Generic Questions/Analysis Flashcards
State the main factors that would typically influence a client’s attitude towards investment risk.
(10 marks)
- Age of investor
- Timescale
- State of health
- Objectives of investment/income or growth
- Income/expenditure/disposable income/affordability
- Assets/investments/level of wealth
- Liabilities
- Experience/understanding of investments
- Change in personal circumstances, E.g. job change, children, etc.
- Amount of investment available
State the main factors that would typically influence a client’s attitude towards investment risk.
(10 marks)
- Age of investor
- Timescale
- State of health
- Objectives of investment/income or growth
- Income/expenditure/disposable income/affordability
- Assets/investments/level of wealth
- Liabilities
- Experience/understanding of investments
- Change in personal circumstances, E.g. job change, children, etc.
- Amount of investment available
What are the potential benefits of receiving and acting upon advice from a qualified financial adviser?
(10 marks)
- Financial problems, goals and priorities will be identified.
- Benefit from adviser’s research.
- Help with budgeting/cash flow.
- Assessment of suitability of existing arrangements.
- Tax planning, use of tax wrappers or tax efficiency.
- Assessment of attitude to risk and capacity for loss.
- Receive recommendations/create a financial plan.
- Dealing with professional/knowledge/clarity of explanation.
- Ongoing service/reviews.
- Consumer protection/regulated advice.
List 4 benefits and 4 drawbacks of paying adviser fees for initial/ongoing service on an hourly cost basis.
(8 marks)
BENEFITS:
- Familiar or same as other professions.
- Easy to understand and compare.
- Based on actual work undertaken, amount invested is irrelevant - cheaper for large sums for example.
- Fee cap can apply.
DRAWBACKS:
- Can be seen as inefficient or adviser ‘running up the clock’.
- May put clients off making contact or asking for advice.
- Paid from personal funds.
- Unknown total cost.
List 4 benefits and 4 drawbacks of paying adviser fees for initial/ongoing service as a fund-based fee.
(8 marks)
BENEFITS:
- Can negotiate lower fees for larger investments.
- Payment can be taken from provider as opposed to using personal funds.
- Incentive for adviser to grow investment.
- Attractive for lower amounts/lower fees for lower amounts.
DRAWBACKS:
- Difficult to predict each year (fund value will vary).
- May not be in line with service provided, not reflecting time spent or larger portfolios not generally harder to administer.
- Extra charges may apply for other services.
- Reduces potential investment growth.
List 4 benefits and 4 drawbacks of paying adviser fees for initial/ongoing service on a fixed fee basis.
(8 marks)
BENEFITS:
- Familiar or same as other professions.
- Known cost.
- Easy to understand and compare.
- Amount invested is irrelevant/cheaper for large sums.
DRAWBACKS:
- Is fee justifiable?
- Paid from personal funds.
- May put clients off making contact or asking for advice.
- Exactly what is included?
Explain the benefits of a current cash flow statement when devising a financial plan.
(5 marks)
- Shows difference between expenditure and income.
- Highlights areas for cost reduction.
- Identifies opportunities to fill gaps in planning/establish planning budget.
- Can be used to analyse future cash flows/retirement cash flows and contingent cash flows/loss of income clients’ ill health/death.
- Enables the client to understand the long term impact of large expenditure.
Outline the key information that should be taken into account by a financial adviser when building a lifetime cash flow model to help clients plan their future income needs.
(9 marks)
- Current income needs/future income needs.
- Planned capital expenditure.
- Current assets/current income/level of guaranteed income.
- Growth rate assumptions/interest rate assumptions/charges.
- Inflation assumptions.
- Attitude to risk/capacity for loss.
- Longevity/health.
- Market corrections/estimates of market falls/stress test.
- Impact of death of either client.
Explain the limitations of cashflow modelling and why clients should not rely on this as a sole method of future income needs.
(9 marks)
- Provides estimates only/snapshot of current situation.
- Inflation assumptions can be incorrect.
- Growth assumptions may not be achieved/investment returns not guaranteed.
- Personal circumstances may change/ill health/loss of income/objectives can change.
- Tax rules may change.
- Attitude to risk may change/capacity for loss may change.
- Charges/fees can change.
- Regular reviews required/needs to be updated regularly.
- Input errors/misunderstanding of information by clients or adviser.
What is meant by the term ‘risk profile’?
