Why advice matters more than ever as wealth transfers accelerate and tax rules shift

'Mistakes and misunderstandings can be costly'

clock • 4 min read

As more individuals face inheritance tax planning for the first time, the difference between generic guidance and tailored advice may become increasingly significant, writes Martin Parish

The UK is entering a period of unprecedented wealth transfer. Over the next few decades, trillions of pounds are expected to pass between generations, prompting more families to think carefully about how they structure, protect, and distribute their wealth. At the same time, technology is changing how people access financial information, with artificial intelligence-powered tools offering support across areas such as will-writing and financial guidance. This shift is expected to accelerate, with the Financial Conduct Authority estimating that around one in five people are likely to us...

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 Tax planning

Why cross-border financial planning is like puzzle-solving

Why cross-border financial planning is like puzzle-solving

'Financial planning isn't about chasing returns. It's about how everything fits together'

Matt Byrne
clock 12 November 2026 • 5 min read
Pension IHT reform: Awareness is not the same as readiness

Pension IHT reform: Awareness is not the same as readiness

'Quite a few firms seem to be caught somewhere between awareness and implementation'

Jamie Ponting
clock 11 November 2026 • 7 min read
Budget 26: Income tax threshold freeze remains until April 2031

Budget 26: Income tax threshold freeze remains until April 2031

No changes on last year’s Budget

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 October 2026 • 2 min read