Paraplanners' Assembly

Here's a question that might keep you awake at night: what do you tell clients who've spent years building pension pots specifically because they were IHT-free, only to discover that's all changed?On 21 July 2025, HMRC published their response to the pension IHT consultation, along with draft legislation that will bring unused pension pots into the inheritance tax net from April 2027. The writing's been on the wall since Rachel Reeves' October 2024 Budget announcement, but now we have the detail and it's time to work out what this means for our clients.As paraplanners, we're about to face some of the most fundamental shifts in retirement and estate planning strategy we've seen in years. The days of treating pensions as the IHT-free golden goose are numbered, and clients will be looking to us for answers.This isn't just about understanding the new rules. It's about completely rethinking how we approach pension planning, estate planning, and the delicate balance between the two.Your crash course on the new pension IHT landscapeWe were joined by M&G's Les Cameron to eexplore the different options to mitigate pension-driven IHT liabilities including:Are pensions dead? Separating the headlines from the reality for long-term retirement planningIs whole of life the answer? When life assurance might fill the IHT gapMoving client money – the practical considerations of reshuffling portfoliosAnnuities vs drawdown – how the IHT changes affect this fundamental choiceBypass trusts – exploring whether trust structures can still provide solutionsWhat can you expect to take away?You'll leave this Assembly with a clear understanding of how the new IHT rules will work in practice and with strategies you can implement immediately to help clients navigate this changing landscape.Fair warning: there's so much ground to cover that we may run slightly over our usual 60 minutes. If we do, we'll schedule a follow-up session to tackle any outstanding questions.Useful linksHere are useful links and downloads from this event. M&G Wealth have created a dedicated page for this event where you can take a quiz to receive a record for your CPD. Just follow the link to grab your certificate.Receive your CPD: take the quiz at M&G's siteDownload: Les's slides (opens PDF)Video: watch the Replay at Crowdcast (with Chat)Video: watch this Assembly on Vimeo (without Chat)M&G tools and calculatorsWatch or listen: Les Cameron on pensions, death and taxesWatch or listen: A guide to investment bond essentials for paraplannersWatch or listen: Tax wrappers: which, why and when

Host Richard Allum is joined by Barnett Waddingham’s James Jones-Tinsley for a bonus episode exploring the government’s announcement of an independent review of the state pension age review and its potential consequences for retirement planning. As well as considering the scope of the review, which is being led by Dr Suzy Morrissey, deputy director of the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI), and what it means for the future, Richard and James discuss They discuss:increases to the state pension age - and why the rise to an SPA of 67 by 2028 is unlikely to be the end of the storyhow the ‘triple lock’ came about – and why its future is uncertainwhy approaches adopted by other governments could offer inspiration to provision of the UK State Pension in futureThe review’s call for evidence closes on 24 October 2025. And with its focus on life expectancy and intergenerational equity, this episode is essential listening for paraplanners keen to stay ahead of the debate and its likely effects on retirement advice long into the future.Useful linksYou'll find the Government's open call for evidence at the Review's webpage: Third State Pension age review: independent report call for evidenceJames's post about the State Pension age review is available at Barnett Waddingham's blog:Government to reassess the State Pension agePlus Sipps Professional published a comment article on the State Pension age at its site:James Jones-Tinsley: State Pension age of 68 may move nearer

