Latest Blogs
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Lisa Webster: Charity giving from pensions
I’m sure many of you reading this on SIPPs Professional will have had more than a few conversations with clients about estate planning – especially considering the news that pensions are to be included in the value of the estate for IHT purposes from April 2027.
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Tilley: Will IHT reforms really threaten pension saving?
The Government’s decision to bring most unused pension funds and lump sum death benefits within the scope of inheritance tax (IHT) from 6 April 2027 has provoked widespread criticism from across the pensions industry. Providers, advisers and trade bodies have warned that the change risks undermining confidence in pension saving and damaging long term retirement provision.
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Lisa Webster: Salary sacrifice cap will hit some hard
The headline story from Budget 2025 - in the pension world at least - was the plan to cap National Insurance relief for pension contributions paid through salary sacrifice at £2,000 a year.
Popular News
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Alltrust launches sophisticated investor SIPP
Pension trustee and administration specialist Alltrust has launched a premium self-invested pension designed for high-net-worth individuals, experienced investors and the IFAs and wealth managers who advise them.
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Sheffield wealth manager fails after pension claims
Sheffield wealth manager Green Wealth Management Limited (FRN: 729066) has been declared in default by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme after being unable to meet claims against it.
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Female SIPP millionaires up by 31% in one year
The number of female SIPP millionaires at platform and investment provider Hargreaves Lansdown rose by 31% in 2025 compared to a 16% rise for male investors.
Private sector employee contributions doubled in the past decade from £8.3bn in 2009 to £16.6bn in 2019.
Single male pensioners receive up to 26% more income than single female pensioners, according to a report using data complied from the Office for National Statistics.
The FCA has extended the deadline for firms to complete the first assessment of the “fitness and propriety” of their Certified Persons under the new Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) from 9 December until 31 March.
The High Court ruled in favour of the FCA in a civil action against two firms and their directors who induced clients to transfer their pensions in SIPPs and alternative investments without FCA authorisation.
Almost £10bn was transferred out of defined benefit pensions in the final quarter of 2019, according to official data.
Wealth manager and SIPP provider Charles Stanley has appointed former Brown Shipley chief executive Ian Sackfield as managing director, investment management services (branches) to lead the firm’s 20 regional offices.
Mr Sackfield, who was rival Brown Shipley’s CEO for nine years, will have responsibility for driving business development and productivity, as well as branch oversight.
He will join the firm’s executive committee and will report to head of investment management services, Peter Kelk.
The role is newly created and is based in Manchester.
Mr Sackfield has over 20 years’ board-level experience in financial services, including in a client-facing role as client director for over 18 months.
Mr Kelk said: “Our recent financial results show the division is performing well, and this appointment reflects our continued commitment to our branch network outside of London.
“Ian will provide the overarching, dedicated focus needed to guide it through a fast-changing commercial landscape. In his role, both as an ExCo member and head of the branches, he brings the depth of leadership, management and client facing experienced required. I am delighted that he has chosen Charles Stanley for the next stage of his career and to welcome him to the team.”
Mr Sackfield said: “Charles Stanley has a long track record and a reputation for innovation and delivering high levels of personalised, customer service. It has a strategy that is clearly delivering and is at an exciting stage of its transformation programme. I am looking forward to being part of its clear growth trajectory and playing a part by contributing in a significant way.”





