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 to any beneficiaries receiving the pension in the advent of 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.