...as insurer unveils fast-track route to accelerate buy-outs.
Aviva today announced that over 100 pension schemes have successfully transacted through Aviva Clarity, the insurer’s streamlined solution for smaller schemes. The milestone demonstrates Aviva’s ongoing commitment to making buy-out transactions faster, simpler, and more accessible across the bulk purchase annuity (BPA) market.
Since its launch in 2024, Aviva Clarity has shown strong market adoption and scalability. Designed to remove some of the barriers faced by smaller schemes looking to access the insurance market, the service combines speed, accuracy and a simpler, fully documented process, enabling schemes to progress to buy-out quickly and with confidence. Of the 100 schemes that have transacted so far, 20 have already reached buy‑out stage, highlighting the growing appetite for rapid, well‑governed endgame solutions.
Building on this momentum, Aviva has introduced a new fast-track feature for 2026, designed to set the standard for efficiency and accessibility. Fast‑track allows schemes with the right degree of preparation to move from transaction through buy-in to buy-out at pace — significantly reducing overall processing times.
Trustees want certainty, simplicity and speed and the introduction of our fast‑track option shows our commitment to raising the bar on efficiency in the small‑scheme market. We’ve built a service that enables schemes to move to buy‑out with confidence and we’re already seeing the positive impact this is having for trustees and their members.
A key part of the new fast-track process is Aviva’s data validation template, which improves accuracy and provides trustees with an early view on scheme readiness, ensuring transactions progress smoothly throughout. Four schemes have already completed buy-outs using the fast-track option, with the insurer suggesting more schemes are already in the pipeline for early 2026.
Andrew Shaposhnikov, Senior BPA Deal Manager at Aviva, said: “Reaching 100 completed transactions is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of and testament to what Aviva Clarity was designed to achieve. Trustees want certainty, simplicity and speed and the introduction of our fast‑track option shows our commitment to raising the bar on efficiency in the small‑scheme market. We’ve built a service that enables schemes to move to buy‑out with confidence and we’re already seeing the positive impact this is having for trustees and their members. As the market evolves, Aviva will continue investing in innovation and process improvements to ensure we remain a trusted partner for schemes of all sizes.”
Trustees of schemes involved in a pilot of the new feature highlighted their experiences:
Nick Boyes, Director of Able Governance Ltd, Sole Trustee, The Finnair Oy Retirement Benefit Scheme, said: “Aviva’s fast-track process made the transition to buy-out straightforward and far quicker than we had anticipated, with the process taking just two months. Knowing our members will now receive long‑term security with Aviva is a hugely reassuring outcome.”
Adrian Lamb, Trustee Secretary, Blake Lapthorn Pension Fund, added: “Aviva Clarity, combined with the fast-track option, gave us peace of mind that we could move from buy-in to buy-out within six months and without unnecessary complexity. Their established relationship with the Fund, coupled with the clear structure of the Aviva Clarity proposition, meant we could proceed with confidence. The efficiency of the process has delivered a smooth experience for trustees, the employer and ultimately for our members.”
Andrew McKinnon, Chair of the Trustees, Watts Clift Holding Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme, said: “For a scheme of our size, having a solution that removed uncertainty and reduced administrative burden was invaluable. The fast‑track option gave us confidence that we could reach buy‑out efficiently. Ultimately, we achieved a de‑risked, cost‑effective outcome that puts our members on a strong footing for the future.”
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Enquiries:
Shelley Kernaghan
Retirement and Annuities
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Phone
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+44 (0) 7800 692 266
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Email
Notes to editors:
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