Occupational and personal pensions regulatory framework
337.There is a framework designed to protect the interests of scheme members within which occupational and personal pensions have to operate. This includes provisions to ensure that those who leave schemes before retirement can transfer or preserve their accrued rights, that pensions in payment receive some protection against price increases, that schemes are properly run and assets safeguarded, and that the benefits scheme members expect to receive are secure.
338.The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra) was established by the Pensions Act 1995* to regulate key aspects of the occupational pensions framework. The sale of personal pensions is regulated by the Financial Services Authority* (FSA).
