Latest Columns
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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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Tilley: Are we asking too much of pension savers?
Working in UK pensions, I’ve always accepted that the system evolves. Fiscal pressures change, demographics shift, and governments recalibrate policy objectives. But even allowing for that, the pace and volume of legislative change in the pensions space over the last few years feels unprecedented, and in my view increasingly problematic.
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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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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).
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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.
Popular News
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AI could bridge advice gap say pension professionals
A third (34%) of pension professionals believe artificial intelligence will boost member advice and guidance and help to close the advice gap, according to a new report.
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4 in 10 over-55s have no plans for pension lump sum
Nearly 40% of over 55s (38%) have no plan in place for the tax-free cash they can get from their pension.
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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.
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.