Bert de Hoop's outlook

Bert de Hoop is senior account specialist Employee Benefits at Meijers. He used to be an entrepreneur himself. That's why he knows that many entrepreneurs prefer to put off such matters. ‘But that is really unwise, don't wait until 2027 to take action,’ Bert comments on the introduction of the Wtp. "Because that means rushing and problems with implementation. As an employer, you have to make sure everyone agrees with the pension scheme and that means talking, explaining and maybe even compensating. Start early, start the conversation and make it concrete."

Pension makes a difference

Retirement is definitely not boring for me. It is more like a passion, an opportunity to really make a difference. After all, it's not about numbers or a product like fire insurance, but about people and their future. In those discussions with entrepreneurs, I am not just an advisor, but also a sparring partner. Together, we look for the best way to set up terms of employment. So that they do not only fit the company, but also the employees' dreams. What I like best? The personal contact. Those moments when you build the future together. After all, pensions are not just a scheme; they are a promise for later. That makes my work anything but stuffy, it makes it human and valuable.

Communicating love for pensions

I want to convey the love for my profession to the younger guard. Showing them why it is important, telling the story in a way that everyone understands. Retirement is not a dry matter; it is about people, about their security for later. If you communicate that well, you are more than just an adviser. You become someone they trust, who really helps them move forward. And that is what clients feel. That you reassure someone, that you provide a bit of certainty in a world that is sometimes quite complicated. That's what makes pension advice really valuable. And that, that's what I love about it.

The new pension market: opportunities and challenges

The pension market is being turned upside down. With the introduction of the Wtp, it becomes a lot clearer for employers, but also more challenging. Employees are suddenly expected to make choices they normally don't even think about. Investments, premiums, what about the partner's pension? That guidance will soon be even more important. And so there lies an opportunity for advisers. It is about making choices that determine the future.

All existing pension schemes must be adapted by 1 January 2028. Why is it important not to wait until the last moment?

Since 1 July 2023, the Wtp has been in force. It may sound far away, but before you know it, it will be 2028 and all pension schemes will have to comply with the new rules. Many companies already have a pension scheme and may think they can sit back. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, a lot has to be done to adapt everything in time. The new legislation affects everyone. Even if your company already has an existing pension scheme, it must be in line with the new requirements by 1 January 2028 at the latest. For companies without a pension scheme, the rules apply immediately when a new scheme is introduced. The Wtp is not a choice, but an obligation. So employers really need to talk to their employees, works council or union. Because pension is a condition of employment and any change in it requires consultation and consent.