The product, the eventual design of which will be determined by the outcome of the review into the annuitisation process, is expected to target a retirement date where consumers buy an annuity, rather than glide through retirement still invested in equities.
Vanguard, which specialises in low-cost funds says the proposed 55 per cent tax charge referred to in the annuity consultation means that a post-retirement drawdown fund designed for the UK would look quite different to its US ‘through retirement’ counterpart which retains an equity content of 30 to 40 per cent into the retirement phase.
Peter Robertson, head of retail at Vanguard Investments UK says there are two factors behind the need for a different approach for the expected future UK tax and regulatory environment. Firstly, in the US contribution limits are much lower meaning pensions cannot be effectively used as a means to get round inheritance tax, so consequently can be passed on without any tax charge.
That in turn means “drawdown” is managed as with any other pot of assets the client may have, it can be passed on to one’s estate free of any extra tax. In contrast it would appear that a UK “capped” drawdown pot should be managed in such a way as to run out at (or before, if the client has other assets) death because of the tax charge.
Vanguard says it also hopes to start marketing its low-cost actively managed funds in the UK corporate pensions space within two to five years.
Robertson says: “There are cultural differences between the two countries that mean we have to make sure our offering for the UK corporate space is suitable to customers, which is more likely to mean being in annuity-like assets at retirement. We are in discussions with consultants and providers and are hoping to have something in the market early next year.