Freddie Findlater: Passivity is no longer an option

Inertia has become a key policy mechanism

clock • 4 min read

The time has come for the financial services sector to instil a more engaged, less passive type of behaviour in its clients and customers, argues Freddie Findlater

Only 10% of eligible workers are currently opted-out of auto-enrolment - a statistic the financial services sector has been quick to claim as a victory. But how accurate is this picture? Where pensions are concerned, the key policy mechanism, driven by the government's behavioural unit, has been inertia - where we essentially rely on employees being too lazy to actively leave the workplace scheme to which they have been enrolled. Until now, we have been relying on passivity in the belief engagement and action would be negative in the form of opt-outs. From next year, however, the mini...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

News editor's view: Why advisers should pay attention to student loans

News editor's view: Why advisers should pay attention to student loans

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 12 June

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 June 2026 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: Finli Group raises money for dementia charities

Feel Good Friday: Finli Group raises money for dementia charities

Has raised £10,000 and hopes to generate an additional £10,000

Professional Adviser
clock 12 June 2026 • 1 min read
Education minister: Student loan repayment threshold freeze did not break the system

Education minister: Student loan repayment threshold freeze did not break the system

‘These are design choices we have inherited’

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 June 2026 • 3 min read