Origo's analysis, which can be downloaded here, is primarily based on Statista UK age demographics and Pension Policy Institute analysis. This figure of 15 million is also closely aligned with discussions that Origo has held with providers/banks who operate consumer-facing platforms.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Guy Opperman, has committed to launching Pensions Dashboard by the end of 2019, a deadline which Origo both supports and believes is achievable. Just this month, the Work and Pensions Select Committee recommended to Government that it implements a single dashboard by April 2019.
Anthony Rafferty, Managing Director Origo, says: “It is imperative that the industry is able to deliver and maintain all the underlying services and data in a way that is secure, robust and scalable to handle 15 million consumers.
“Other European countries that have adopted the Single Dashboard approach, are now experiencing external demand for APIs to access consumer pension data from FinTechs – which is also now driving an increase in usage. So, whether there is one or multiple dashboards from launch, as is still being debated, the underlying infrastructure must be flexible to cope with future technological requirements. Over time, demand for the service can only grow as more people join workplace pensions, particularly through auto enrolment, and those also wishing to check on their State pension.
“Through our role as the industry’s not-for-profit FinTech, we have also been advising on the impact of this large consumer base on pension provider systems. The demands on some provider systems, as requests from 15 million consumers come in and information goes out, will need to be managed effectively – all while still providing a secure and efficient online service.
“Another important aspect is the ability for individuals to delegate access to the new Single Financial Guidance Body for guidance and/or financial advisers. It is estimated that each of us will have around 11 pension pots accrued through our careers until retirement. This means that in order to provide guidance or to give holistic financial advice, comprehensive information is needed on clients’ pension data through a simple, cost-effective and secure online system.
“Consumer engagement and access to advice and guidance are crucial to improved retirement planning. The additional capacity required to enable the Single Financial Guidance Body and financial advisers to access a consumer’s Pensions Dashboard needs to be planned for.
“Ensuring that we, the industry, are ready and capable to deliver what is required to ensure best outcomes for consumers is Origo’s ethos.
“Whether the decision is to start with a single government-backed dashboard, or with multiple dashboards - it is imperative that the underlying infrastructure, the plumbing, be developed with an eye to future demand and requirements, and be maintained in a cost-effective and efficient way that consistently delivers sensitive information securely.
“Engendering and demonstrating trust and reliability to users will determine the success of the Pensions Dashboard.”
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