Advisers say number of Sipp providers could halve in two years

About four in ten advisers believe there could be fewer than 50 Sipp providers left in two years time. A survey by Dentons Pension Management found that 55% of advisers believed there will be less than 65 Sipp providers left in two years time.If this were correct it would mean around half of Sipp firms disappearing.Despite the likely consolidation in the market and the inherent issues that this brings for advisers choosing a provider, 100% of advisers believe they will write more Sipp business in 2014 and 42% believe they will write more SSAS business.The survey was conducted with over 50 advisers that had been invited to attend an event attended by guest speaker Michael Johnson, a Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies. {desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}Attendees were also asked if pensions should be a non-political issue with the pensions minister a non-political appointment.Some 71% agreed, suggesting that taking politics and voting away from the issue would be better for those saving for retirement.Capital adequacy requirements for Sipp providers are due to be announced in June. Advisers were also asked about their views on UK commercial property, specifically bricks and mortar and if these should be considered a standard or non-standard asset.Over 69% thought it should be a standard asset, and 31% felt it should be non-standard.Finally, advisers were asked their views on the lifetime allowance.Just 13% of them believe that the lifetime allowance will increase and 87% believe at best it will stay static or reduce further.David Fox, director of sales and marketing at Dentons, said: "Due diligence of Sipp providers is vital for advisers but very time intensive putting a lot of pressure on them."But our research shows that advisers are still looking to increase Sipp business despite the industry change and likely consolidation."This is good news for those providers that are financially strong enough to embrace the new capital adequacy requirements and have the systems and controls in place following the latest FCA Thematic Review."Martin Tilley, director of technical services at Dentons, said: "This snap shot of the industry reflects our own discussions with advisers, the majority of which do not consider commercial property to be a non-standard asset."Whilst we acknowledge its illiquidity, on wind up of a SIPP provider it would more likely be transferred to another than disposed of and we believe the FCA will take this into account when looking at the new rules."

Advisers say number of Sipp providers could halve in two years

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