Debate about pension provision in an independent Scotland still lacks clarity in key areas, according to a professional body.
The status of the country within Europe and what currency will be used are among the main issues at stake, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) suggests.
It follows the publication of the Scottish Government’s own pensions document.
Martin Potter, leader of the Scottish board at IFoA, said: “Scotland becoming an independent country would have a significant impact on financial services, including pensions and insurance, the regulation of the sector and its future growth.
“Whether a referendum results in an independent Scotland or not, it is right that discussion about how change could affect Scotland happens now.
“Across the sector, we are still limited by the lack of clarity to date on the status of an independent Scotland in relation to the EU and the many financial implications of that uncertainty, all of which need to be considered.”
The paper looks at challenges facing financial services and at cross-border schemes, raising concern about the future of underfunded pension plans.
In April the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland said changes to pension rules with Scottish independence could force substantial costs on employers with unfunded schemes.