Latest Columns
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Lisa Webster: A calmer Budget? We hope so...
As we head towards our new Downing Street leadership team’s first Budget, the waters seem relatively calm.
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Lisa Webster: Take the pension first? Think again
With the impending changes to tax treatment of pensions on death, there has been talk around the order of income in retirement being turned on its head.
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Tilley: Transfer reform welcome but SSAS governance is key
At first glance, DWP’s June 2026 consultation on proposed changes to the 2021 transfer regulations does something the industry has long asked for; it acknowledges that the current regime, while well intended, has created too much friction for some perfectly legitimate pension transfers.
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Lisa Webster: Good news from DWP for SIPPs but not SSAS
The DWP has just released its long-awaited consultation on the SIPP transfer regulations – and it’s largely encouraging news. As an employee of a reputable SIPP provider the changes are positive. SSAS providers may be less enthusiastic about some of the proposals.
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Lisa Webster: Should tax-free cash always be taken?
Since the Lifetime Allowance was abolished and replaced with the Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) and lump sum and death benefit allowance (LSDBA), we have seen an increase in SIPP members who want to take drawdown only – foregoing the right to take the associated pension commencement lump sum (PCLS).
Popular News
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3m UK pension pots worth £18.7bn remain lost
More than 3m UK pension pots remain lost worth a total £18.7bn, according to a Pensions Policy Institute study.
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Most workers have no retirement plan – survey
Fewer than one in five (18%) employees with a workplace pension have a clear retirement plan, despite more than half (51%) having already given a lot of thought to their financial needs in later life.
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FCA steps in as SIPP and ISA manager fails
ISA and SIPP manager manager Jarvis Investment Management Limited has entered special administration this week as the firm closes its doors.
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FSCS launches probe into SIPP advice IFA firm
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has launched probes into two failed investment firms this week - IFA firm Verus Financial Services Ltd and investment provider Aspiro Research and Development LLP.
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.”