You’ve established yourself as a paraplanner, but now you’re thinking: ‘What next?’For many paraplanners, staying in paraplanning is exactly what they want to do. But what does career development look like within the profession? How have people built on their paraplanning skills and experience? And what about those considering a move into other areas like financial planning or specialising in research or operations?This Assembly, recorded on 3 September explored some of the career routes within and from paraplanning.Our host Caroline Stuart, owner and founder of Sparrow Paraplanning, is joined by Ellie Bailey, paraplanning team leader at Succession Wealth, Farida Hassanali, client manager at Paradigm Norton, Rebecca Tuck, operations director at FLP Financial Life Planning and Sian Greenhill, operations executive and centralised investment and product committee at Brooks Financial – all sharing their perspectives on career progression and specialisation.Over the course of the Assembly, they discuss:Some of the career development options for paraplannersThe practical steps our panel took to progress in their careersLessons learnt along the wayTips for planning your next career moveYou’ll leave this Assembly with your head full of good ideas for potential career development and a bucket load of insights from people who’ve successfully made these transitions and you can claim one hour’s CPD.Catch up on previous Assemblies in this seriesThis continues our series on paraplanning career development. Don’t miss our previous sessions exploring how to break into paraplanning and choosing the right place to work for your early paraplanning career.Save your spot at the final session in this four-part seriesJoin us online at 1pm on Wednesday 1st October 2025 for ‘Developing as a paraplanner: ‘How do I build a career?’’Thanks to AegonThis Assembly would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon. Thank you to the team at Aegon for supporting and for backing the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.Useful linksHere are the links mentioned in this Assembly. Once you’ve watched or listened, make sure you tap the link to receive your CPD certificate (first link below).Request CPD certificateCrowdcast: watch the Replay (with Chat)Vimeo: watch video of this Assembly (without Chat)The Big Tent

Once upon a time, when taxes were relatively low, ISAs and unwrapped investments seemed like pretty obvious choices for clients' money.But the big cut in the capital gains tax allowance and rises in tax on gains and dividends has changed things. Tax wrappers that once seemed like more hassle than they were worth (like investment bonds) could now be the ideal vehicle – especially for higher rate taxpayers.But which wrapper is right in which circumstances and why?That’s the question that guest Neil Macleod from M&G's technical team was invited to answer when he joined host, Leanne Pickering, for this Assembly.What you'll learn by listeningOver the course of one lunch hour, Leanne and Neil explored when bonds are more suitable, when offshore makes sense, and why the 'best' mathematical answer might not actually be the right choice for your client. In this Assembly you’ll:learn from real case studies that compare basic rate versus higher rate taxpayersfind out how to use withdrawals strategically to fund ISAsdiscover why different asset types work better in different wrapperstackle those tricky questions about investing within trustsunderstand why paying a bit more tax sometimes makes perfect senseYou’ll discover that the right choice for your clients isn't just about what the spreadsheet says but about the broader thinkingWhat’s more, once you’ve listened, follow the link below and you can request a record of 1 hour’s worth CPD too.Useful linksHere are useful links and downloads from this event. M&G Wealth have created a dedicated page for this event where you can take a quiz to receive a record for your CPD. Just follow the link to grab your certificate.To receive a record of participation for CPD, follow this link ➜ https://bit.ly/47zAs6gYou can also download Neil's slides (opens PDF).You can watch the Replay of this Assembly at Crowdcast (includes Chat) ➜ https://www.crowdcast.io/c/fgnir28tysqhOr you can watch on Vimeo (without the chat) over here ➜ https://vimeo.com/1111664975Leanne mentioned two Assemblies featuring M&G's technical team in 2025. Here’s the Les Cameron’s Assembly on pensions, death and taxes ➜ https://bit.ly/3RhZvl9And here’s Barrie Dawson’s Assembly on investment bond essentials ➜ https://bit.ly/4cuQuPaYou’ll find the tax wrapper comparison tool here ➜ https://bit.ly/3JrGUSJHere’s M&G’s Bond School ➜ https://bit.ly/4mor2z0You’ll find loads of tools and calculators at M&G’s Tech Matters site here ➜ https://bit.ly/3RkVNY0

