Pension Lab, the fintech specialist, has developed the UK’s first instant Letter of Authority (LoA) service based on Criterion’s standards. Designed specifically for providers, the solution tackles one of the biggest pain points in financial advice.
The service removes the need for client signatures – wet or digital – by enabling instant verification through modern authentication methods and secure integration. This eliminates signature delays and paperwork, dramatically reducing friction and paving the way for faster, safer LoAs and improved transfer and client onboarding experiences.
The development comes as the Fix LoA Action Group (FLAG) continues to highlight adviser and provider frustrations with the LoA process, particularly around signatures, and urges the industry to improve under Consumer Duty.
Justine Pattullo, Chair of the Fix LoA Action Group (FLAG), says:
“It’s madness that in 2025, signatures are still treated as the gold standard when they can be easily replicated and carry real risk. This new development is a blueprint for the future: an authority request without ‘letters,’ standards-based, driven by secure integration that speeds transfers, removes friction and keeps clients engaged. FLAG continues to push for signatures to be replaced with secure digital authentication, and Pension Lab has proven the industry can make that shift now.”
Scott Phillips, CEO and founder of Pension Lab, adds:
“We’ve always believed LoAs should be smarter, faster, and better. By using Criterion’s standards, we’re showing there’s a provider-ready alternative. Because it’s standards-based, any digital LoA service like Pension Lab’s LoA platform and Origo’s ULoA solution can integrate. And we’ve taken it further by enabling straight-through transfers. This is proof that the LoA process doesn’t belong in the dark ages – and what is possible today.”
The new service is due to go live with a large master in Q4 2025.