Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
false
true
Gathering data

Disclaimer Not Available
Article

Putting the pieces together: Using natural income in retirement

Decumulation in retirement has been described as “the nastiest, hardest, problem in finance”* . This may be true, but it is also one of the most interesting and important. Retirement assets account for around 60% of assets under advice** and are expected to grow further as the next generation of retirees become more reliant on invested solutions to support retirement income. With defined contribution pension assets expected to be nearing £1 trillion by 2030*** , the demand for support in turning those savings to income can only grow. So how do we generate what clients will need to sustain income in retirement?


Key takeaways

  • Regulatory focus, increased inflation risk, and a more volatile market outlook are good reasons for advisers to reconsider how they invest for clients seeking retirement income.
  • A natural income approach, where the client’s income comes from the income paid by the underlying assets, is well suited to providing a sustainable income but has several challenges.
  • The Managed Income approach aims to address these challenges by delivering income and capital growth in a way that meets clients needs and simplifies planning and administration for advisers.
  • Managed Income can also be useful for clients in the run up to retirement providing income growth and transparency of the income available further simplifying retirement planning.
     

* William Sharpe

** “Retirement Advice in the UK: Time for change?” BNY Investments and NextWealth, November 2025  

*** “Pensions and Growth: A Paper by the PLSA on Supporting Pension Investment in UK Growth”, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, June 2023

The value of investments can fall. Investors may not get back the amount invested. Income from investments may vary and is not guaranteed.

The Active Volatility Imperative: Building Resilience in Multi-Asset Portfolios

BNY Investments Newton Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst Paul Byrne walks through why active volatility management is essential for positioning in the new risk reality.

23 January | English

Fixed income: the product development imperative

The demands on fixed income within client portfolios are evolving rapidly. With an ageing population, there is an increasing need for consistent, reliable income streams to support retirement, alongside protection from interest rate volatility and a diversification buffer against stock market fluctuations. Our latest BNY Insight Fixed Income report highlights a clear imperative for innovation.

19 January | English

Multi-asset: 6 for 2026 outlook

Paul Flood, Head of Mixed Assets Investment at BNY Investments Newton, examines six prospective investment catalysts for 2026 and underscores the significance of diversification across asset classes, regions, and sectors.

09 January | English

Meet the Manager: Paul Byrne

Newton Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst Paul Byrne explains his path to investment management and the importance of multi-dimensional research against a backdrop of increasing concentration risks.

04 November | English