The DC Asset Allocation Survey is a key piece of research undertaken by the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) to support the development of the annual DC Future Book.

The survey gathers information from Defined Contribution (DC) pension schemes and providers across the UK on areas including scheme size, member pot values, default investment strategies and asset allocation across a range of asset classes.

By collecting this data directly from the market, the survey helps build a robust evidence base on how DC pension assets are currently invested and how investment approaches are evolving over time.

Why is the survey important

Defined Contribution pension schemes now hold a significant and growing proportion of UK retirement savings. Understanding how these assets are invested is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders and pension providers seeking to improve retirement outcomes for savers.

The survey provides valuable insights into:

• The distribution of assets across different investment classes.
• The use of default investment strategies.
• Trends in investment allocation across the DC market.
• Differences in investment approaches between schemes and providers.
• The extent to which DC assets are invested in areas such as equities, bonds, cash, property, private markets and alternative assets.

How is the data used?

The findings from the survey feed directly into the PPI's DC Future Book, one of the most comprehensive sources of analysis on the UK Defined Contribution pensions market.

Survey responses help inform analysis of:

• The size and structure of the DC market.
• Asset allocation trends and changes over time.
• Investment strategies adopted by schemes and providers.
• Emerging developments in pension investment and retirement saving.

The aggregated findings support evidence-based discussion across the pensions industry and help inform policy development and industry decision-making.

Confidentiality

All information provided through the survey will be treated confidentially and analysed on an aggregated basis. Individual scheme and provider data will not be published without permission.