This is a generic term used to describe a switch from one investment to another. This could be an investment fund switch, an investment policy switch or a pension switch.
When it comes to pensions however, advisers can get confused between what constitutes a pension switch and what is a pension transfer.
To clarify therefore, a pension switch is where a retail client is transferring benefits from a personal pension or stakeholder pension scheme (where there has been no previous transfer from a defined benefits scheme) to another personal pension or stakeholder pension scheme.
There is no specific qualification requirement for advisers advising on pension switches.
FCA guidance can be accessed here
http://www.fca.org.uk/firms/financial-services-products/investments/pension-switching
Suitability reports must contain sufficient detail to justify any switch, including alternatives, disadvantages, risks, costs and charges.
(Now read ‘T’).
Dear CEO General Insurance Intermediaries Client Money Arrangements
Michael Senior Compliance FCA, protected, protection, transfer
Following a series of financial resilience surveys and a letter issued in September last year the FCA has issued a Dear CEO letter about adequate client money arrangements, that can be accessed here. The FCA is keen to ensure client money is adequately protected, that firms follow the CASS 5 rules and review arrangement […]