Adviser calls for urgent death benefit rule reform

'Disproportionately high'

Sophie King
clock • 2 min read

More than half of technical queries made to SIPP operator Curtis Banks by advisers concerned the subject of death benefits rules.

The queries suggested that even though the rules can be flexible and tax-efficient, they can also be complex, the business said. According to the self-invested personal pension (SIPP) operator, this has been an ongoing issue for advisers and is not a "one-off spike" in queries. The questions asked covered a range of topics including; when beneficiaries' drawdown is available, minors inheriting death benefits, tax implications and lifetime allowance charges. Curtis Banks said clients have requested further clarity on how they can use expressions of wish forms to pass on their wealth...

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

Preparing for 2029: Adapting to the Budget's salary sacrifice cap

Preparing for 2029: Adapting to the Budget's salary sacrifice cap

'While this policy alters the landscape, it arguably represents an adjustment rather than a fundamental reform'

Steve Charlton
clock 22 December 2025 • 3 min read
Utmost to sell life and pensions business to JAB Insurance

Utmost to sell life and pensions business to JAB Insurance

To focus on wealth solutions business

Jen Frost
clock 22 December 2025 • 2 min read
Editor's view: How disjointed is the government's salary sacrifice change?

Editor's view: How disjointed is the government's salary sacrifice change?

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 19 December

Jen Frost
clock 19 December 2025 • 3 min read