1. Home
  2. Technical Central
  3. Pensions guidance
  4. General articles and tools

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.

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 | Gender pension gap

In this webinar we cover our latest research report, Tackling the gender pension and wealth gap. Which looks at the differences between men and women in saving for retirement, their long-term savings and general approach to the protection market. We go on to explore how socio-economic issues translate into a gender pension and wealth gap, showing how income, childcare and perimenopause can affect women’s finances.

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 | Meaning of Value

We wanted to understand more about what consumers actually value. What is important to them, and what things do they consider when deciding whether something is, or isn’t of value?

This is what our new 'Meaning of Value' research report is all about.

Our report introduces the Consumer Value Index. Over time, this will track how consumers are rating their financial services providers, including advisers, with regards to value. This research report will provide you with new insight into key questions, chief among them - when purchasing a product or service, what do consumers think value is, and what do they value most from an adviser?

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 | 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 | What advisers are asking us right now

In the first half of this session, our focus will be on protection, discussing areas we’re being asked about and a look at Consumer Duty responsibilities. In the second half of the webinar, we’ll look at what pension questions are being asked right now such as, the abolition of the lifetime allowance. 

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.

 

Horizon scanning

Here we summarise some recent or ongoing changes in legislation or regulation.

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? 

Ask a question

Ask any specific questions you might have about the world of pensions or protection to our technical experts.

Find out more