When Priya Kainth joined the Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP), she admits she was stepping into unknown territory. “I knew absolutely nothing about pensions – even the difference between DB and DC was completely new to me,” she says. Coming from a successful career in banking, Priya, 35, was well-versed in credit risk and hedge funds, but pensions? That was a different world. 

Her motivation to join TAP came from a personal observation: the lack of pension awareness in her own community. “People from my background work incredibly hard, but decisions about investing or pensions are at the bottom of the list. They’re focused on providing for the family and making ends meet, not thinking about the future.” Priya recalls a family member logging into their pension for the first time as they approached retirement. “It was a shame because they could have taken more risk earlier in life, but they just didn’t know about it.” 

This experience ignited Priya’s passion for financial literacy. “The thing that really makes me passionate about TAP is that pension literacy just isn’t there for the layperson. You see people working so hard, but they don’t understand pensions – and that story is common in my community.” 

TAP changed everything for Priya, who lives in London and works for Bank of America. As a TAP partner, workplace pension provider Nest have supported her from day one. “Nest took me on board from a very early stage. I’ve joined at least six or seven board meetings, attended training, and even participated in their off-site strategy days. It’s been fantastic – I don’t think I’d ever have had this exposure without TAP.” 

The programme didn’t just give her knowledge; it gave her confidence and purpose. “TAP has opened my eyes completely to pensions. It’s given me another dimension, something new to think about in terms of my career. I’m really keen to be a trustee one day.” She also values the mix of formal learning and informal shadowing. “The PMI modules were great, but the on-the-job opportunities were also invaluable. I’ve learned so much from them.” 

Priya is candid about the importance of diversity in the pensions industry. “What really struck me is that there’s no one that looks like me in this space. TAP is about getting people like me into the boardroom so our voices are heard. We represent a big part of the membership pool, but we’re not represented in decision-making. TAP is the right way to change that.” 

Her gratitude for the programme is clear. “I’m so grateful for TAP. It allowed me to stay engaged even while on maternity leave. It’s opened doors I never thought possible.” 

Priya’s message to others is simple: “Pensions touch everyone. TAP gives you the opportunity to learn, to influence, and to make a difference. If you get the chance – take it.”