Insurers have 'no right' to inherited estate cash - advisers

clock

Inherited estates in with-profits funds belong to policyholders, and should not be raided by insurers and their shareholders, advisers argue.

A poll of IFAs, commissioned by Skandia, found many are deeply unhappy with life companies' attempts to plunder the inherited estates of their with-profits funds. Of 738 advisers polled at Skandia's Trailblazer roadshow, 91% say inherited estate funds belong to policyholders rather than shareholders of the with-profits provider. Skandia says feedback from the roadshow suggests advisers do not support attempts by insurers to tempt policyholders into surrendering their entitlement to future inherited estate distributions by offering them a payment today. Nick Poyntz-Wright, chief execut...

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 Investment

How quality investing behaves through the cycle

How quality investing behaves through the cycle

Resilience when it matters more

Joseph Stephens and Laura Neill
clock 14 September 2026 • 4 min read
Why portfolios need to evolve, not revolve when it comes to client outcomes

Why portfolios need to evolve, not revolve when it comes to client outcomes

'As market structures evolve, so must portfolio construction'

Ed Senior
clock 11 September 2026 • 4 min read
What does 'quality' investing actually mean?

What does 'quality' investing actually mean?

Why persistence is the real test

Joseph Stephens and Laura Neill
clock 11 September 2026 • 4 min read