London pension firm to open first overseas base in US

A London-based ‘workplace pension innovator’ is set to open an office in the US as its first international base.

Smart Pension, which specialises in secure automatic enrolment through its pensions platform, has announced plans to open an office in Chicago to meet growing interest in its retirement tech services.

The announcement comes as the firm takes part in a UK fintech delegation to the US city led by the Rt. Hon. Lord Mayor of the City of London Peter Estlin, where it is joined by companies such as Revolut and Worldpay.

With plans to offer 401(k)s, open MEPs and IRAs to US clients using its technology, the firm, founded by Will Wynne and Andrew Evans, hopes that this move will open up opportunities across the country and on an international level.

Will Wynne, co-founder and MD of Smart Pension, said: “Chicago is an ideal base for our first step into the US market, with its excellent connectivity back to the UK, and also with our strategic partners in the US.

“Additionally, access to a pool of highly educated and skilled individuals is essential as we look to deploy our US operation, and Chicago area scores well here.”

Peter Estlin, Lord Mayor of London, added: “The US is one of the UK’s most significant trading partners, not least when it comes to financial services.

“With that in mind, it is fantastic to see Smart expand into the US with an excellent base in Chicago, a brilliant place to do business.

“I am looking forward to seeing their impact in the US retirement market, and seeing the benefits for consumers and households on both sides of the Atlantic.”