Expression of wish: Keep it simple to avoid 'nomination nightmare'

Keep it simple to avoid 'nomination nightmare'

clock

Death benefit nomination procedures are causing a headache for advisers and clients. Neil MacGillivray recommends keeping it as simple as possible

Over the last two months, the James Hay technical support unit has been inundated with enquiries on the thorny issue of nominating beneficiaries. Now nominations are nothing new, members have been able to nominate dependants to receive pension death benefits and beneficiaries to receive a lump sum. So why so much confusion with the flexibility now provided under the new pension freedoms? The simple answer is different pension providers are giving advisers different views on what can and cannot be done. Further reading: Death benefits case study It is one of these crazy situa...

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 Estate planning

Aberdeen Adviser launches trust service on Wrap platform

Aberdeen Adviser launches trust service on Wrap platform

To help advisers deal with the £7trn great wealth transfer

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 March 2026 • 2 min read
NS&I to pay out hundreds of millions over bereavement claims errors

NS&I to pay out hundreds of millions over bereavement claims errors

CEO resigns and pensions minister says taxpayers will not foot bill

Jen Frost
clock 26 March 2026 • 2 min read
Charitable gifting from pensions: Beating the post-75 double tax

Charitable gifting from pensions: Beating the post-75 double tax

Gifting from the estate vs the pension

Lisa Webster
clock 04 March 2026 • 4 min read