Closing the pensions gap: Take control of your financial future

About this event

This practical and empowering event will feature Kate Smith, leading industry expert, who will share her perspectives on the current pensions landscape, the factors driving inequalities in retirement outcomes, and the role investment decisions play in improving financial resilience for women. This event is designed to inform, challenge and empower - offering valuable insights for professionals seeking to support better pension outcomes, as well as individuals looking to take greater control of their financial future.

Kate Smith

Kate is Head of Public Affairs at Aegon, with almost 40 years of experience in the pensions industry. She’s been at Aegon since 2006, and previously worked at PWC, Mercers and Friends’ Provident. Kate is a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute.

Kate’s focus is on the ever-changing pension environment and the evolving shape of the workplace pensions market, and the acceleration of this following the Pension Schemes Act. Kate’s mission is to seek to achieve good outcomes for savers and promote the value of saving. Kate is a frequent commentator in the financial and consumer press.

She’s a founding member of the Pensions Equity Group (PEG) and a member of the Pensions UK Master Trust Committee. She’s also a corporate trustee of a defined benefit pension scheme, and mentor.

She’s twice winner of the Woman in Financial Advice awards (2018 and 2019) and was shortlisted for Professional Pensions Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and 2025. In 2021 Kate was recognised as a role model for Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF) for her work in highlighting the gender pension gap.”