, Co-founders of Social Architecture Collective, explore how longer lives are changing retirement and why financial security should be considered alongside health, purpose and social connection.

There’s plenty more to discover, including insights on high-dividend equities in decumulation, guided retirement, the future of pension administration, DB endgame planning and DC flexible drawdown.

Plus, catch up on the latest PMI membership, training, events and qualifications updates, alongside career opportunities and our regular features.

Discover the October edition of Pensions Aspects and explore the ideas shaping the future of retirement.