Pension transfer times have been getting steadily faster throughout 2025, according to the latest Origo Transfer Index (OTI) data. The latest Q3 figure shows simple transfers took an average of just 10.7 days to complete, improving on the 10.8 and 11 day turnaround times recorded during Q2 and Q1 respectively.
Simple transfers (which account for nearly 90% of all transfers) relate to a company’s performance when they have more control over the process for relatively straightforward pension assets moving away from their business.
Transfer volumes and values increase
Nearly 1.5m transfers were completed across the OTI group over the 12-months from October 1 2024 to September 30 2025, up from just over 1.4m for the previous period. Meanwhile the combined value of transfers reached nearly £61bn, an increase of around £3bn from last quarter.
The Origo Transfer Index
Origo’s Transfer Index tracks the pension transfer times of almost 30 voluntary participants from its pension transfer service, including most of the big names in the industry.
Performance is measured on how long it takes the ceding provider to transfer the request, including any due diligence and divestment of funds before sending the customer’s money to the acquiring provider.
Those firms which publish their transfer times as part of the Origo Transfer Index make up over 90% of all completed transfers (by volume) on the Origo Transfer Service in the 12-month period.
The transfer service provided by Origo accounts for well over 80% of all Defined Contribution pension transfers in the UK market.
Anthony Rafferty, CEO of Origo, says:
“The continuous improvement we’ve seen in turnaround times throughout 2025, despite rises in both volumes and values, reflects the overall health of pension transfers and puts the sector in a really strong place.
“Looking ahead, the next few months could see more volatility as the UK Budget approaches and speculation grows about what the Chancellor will do around pensions in general. We may see some short-term behavioural shifts – for instance, individuals moving early to access tax-free cash – but the sector looks well-prepared to handle any increased activity.”