Whether you’re considering a move into paraplanning, just landed your first role or are just curious about the options, one question you might keep wondering about: ‘What kind of organisation should I work for?’Do you choose in-house team or outsourced provider? A small boutique practice or large corporate? Whichever you choose, there will be pros and cons, so how do you decide which is most suitable for you?This Assembly – recorded on 6 August 2025 – lifts the lid on different paraplanning career paths and workplace structures. It’s the second in a series of Assemblies looking at careers in paraplanning and supported by Aegon.Our host Caroline Stuart of Sparrow Paraplanning is joined by Julie South, owner of Bee Paraplanning, Sarah Lees, senior paraplanner at Forvis Mazars and Jo Parkes, paraplanning manager at Navigatus – paraplanners with experience of working in all kinds of organisations and are ready to share what it’s meant for their careers.Over the course of the Assembly, they discuss:The different paraplanning structures out there – and what they’re really like to work inHow to get your foot in the door – and what to look for in potential employersWhat support and development you can expect from types of organisationsPractical tips for adapting and thriving wherever you landYou’ll leave with a clearer picture of your paraplanning options, practical insights from experienced practitioners, and the confidence to take your next career step.Thanks to AegonThis Assembly would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon. Thank you to the team at Aegon for supporting and for backing the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.Don’t miss the first Assembly in this seriesThis is the second Assembly in a series on breaking into and developing your career in paraplanning. Discover the first in the series Breaking into paraplanning: where do I even start?.Useful linksHere are the links mentioned in this Assembly. Once you’ve watched or listened, make sure you tap the link to receive your CPD certificate (first link below).Request CPD certificateCrowdcast: watch the Replay (with Chat)Vimeo: watch video of this Assembly (without Chat)The Big TentProfessional ParaplannerPlannex (previously known as NextGen Planners)Glassdoor - for employees’ opinions about employers

Last Monday (21 July 2025), the UK Government published draft legislation which means that, from April 2027, most unused pension savings and death benefits will count towards your estate when you die.If you're wondering…which pension benefits are in scope (and which aren't)?who's responsible for paying the tax?how will the income tax offset actually work in practice?what's the timeline for implementation?...you're not alone.So in this bonus podcast episode, host Richard Allum met up with Barnett Waddingham’s James Jones-Tinsley to talk through the Government’s planned changes, what they mean for paraplanners and your clients, and suggest practical steps that you can already take to help clients get ready for the change.The measures, which feature in the Finance Bill 2025-26, could still change as the proposals make their way through Parliament from September. But if you're wondering where things stand right now and what you should be thinking about for clients with decent-sized pension pots, this is a fantastic update that gives you the current picture.Speaking of the Finance Bill…If you’ve ever wondered how Budget measures become law, James met up with Leanne Pickering of Pivotal Paraplanning last year to walk through each step in the process. Here's the podcast episode: From Parliament to paraplanner: How do Budget measures become law?And speaking of pensions…James has recorded a series of really helpful jargon busters on new and old pensions exclusively for the Assembly:New pensions jargon: part oneListen: A plain English guide to new pensions jargon: part oneWatch: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part oneNew pension jargon: part twoListen: A plain English guide to new pensions jargon: part twoWatch: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part twoOld pensions jargon: parts one, two and threeListen: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part oneWatch: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part oneListen: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part twoWatch: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part twoListen: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part threeWatch: A plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part three

The choices clients make during the 5-10 years either side of retirement can decide how comfortable they’ll be once they stop working.In fact, it’s such a distinctive stage in our financial lives that, among a growing number of advice professionals, it’s known as the ‘retirement risk zone’.The data says – and you’ll know this yourself – that clients tend to become more risk-averse on their approach to retirement. Yet the likelihood of longer lifespans – and the costs associated with it – mean that ‘playing it safe’ could actually prove to be risky.What’s more, persistent economic uncertainty and instability, not forgetting the FCA’s retirement income review exposing gaps in advice quality, means hatching a plan that helps clients swerve unnecessary risks around retirement has never been more important.Zone in on the risks in one hourIn this online Assembly Connor Stewart from Standard Life joins host, Richard Allum, to explore the features of the retirement risk zone.Together they consider the risks that can trip clients up – things like the shift from accumulation to decumulation, sequencing returns, and adapting to changing financial priorities in an uncertain world – before considering practical ways to tackle them.Tune in nowListen and you’ll hear practical ideas to help guide clients through one of the trickiest phases of their financial lives. So how about it? Fancy zoning in on retirement risk? Then tune in now.Useful linksHere are the links mentioned in this Assembly. Once you’ve watched or listened, make sure you tap the link to receive your CPD certificate (first link below).Request CPD certificateConnor's slides: retirement risk zone (PDF)Vimeo: watch video of this Assembly (without Chat)Crowdcast: watch the Replay (with Chat)Annuities essentials: part oneAnnuities essentials: part two

