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.
Andy Bell, chief executive of platform and SIPP provider AJ Bell, has welcomed news that the rules on 10% ‘investment drop’ letters will be relaxed for six months.
A new survey for online platform and SIPP provider AJ Bell on the 5th anniversary of the Pension Freedoms suggests withdrawals have been falling year on year.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has declared 15 failed regulated firms in default during February 2020 including SIPP firm GPC.
Ian Mattioli, chief executive of wealth management and SIPPs business Mattioli Woods, has waived his salary until at least 30 June and board directors have reduced their fees to 50%.
The FCA has reduced a £93,800 fine imposed on pension adviser Lloyd Pope, a former director of now dissolved firm TailorMade Independent Ltd, by approximately £70,000.
The FCA has ruled out - at least for the time being - a complete ban on short selling as it works closely with international regulators to ensure that financial markets remain “open and orderly.”





