AI in pensions is changing the skills employers need. Discover what technology means for pensions professionals, recruitment and careers in 2026.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way the pensions industry works.
From automation and data analysis to member engagement and administration, technology is creating new opportunities across the sector.
But it is also raising an important question for employers:
As technology changes the work, what skills will the pensions industry need next?
AI won’t replace expertise — it may make it more important
The question of AI in pensions has moved quickly from future possibility to practical consideration.
On 24 September 2026, the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) warned that pension organisations risk creating a skills gap if investment in technology isn’t matched by investment in professional expertise.
The message is particularly relevant to recruitment.
As automation takes on more administrative tasks and supports decision-making, professionals still need to understand the technology, challenge its outputs, identify issues with data and take responsibility for decisions affecting members.
In other words, technology may change the role of the pensions professional, but it doesn’t remove the need for one.
So, what skills will matter?
The pensions professionals of the future may need a combination of traditional expertise and new capabilities.
Digital confidence
Professionals don’t need to become technology experts. But understanding how AI and automation are being used — and where their limitations lie — will become increasingly valuable.
Data awareness
Good data is fundamental to effective technology. Being able to understand, question and interpret data could become just as important as producing it.
Professional judgement
Technology can identify patterns and generate outputs, but people still need to assess what those outputs mean. The Pensions Regulator has emphasised that accountability remains with trustees and scheme managers, even where decisions are supported by AI.
Communication
Pensions can already be complex. As technology becomes more integrated into the industry, the ability to explain technical information clearly to members, clients and colleagues will remain essential.
Adaptability
Perhaps most importantly, professionals will need to keep learning.
The technology used today won’t necessarily be the technology used tomorrow. Being curious, adaptable and willing to develop new skills could become an increasingly valuable career asset.
What does this mean for recruitment?
For employers, it may be time to look beyond a traditional checklist of experience.
Technical pensions knowledge will remain essential in many roles, but candidates who demonstrate curiosity, problem-solving, digital confidence and a willingness to learn could bring valuable potential.
That raises an interesting recruitment question:
Should employers recruit purely for the skills they need today, or for the potential they will need tomorrow?
For candidates, the message is equally important.
You don’t need to become an AI specialist overnight. But understanding how technology is changing your role, developing your digital skills and being able to demonstrate how you’ve adapted to change could strengthen your career prospects.
Investing in people as well as technology
Technology investment is only part of the equation.
The PMI’s recent warning highlights the importance of developing professional expertise alongside technological capability.
That could mean greater focus on training, mentoring, professional development and creating opportunities for existing employees to build new skills.
For employers, investing in people may be just as important as investing in systems.
For candidates, it creates an opportunity to think about where your skills could take you next.
The future of pensions needs both
The pensions industry is entering an increasingly technology-driven era.
But the future isn’t simply about people versus technology.
It’s about people and technology working effectively together.
The professionals who can combine pensions expertise with digital confidence, critical thinking, communication and adaptability could play an important role in shaping what comes next.
At Sammons Pensions Recruitment, we understand the specialist skills and experience required across the pensions sector.
Whether you’re considering your next career move or looking to attract specialist pensions talent, our team can support you with career guidance, CV advice, interview preparation and specialist recruitment.