(3 marks)
- It is the level of fluctuation/volatility that clients are prepared to accept in their investment/pension portfolio.
- Holding investments that are higher risk than their risk profile may result in unacceptable losses in poor market conditions.
- If investments are lower risk than they are prepared to accept they may miss out on higher returns.
State the main factors that might influence a client’s attitude towards investment risk?
(10 marks)
- Timescale
- Income/expenditure/disposable income/affordability.
- Assets/investments/level of wealth.
- Liabilities.
- Amount of investment available.
- Age of investor.
- Experience/understanding of market/investments.
- State of health.
- Objectives of investment, e.g. income/growth.
- Change in personal circumstances/marriage/death/job change.
Outline the process that an adviser should follow to determine a client’s ATR by the use of a risk profiling tool.
(6 marks)
- Clients each complete a risk profile questionnaire.
- This focuses on timescales/priorities/responses to circumstances.
- Generates a risk score.
- Score provides further discussion with client/used to produce asset allocation.
- Ascertain capacity for loss.
- Adviser and client(s) agree a suitable risk profile.
Why should an adviser not rely solely on a computer-based risk profiling tool to confirm a client’s ATR?
(6 marks)
- Different results for each client would require further discussion.
- Different programs produce different results.
- Clients may not be able to relate to the content of the questionnaire.
- Potential for clients to misinterpret/misunderstand question.
- Will be unsuitable if clients have a zero capacity for loss.
- Different risk may be in evidence for different objectives/timescales.
Identify the factors relating to a client’s circumstances that would typically influence their attitude to investment risk.
(12 marks)
- Age.
- Income.
- Timescale.
- Health.
- Any disposable income/existing assets/adequate emergency fund/amount available to invest.
- Any inheritances.
- Any protection policies in place.
- Any state pension entitlement.
- Investment experience/knowledge.
- Objectives/priorities.
- Economic environment/market conditions.
- Tolerance for loss/capacity for loss.
Explain the importance of reviewing client attitudes to risk on a regular basis?
(7 marks)
- ATR may differ for different objectives/retirement/clearing mortgage.
- Changes based on investment experience/knowledge.
- Changes based on personal circumstances/health.
- Changes based on income/recent inheritance.
- Changes as they get older/changes over time.
- Fund performance/market performance/ensure investments match ATR.
- The risk they can afford to take/capacity for loss.
Why is diversification important?
(4 marks)
- Diversification can reduce risk in a portfolio by holding a different range of assets.
- Each different investment can perform well in certain market conditions.
- The downside risk of one investment can be offset by the upside potential of another investment.
- Diversification can reduce stock specific risk (non-systematic risk) but not market risk (systematic risk).
State the limitations of using an asset allocation model.
(6 marks)
- Doesn’t recommend an appropriate tax wrapper/take account of client’s tax position.
- Charges are not considered.
- Questions asked aren’t always relevant.
- Different models produce different results.
- Underlying assumptions subject to change/based on historic data.
- Needs to be reviewed.
Explain how a salary sacrifice arrangement may work.
(3 marks)
- Salary is reduced by the amount of pension contribution.
- Employer pays this into the pension scheme as an employer contribution.
- Employer might also add the NICs saved.
Explain how a salary sacrifice arrangement may work.
(3 marks)
- Salary is reduced by the amount of pension contribution.
- Employer pays this into the pension scheme as an employer contribution.
- Employer might also add the NICs saved.
List the benefits of an employer offering salary sacrifice.
(4 marks)
- Reduces employee’s and employer’s NICs.
- Increases pension benefit without affecting net pay.
- The employer may invest their NIC saving into employee’s pension.
- Can help some taxpayers with personal allowance reduction saving income tax.
List the drawbacks to an employer offering salary sacrifice.
(7 marks)
- Salary is reduced which may affect borrowing capacity (e.g. mortgage).
- Maximum benefits on income protection insurance may be reduced.
- The arrangement cannot be binding on the employer.
- May impact on future salary increase.
- May reduce level of employee benefits such as death in service benefits.
- May impact on entitlement to state benefits.
- Extra paperwork/administration.
What are the benefits of using flexi-access drawdown rather than annuities?
(6 marks)
- Potential growth/stay invested.
- Flexible income.
- Tax efficient income.
- IHT free/outside of estate.
