Royal London has been named the most recommended personal pension by advisers for the first half of 2026, according to Defaqto’s latest rankings.
The data, based on recommendations made through Defaqto Engage, show Royal London Pension Portfolio – Core Investments had a 28% share of the top 10 in the first half, similar to the 29% it reported in the same period of 2025.
It was closely followed by Aviva Pension Portfolio – Choice (20%), Quilter Collective Retirement Account (18%) and Prudential Retirement Account (12%).
Scottish Widows Platform Personal Pension proved the biggest climber, moving up five places with a 5% share of the top ten. Meanwhile, Fidelity Adviser Solutions Pension was a new entrant, coming in tenth place.
Andrew Duthie, insight manager for wealth and protection at Defaqto, said: “Aviva and Quilter’s high rankings reflect how strongly they also perform in the platform market. It’s interesting that Scottish Widows Platform Personal Pension has climbed the rankings which is likely a result of it being the Lloyds Banking Group brand’s flagship pension product. Its Retirement Account sat in fifth last year and advisers continue to favour a brand they know well.
“Fidelity Adviser Solutions’ Pension now makes an appearance in the top 10 having narrowly missed out last year.”
Defaqto also published the top 10 most recommended SIPPs by advisers for the first half of this year. Aviva Pension Portfolio – Choice ranked first, with a 27% share of the top 10. AJ Bell Investcentre SIPP moved up one place to second place with a 13% share.
Aberdeen SIPP followed closely behind (12%), while Quilter Collective Retirement Account (12%) and Aegon Retirement Choices SIPP came fourth and fifth place respectively.
Duthie added: “Aviva Pension Portfolio has a significant share of recommendations in the SIPP market. Its Choice option also ranks second in Personal Pensions, showing advisers clearly value the wide choice of investment options available within it.
“AJ Bell Investcentre SIPP has improved on last year as Aberdeen closed the Wrap SIPP, which was runner-up in 2025, with its replacement, the Aberdeen SIPP, rounding out the top three.
“As in personal pensions, Scottish Widows Platform Pension has climbed the rankings, although unlike the personal pension market this is not directly as a result of Retirement Account no longer being offered.
“Nucleus Wrap Pension Account enters the top 10, which is particularly interesting given the launch of the new Nucleus SIPP and Flexi SIPP earlier this year. It’s certainly one to watch as the market continues to evolve.”
The findings are drawn from Defaqto’s whole-of-market data, covering more than 50 personal pension products from over 30 providers and more than 100 SIPP products from over 70 providers.
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