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

'Moderate' retirement living standards out of reach for majority as savers face 'cliff-edge'

'Moderate' retirement living standards out of reach for majority as savers face 'cliff-edge'

Costs of minimum, moderate and comfortable retirement lifestyles have all risen

Holly Roach
clock 03 June 2026 • 4 min read
Salary sacrifice changes to see 2.8 million cut back pension saving

Salary sacrifice changes to see 2.8 million cut back pension saving

According to Freedom of Information request to HMRC

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 June 2026 • 2 min read
Beyond the numbers: Understanding clients' emotional journey into retirement

Beyond the numbers: Understanding clients' emotional journey into retirement

'Supporting clients through the transition into retirement requires far more than technical financial expertise alone'

Catherine Foot
clock 29 May 2026 • 5 min read