The UK's ageing population has been driving up demand for retirement advice, research from NextWealth, sponsored by Aegon, has found, with more than two thirds (67%) of advisers reporting a change in demand for retirement advice as savers live longer.

The report, Managing Lifetime Wealth: Navigating Retirement Advice, found that the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, alongside higher interest rates and volatile markets also continued to impact demand, with 58% of advisers suggesting that the impact of the economic environment will prompt clients to seek financial advice.

This was followed by current pensions and tax rules and allowances, including abolition of the lifetime allowance and increases in annual allowance rules, as 49% of advisers have seen an increased demand from clients affected, as previously reported by Pensions Age.

Commenting on the findings, pensions director at Aegon, Steven Cameron, said: "Once again, this year’s report from NextWealth highlights the importance and vibrancy of the retirement advice market, with many factors contributing to healthy demand.

"The most significant driver of demand for retirement advice is the ageing population and medical advances.

"People are on average living longer and having to bear more of their own financial risks in a defined contribution world, which means that making informed retirement decisions has never been more important or personal to each individual.

“Other key drivers are the current economic climate, and recent changes to pension tax rules and annual allowances. These are creating real pressure to advise affected clients.

"However, amidst this positive surge, concerns linger. Affordability remains a barrier to retirement advice, with a growing "advice gap".

"The FCA and Treasury are currently consulting on the Advice Guidance Boundary Review, offering an opportunity to explore simplified advice solutions and targeted support for those currently priced out of receiving help.

"Advisers are also aware that negative headlines and regulatory change such the FCA Consumer Duty could depress demand. While the Consumer Duty may be adding new considerations to the provision of advice, we hope that longer term it will further improve confidence amongst consumers that the advice they are receiving is of consistently good value.”

Adding to this, managing director at NextWealth, Heather Hopkins, said: "For the sixth year running our research evidences that retirement advice remains a cornerstone of financial planning.

“It helps clients achieve peace of mind and financial security and is a critical component to the business of financial planning. While demand for retirement advice remains strong, there are challenges on the horizon.

"Concerns about the affordability of financial advice for those who need it most weigh on the minds of many advisers. Negative publicity further clouds the landscape, and the ever-shifting regulatory environment adds complexity and cost.

“This report, kindly sponsored by Aegon, is a testament to the evolving landscape of retirement advice. It's a reminder that financial planning is about addressing the very real concerns and aspirations of clients."

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