Govt could make advice compulsory on annuity resales

Jenna Towler
clock

The government is considering making regulated financial advice a requirement for people looking to sell their annuity contracts, Budget documents reveal.

Chancellor George Osborne earlier announced plans to extend pensions freedom to those already retired, potentially allowing five million annuity contract holders to sell their guaranteed income for cash. The document said: "There is a strong case for requiring annuity holders to take financial advice from an independent financial adviser, with a requirement for annuity providers to check this before they enable the annuity to be assigned. "This mirrors the requirements now in place for when people convert from a defined benefit to a defined contribution based pension during their accu...

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

FCA targets pension transfers and SIPPs in major review

FCA targets pension transfers and SIPPs in major review

Regulator launches review of DC pension rules

Isabel Baxter
clock 13 December 2024 • 4 min read
Why wait for targeted support? Industry can build client confidence now

Why wait for targeted support? Industry can build client confidence now

'The power of compound interest should not be underestimated'

Andrew Tully
clock 10 December 2024 • 3 min read
Time is of the essence for pension transfers, advisers say

Time is of the essence for pension transfers, advisers say

More than half highlighted that they are taking one to six months

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 November 2024 • 3 min read