Latest Blogs
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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: 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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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.
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Tilley: Rebooting the FOS makes sense
I’ve written before about the lack of coherence in the UK’s pension complaints landscape and it remains a source of real frustration for those of us working in the sector.
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Lisa Webster: Pension age uncertainty lingers on
We’ve known for many years that normal minimum pension age, NMPA it's known, is going up.
Popular News
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Pension professionals concerned about dashboard handling
Pension professionals are concerned about the industry’s capacity to handle Pensions Dashboards queries.
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Aptia acquires Mercer’s Pension Decision Service
Pensions administrator Aptia has acquired Pension Decision Service from Mercer for an undisclosed amount.
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Pensions industry urged to protect savers from scams
Fraud Minister Lord Hanson has urged pension trustees to do all they can to protect millions of scheme members from fraudsters.
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Lisa Webster: Beware IHT and pensions double taxation
One of the most disliked aspects of bringing pensions into the estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes from 6 April 2027 is the double taxation that will occur when the member dies on or after their 75th birthday.
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FCA survey reveals 15% fall in adviser firms
The number of adviser firms has fallen by 15% since 2021 although the number of advisers overall has remained steady at 31,000.
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.”
Pension group XPS has reported flat profits for the 12 months ending 31 March at £11.4m but remains positive about the year ahead.
Britain has dropped down the rankings of the best European countries for retirees in 2020.