Challenger launches retirement research institute

Challenger has launched the Institute for Lifetime Income, an advocacy and insights platform focused on improving financial and longevity literacy.

Challenger said launching the institute formalises the work it has already been undertaking for decades, bringing together its research, policy engagement, and practical insights into retirement income under a single platform.

"Challenger has been a leading contributor for many years with research, whitepapers, and policy ideas about retirement in Australia. The launch of the institute is the next step in bringing our experience and insight together to drive our next era of advocacy," Challenger principal advocate for retirement Mandy Mannix said.

The institute will provide a platform for evidence-based discussion as the financial industry increasingly focuses on retirement outcomes with more than 250,000 Australians retiring every year, Challenger said.

"Australia is well placed to lead globally in retirement income because we've already built one of the world's most mature retirement savings systems. The next stage is ensuring people have the knowledge, confidence, and support to make the most of those savings throughout retirement," Mannix said.

"Better retirement outcomes won't come from one organisation acting alone. They will come from bringing together research, lived experience, and thoughtful discussion to help Australians navigate one of life's most significant financial transitions."

Mannix added it is a pivotal moment as Australia reaches a demographic inflection point with a record number of people retiring every year.

"With longer life expectancies, it is not uncommon for people to now have more than 30 years in retirement, and it's only going to increase," she said.

"We know from our annual Challenger Retirement Happiness Index that quality of life in retirement is underpinned by good health and confidence in wealth. Solving the challenge of helping people to have financial confidence for a better retirement is a clear step we can take to improve outcomes."