Almost three quarters (72%) of UK adults have never completed an expression of wish form for their pension.

The absence of an expression of wish form could result in delays for any beneficiaries receiving a pension following the death of the pension holder.

A lack of expression of wish form also risks the potential for unintended beneficiaries receiving the pension.

Among those aged 55 and over surveyed by Canada Life, 71% had not completed an expression of wish form.

Andrew Tully, technical director at Canada Life, said: “A huge number of UK workers have been auto enrolled into pensions over the past few years so it’s both surprising and concerning more people either haven’t completed a pension will or perhaps can’t remember. Having an up-to-date form lodged with your pension company makes sure the company knows who you would like to benefit should you die.

“The expression of wish provides a valuable piece of evidence when the trustees are trying to establish the right beneficiaries to receive the money.”

Canada Life surveyed 2,000 UK adults with fieldwork by Opinium between 4 and 8 March 2022.