Mid-life crisis: Why checking clients' death benefit nominations is crucial

Regular reviews are essential

clock • 5 min read

Death benefit changes have been a hot topic for advisers post-pension freedom. Here Mike Morrison explains why reviewing beneficiaries has never been more pressing...

There is no doubt that the biggest pension topic I had to deal with last year was the new death benefit rules and the ability to use them for IHT and estate planning. In discussing the new rules, the importance of reviewing the expression of wish/nomination form has been to the fore. In other words, making sure that the right beneficiary has been nominated. I was with one adviser recently and he advised me that two of the first cases that he had reviewed had the client's ex-spouse as the nominated beneficiary and had not been updated since the divorce. The new rules make it importa...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Govt reportedly considering introducing a £2,000 salary sacrifice annual cap

Joseph Warne
clock 14 November 2025 • 4 min read
Reeves looking to cap salary sacrifice contributions to £2,000 - reports

Reeves looking to cap salary sacrifice contributions to £2,000 - reports

Chancellor has 'decided against' cutting pension lump-sum withdrawals

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 November 2025 • 4 min read
MPs warned against changes to salary sacrifice pensions

MPs warned against changes to salary sacrifice pensions

SPP says scrapping salary sacrifice would lead to reduction in employees’ take home pay

Martin Richmond
clock 07 November 2025 • 4 min read