With recent changes to capital gains tax rates reaching up to 24% and the CGT annual exemption frozen at just £3,000, many clients are looking for tax-efficient ways to structure their investments.In his latest 'Technically speaking' session for the Paraplanners' Assembly, Utmost's Steve Sayer explores how offshore bonds and trust structures work together – offering inheritance tax planning options that provide flexibility for clients who want to be prepared for the 'what ifs' of life.Packed with helpful examples and case studiesSteve brings the options to life with a series of examples of different trust arrangements and how they can be combined.He’ll show you how discounted gift trusts can provide an immediate reduction in estate value, how loan trusts offer capital access, and why reversionary interest trusts might help hesitant clients take their first steps with inheritance tax planning.The session includes a detailed case study showing how married clients in their sixties, with £3.5 million in assets, could use multiple trust structures to meet their annual income needs all while reducing their inheritance tax liability.What's more, you'll learn about the planning opportunities that come with non-UK long term residence status and how offshore bonds can keep assets outside the UK inheritance tax net.And to round off his session, Steve shares a decision-tree approach that you’re bound to find useful when you’re weighing up client needs.Grab a copy of Steve’s slides - plus a certificate for your CPDSlides: trusts and offshore bonds - options for IHTThen make sure to take our quick quiz to receive a certificate for your CPD:CPD: Take the quiz to receive your certificateOther useful linksSteve mentions Utmost's conversion guide for discounted gift trusts. You can download it here:Discounted gift trust: conversion guide (May 2025)Fancy watching this Assembly instead? Then visit the event page at the Paraplanners' Assembly website:Technically speaking: Trusts and offshore bonds - options for IHT planningYou can find all our previous technical sessions with Utmost here:Utmost x Paraplanners' Assembly: all our previous sessionsAnd don't forget to take a look at Utmost's Technical Academy webinar series too.

What knowledge, experience and skills will help you get hired? And, once you are hired, how will you know you’ve actually made the right choice?Whether you want to get into paraplanning, are just starting out, or know someone who would love to get their break, this online Assembly – recorded on 9 July 2025 – is jam-packed with insights on making your move into paraplanning.Hear for yourself how our guests took their unique paths into paraplanningHost Caroline Stuart is joined by paraplanning guests Chris Wormwell, Ceetal Katechia and Kez Condy, plus personal development expert Sarah Purves of Aegon.Over the course of one podcast, you’ll discover how each of our paraplanners took very different routes into the profession.Among the topics covered areThe multiple pathways into paraplanning (because there's never a ‘right’ route is there?)Tried and tested strategies for overcoming obstacles when starting out (or just started)Building a career plan that works for youCreating your support networkTackling imposter syndrome head-onVital conversations to have with current or potential employersDon’t forget your CPDOnce you’ve listened to this Assembly, you can request a certificate for 1½ hours CPD. Just follow the link below.Thank you AegonThis online Assembly would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon. Thank you to the team at Aegon for supporting next week’s Assembly – and for backing the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.Useful links There are loads of links following this Assembly. First of all, once you’ve listened to this episode, make sure you tap the link to receive your CPD certificate: https://paraplannersassembly.typeform.com/to/ocHx6IFOYou can also watch the Replay of this Assembly at Crowdcast (includes Chat): https://www.crowdcast.io/c/5xznwgskdxz9Or view it on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1100103967Sarah mentioned the fantastic idea of picking people for your ‘personal boardroom’. Here’s a link that tells you more: https://www.personalboardroom.com/for-individuals/Caroline recommended downloading the PFS’s booklet ‘Getting you started in paraplanning’ (opens a PDF)Chris mentioned The Chimp Paradox – a ‘mind management model grounded in neuroscience’ by Prof Steve Peters.Kez talked about her experience of a paraplanning apprenticeship. To find out more, visit the Skills England Apprenticeship finder, which tells you more about the new combined Financial Planning and Paraplanning apprenticeship. There is currently one provider – Skills Edge Training – but we understand there may be more entering.