The provider is one of the first to launch the pathways today, the first day they are available following an FCA Retirement Outcomes initiative.

The mutual says it will provide guidance to clients to help them understand the investment pathway that best matches their need. Once they have made their decision they’ll get a yearly reminder inviting them to review their choice and make sure it still reflects their needs. 

The pathways are a regulatory requirement introduced as part of the FCA’s Retirement Outcomes Review. 

They aim to meet the needs of drawdown customers over the next five years. While they are primarily aimed at non-advised customers those with advisers can also use them, Royal London says.

The Royal London pathways are:

• Investment pathway 1 - for individuals who have no plans to spend their pension savings. 

Governed Portfolio 6 (drawdown) - Designed to deliver growth above inflation for a customer who has no short-term plans to access their savings.

• Investment pathway 2 - for individuals who plan to buy an annuity. 

RLP annuity fund - Designed to maintain annuity buying power for a customer looking to buy an annuity in the short-term.

• Investment pathway 3 - for individuals already taking, or planning to take a regular income.

Governed Retirement Income Portfolio (GRIP) 3 - Designed to deliver growth above inflation to support sustainable income withdrawal.

• Investment pathway 4 - for individuals who plan to withdraw all their pension savings.

Governed Portfolio (GP) 3 - Designed to offer the potential for above inflation growth while supporting short-term withdrawal needs.

Customers will be charged under the same tiered structure regardless of which pathway is used.

The annual management charges are: 

£0 - £34,500                          0.90% 

£34,500 - £69,100                 0.50% 

£69,100 - £207,000               0.45% 

£207,000 - £691,000            0.40% 

£691,000+                              0.35%

Lorna Blyth, head of investment solutions at Royal London, said: “While it is preferable that people approaching retirement take financial advice we are aware that many people will not be able to afford to do this. Offering access to good quality guidance and support alongside the pathways will not only help people manage the transition into retirement but also ensure the solution they choose continues to meet their needs throughout their journey.”