The pensions ombudsman and pension protection fund (PPF) ombudsman, Anthony Arter, has been recognised in the King’s first New Year Honours List 2023, alongside Redington co-founder, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, and other industry figures.

Arter was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the pensions industry and charity, and was one of 15 members at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its arm’s length bodies to be recognised in the 2023 list.

He first joined The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) in May 2015, having previously worked as head of pensions practice at Eversheds Sutherland LLP, and has played a "significant role" in supporting the public and industry to access free and impartial advice to settle pensions disputes.

Alongside this, he also volunteers for a number of children's charities, including Kids Company and Barnardo’s, having been appointed as Prince Charles’ (as he then was) Business in the Community’s London Ambassador for volunteering in 2009.

Konotey-Ahulu was also awarded a CBE for his services to diversity and inclusion as a co-founder of the 10,000 Interns Foundation.

In addition to this, former Investment Association chair, Keith Skeoch, was awarded a Knight Bachelor for services to the financial sector, meaning he has been knighted but not included as a member of one of the organised orders.

NatWest Group chief executive officer, Alison Rose, was also awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to the financial sector.

Other individuals recognised for their service to the financial sector included UK Asset Resolution chief executive officer, Ian John Hares, former HSBC UK wealth and personal banking network regional director, Oliemata O’Donoghue, and former Covid Corporate Credit Committee adviser, John Mahon.

Reacting to the award, Arter stated: “It was completely unexpected. I felt humbled when I read and re-read the letter. I would like to thank the dedication of all my staff at TPO and what we have collectively achieved as one team, and also everyone that has helped me in my charity work over many years, which are very special memories.

“Having advised pensions clients over many years I understood the importance of the brilliant service provided by TPO, both for the pensions industry and the public in its ability to resolve a pensions issue impartially and binding on all parties.

“During my time, I’ve focussed on building strong relationships with other pensions-related bodies and across the industry to assist in settling disputes at the earliest opportunity.

“More recently with DWP’s support, I established the Pensions Dishonesty Unit, holding to account those that have unlawfully taken members’ pensions life savings, and for them to repay the monies, plus interest, together with distress and injury awards.

“The number of individual cases I have dealt with is heart-breaking and underlies the importance of TPO's power to judicially determine cases of dishonesty. This unit is of vital importance to members who have lost all their pension savings.

“For me personally, it has been very satisfying to have been able to take on such cases and to provide a remedy for those who have lost so very much.”

Commenting more broadly, Arter also stressed the need for individuals to continue saving into their pension despite the financial strains currently facing many amid the cost-of-living crisis, with industry research recently suggesting that rising prices could significantly reduce pension savings.

“There is no doubt the UK is facing a difficult financial period over the next couple of years, which will put individuals under pressure to stop saving into their pension arrangements," he stated.

“I would urge them to think twice before doing so as it will be extremely difficult for them to make up the shortfall and they will lose the employer contribution, tax benefit and long-term investment opportunity.”

Although Arter’s time in the role of pensions ombudsman ends on 15 January, with Dominic Harris appointed as his successor, TPO has since confirmed that Arter will take on the role of deputy pensions ombudsman for 12 months in an interim appointment.

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