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

Reeves to consider £2bn raid on tax-free pension lump sum

Reeves to consider £2bn raid on tax-free pension lump sum

Telegraph reports PCLS cut could help plug £50bn public finances hole

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 21 August 2025 • 3 min read
State pension age review: Govt launches call for evidence

State pension age review: Govt launches call for evidence

UK faces long-term demographic pressures

Jenna Brown
clock 18 August 2025 • 2 min read
'Barriers are institutional, not technical': Industry split over ten-day pension switch proposal

'Barriers are institutional, not technical': Industry split over ten-day pension switch proposal

After PensionBee calls for a legally enforceable transfer guarantee

Sahar Nazir
clock 18 August 2025 • 2 min read