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General articles and tools

We've gathered common topics and tools in one place so you can find them quickly, including power of attorney, Consumer Duty and more.

Business structures and pensions

The way in which a business is set up affects the way it can pay pension contributions and the tax relief it can claim.

Co-habiting couples and their rights

In the UK, more and more couples are choosing cohabitation instead of marriage. In 2023 cohabiting couples accounted for 18% of families, meaning that approximately 7.2 million adults were living as part of a cohabiting couple1.

Understanding the issues that can impact cohabiting couples will ensure that, as an adviser, you can offer your clients that best outcomes.

1Unmarried co-habiting couples and their rights

Continuing professional development

CPD | Better off dead? The need for critical illness cover

In light of this startling webinar title, we look at the real need to consider critical illness (CI) cover and examine how to start this conversation with clients.

CPD | Considering pensions and protection when a relationship ends

In this webinar we consider the financial implications of relationships, both marriage and cohabitation, coming to an end. From a protection perspective we explore the importance of policy ownership, a solution to protecting maintenance payments, and the role added value support services can play.  From a pensions perspective we look at the main sharing assets options when a relationship ends, including pensions, and explain the key points in the recently updated 'A Guide to the treatment of pensions and divorce' from the Pension advisory group.

CPD | Dispelling myths around trusts

Trusts have a very important role in financial planning and when used with protection policies they can offer significant benefits to clients and their families. When it comes to pensions, we’ll cover off what options are available when someone dies and what tax if any would be payable by the recipients.

CPD | It’s all about income protection

In this session we cover income protection and the important role it plays in helping clients maintain their lifestyle if they’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

CPD | McCloud remedy – adviser overview 

In 2015 many members of Public Service pension schemes were moved from their existing pension arrangement to a reformed Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme.

CPD | McCloud remedy adviser Taxation and corrections unfunded schemes 

Following on from the overview presentation of the McCloud remedy, this webinar delves into the detail of taxation corrections resulting from the implementation of the remedy.

CPD | Meaning of Value

Jamie Jenkins, Royal London, and Mike Barrett, The Lang Cat, discuss the latest insights from our second annual research report on ‘The Meaning of Value 2024’ and highlight how we can view value in a new light.

CPD | Planning for later life

From a protection advice perspective, this session will explore how to position and demonstrate value with whole of life policies, the important role of trusts, wills and LPAs as well as a look at the main ways clients can unlock equity from their properties.

From a pension perspective we consider ways to bolster retirement income, legislative changes that could impact this and how pension death benefits operate. We also explore the benefits of moving ISA money into pensions.

CPD | Retirement income advice review

This webinar covers the FCA’s Retirement income advice thematic review – TR24/1. We explore aspects of retirement income advice such as income withdrawal strategies, risk profiling, advice suitability and the use of cashflow modelling tools.

CPD | The business owner and catastrophe planning

In this webinar we unpack essential protection and pension planning tips for business owners, especially those relying on their business to fund retirement.

We’ll break down the ‘wholly and exclusively’ rule, explain how dividend taxation works, and compare the pros and cons of extracting profits via salary, dividends, or pension contributions.

You’ll also explore why protection planning is a must, with insights into exit strategies, identifying protection gaps, and the impact of losing a key person. Plus, learn how to use cash flow modelling to bring protection conversations to life with clients.

CPD | Turning Consumer Duty into business value

In this webinar we cover ongoing reviews, recapped the broader regulatory context of the FCA, and provided insights on the link to Consumer Duty, retirement planning, and enterprise risk management. The session closed with thoughts on how regulatory compliance could enhance commercial value.

CPD | Vulnerable customers a proactive approach in identification and support

In webinar we discuss why it’s important to identify vulnerable customers and ways of doing this.  We’ll cover how you can support your vulnerable customers from both a protection and pensions viewpoint and point out what support is available from providers.

CPD | What advisers are asking us now

In this podcast, we discuss significant changes impacting employers and pension scheme members.

CPD | What’s on advisers' minds?

In this webinar we look at intergenerational pensions tax planning to inheritance tax.

CPD | Workplace pensions and business protection: what your clients need to know

Learn how to navigate the workplace pensions market, support both employers and employees, and boost your business growth.

They will also cover salary exchange, featuring a detailed case study, uncover additional business opportunities, and highlight the critical role of financial safety nets for SME clients. Gain practical advice and strategies on business protection and how to effectively present suitable solutions.

Increase in normal minimum pension age in 2028

The normal minimum pension age is increasing for most individuals on 6 April 2028 to age 57. This change affects people born after 6 April 1971. In this article we explain the changes and the protections available to some individuals. 

Parental leave and pensions

We are often asked how parental leave impacts workplace pension schemes in terms of funding in general, auto enrolment and salary exchange. This article explains each of these.

Pensions and bankruptcy

This article explores how bankruptcy can affect pensions.

Pensions and means tested benefits

This article looks at how holding or taking benefits from pension plans may affect an individual's means tested benefits.

Pensions and means tested benefits

 

Pensions scams

An explanation of pension scams and pension liberation and how they work.

Power of attorney

Powers of attorney are a valuable tool that helps vulnerable people have their affairs managed before or when they have lost mental capacity.

The following guides help people who work in regulated markets learn about:

  • Lasting powers of attorney (LPAs)
  • Enduring powers of attorney (EPAs)
  • Deputy court orders

There are different laws and processes in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

England and Wales

The following guide only covers powers of attorney registered in England and Wales and court orders issued in England and Wales.

Scotland

For information about powers of attorney in Scotland

Northern Ireland

For information about powers of attorney in Northern Ireland.

Stakeholder pensions

This analysis looks at some of the more technical requirements that apply to stakeholder pensions.

Tools and support

Our specialist tools help you deliver cost-effective services and cut through the complexities of compliance. 

Trusts

When may it be beneficial to use a trust? 

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