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

HMRC repays £48.5m in overpaid pensions tax in third quarter of 2025

HMRC repays £48.5m in overpaid pensions tax in third quarter of 2025

Analysis finds savers have recouped more than £1.5bn since 2015 introduction of pension freedoms

Martin Richmond
clock 03 November 2025 • 4 min read
Govt ignores pension tax lock call as petition responses top 18,500

Govt ignores pension tax lock call as petition responses top 18,500

AJ Bell started petition; Govt forced to respond after 10,000 signatures

Jenna Brown
clock 23 October 2025 • 2 min read
How SIPPs and SSASs could help power the UK's energy goals

How SIPPs and SSASs could help power the UK's energy goals

'The role of pensions in supporting renewable energy deserves further consideration'

Caitlin Southall
clock 23 October 2025 • 4 min read