STAR, the cross-industry accreditation programme for transfer performance across pensions, savings and investments, has announced its 2026 accreditation results.
First‑time Gold accreditations were awarded to Aviva, Legal & General, and Zurich. They join a group of consistent top performers, including Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, Aegon, Rathbones, Janus Henderson Investors, and J O Hambro Capital Management – each achieving five consecutive Golds since the STAR programme began.
The results come as transfers remain under regulatory and market pressures, with advisers placing increasing weight on service quality and transfer performance. To support this, STAR accreditation ratings are now also visible to advisers through Defaqto’s Engage platform, providing greater transparency on transfer performance when researching providers and platforms.
STAR’s independent accreditation group reviewed 59 submissions from platforms, providers, asset managers, and administrators demonstrating their commitment to improving customer transfer journeys across four product categories: ISA/GIA, Personal Pensions (SIPP & SSAS), Occupational Pensions and Asset Managers.
Charlotte Hughes, Advice Proposition Lead, Quilter
“Advisers conducting due diligence on pension and investment providers pay close attention to transfer performance. When providers are STAR accredited, it’s a trust signal that they can rely on when reassuring clients during what is often a stressful time.”
Aviva recorded its best‑ever performance across all service lines, including a first Gold for Personal Pensions (SIPP & SSAS), reflecting two years of sustained work on data collection and process improvement.
Lorna Whalley, Director of Aviva Advised Platform
“I am delighted that the improvements in Aviva’s transfer experience for advisers have been recognised, by the award of our first Gold accreditation under STAR. It’s a reflection of dedicated work across the team, to strengthen our transfer processes, improve MI transparency and ultimately deliver a better experience for advisers’ clients.”
Rob Yuille, Assistant Director, Head of Long-Term Savings Policy
“We congratulate all the organisations that have achieved STAR accreditation for pension and investment transfers this year. Their commitment to transparency, speed and consistency in transfer processes is a clear demonstration of how our industry is working to deliver better outcomes for consumers. We were delighted to help set up STAR, which plays a vital role in setting recognised, industry-wide standards that build trust across long-term savings and investments. All market players depend on each other for efficient transfers, and that’s why we encourage all firms to take part, showing their commitment to fairer, faster and more reliable transfer experiences.”
Andrew Marker, Head of Offer Change and Governance, Vanguard, and STAR Chair
“It’s hugely encouraging to see a broad mix of organisations putting themselves forward this year. Many supply full Management Information for independent assessment, and we congratulate them on their submissions and continued commitment. STAR accreditations recognise real, measurable progress in transfer efficiency - not just intent. They reflect how seriously each organisation is taking transparency and accountability under Consumer Duty.”
Full details of the accreditations are available here.