- Annuity rates may improve/no mortality drag.
- Choice of successor/flexible death benefits.
What are the drawbacks of using flexi-access drawdown rather than annuities?
(6 marks)
- Increased fees/charges.
- Investment risk/loss of mortality gain.
- May fritter funds/deplete funds before death.
- Need advice/complex/reviews.
- Income not guaranteed.
- Triggers MPAA.
What is the ‘safe withdrawal rate’?
(4 marks)
- A strategy to establish how much can be withdrawn to ensure the fund doesn’t run out.
- Rule of thumb to use 30-year time period and a safe withdrawal rate of 4%.
- These figures are sensitive to asset allocation.
- Rate should be adapted to ATR.
What is stress testing?
(3 marks)
- How a portfolio might perform in a downturn.
- Could client cope if capital ran out completely.
- Could they manage on a lower income during a downturn/ensure capital is not too depleted.
Explain why it might be more suitable to make monthly contributions into a pension instead of lump sums.
(5 marks)
- Pound cost averaging.
- Benefit from investment volatility.
- Can stop and start contributions/flexibility/convenience.
- Assists with budgeting.
- Reduces risk of poor investment timing.
Describe the process an adviser could use to ensure there are sufficient funds under an existing pension plan to provide the required level of target benefits.
(7 marks)
- Establish the income required, allowing for inflation.
- Calculate the fund required based on assumed/agreed annuity rate.
- Allow for PCLS requirement.
- Calculate existing benefits at retirement age using assumed or agreed growth rate.
- Include ongoing funding.
- Calculate the shortfall and the increased contributions required.
- Ongoing reviews needed.
What are the benefits for a client of holding investments on a platform?
(16 marks)
- Easy access online at all times.
- Total wealth can be seen at the press of a button.
- Wide range of providers/asset classes/funds/investments/tax wrappers.
- Performance is easy to obtain.
- Full details of investments - online switching.
- Consolidated tax statements are automatic.
- Time and effort efficient for the client/their accountant for tax returns.
- Can promote good relationship with the adviser.
- Management of family assets - discounts of their charges.
- Unbundled charging/transparent charges.
- Funds can usually be bought without an initial charge.
- Large portfolios can attract volume discounts (e.g. large fund discount).
- Calculation tools.
- Reduced paperwork.
- Reports and valuations can be stored online.
- Automatic rebalancing.
What are the main features and tax advantages of investing in a Venture Capital Trust (VCT)?
(7 marks)
- Functions as an investment trust but at least 80% of its value must be unlisted shares (includes AIM listed shares).
- The VCT must be listed on the London Stock Exchange.
- Tax relief at 30% on investment of up to £200,000 per tax year.
- This is a tax reducer.
- Tax relief reclaimed if investment not held for 5 years.
- No income tax liability on dividends received.
- No CGT liability on gains - no minimum holding period.
What are the main features and tax advantages of investing in an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)?
(6 marks)
- Investment into a single company.
- Tax relief at 30% on investment of up to £1,000,000 per tax year (£2,000,000 if a knowledge intense company).
- This is a tax reducer.
- Tax relief reclaimed if shares sold within 3 years.
- No liability to CGT.
- Dividends are taxable.
What is a multi-asset managed fund?
(1 mark)
A fund that invests in other funds (fund of funds) or in funds made up of shares, bonds, and cash (a mixed investment range).
What are the requirements for making a valid Will?
(7 marks)
- The testator (clients) must be of sound mind.
- There must be a clear intention to dispose of property.
- They must be at least 18.
- It must be in writing (typed or handwritten).
- It must be signed by them as testators.
- It must be signed by a minimum of two witnesses - who are not executors or beneficiaries.
- The witnesses must be present when the testators sign.
In the event of either of a couple’s death, describe the process of how their estate will be settled if they do not make a Will and identify the potential problems that could arise.
(6 process marks and 4 potential problem marks)
PROCESS:
- Administrators will need to be appointed.
- They apply for letters of administration.
- Debts will need to be paid.
- The estate is then valued.
- The IHT liability is calculated and must be paid within 6 months.
- The IHT must be paid before the estate is distributed.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:
- Not having a Will causes delays.
- The estate does not pass in a way they might want.
- They cannot state their wishes re funeral arrangements/guardians for children etc.
- Court decides custody of children if no guardians.
What are the duties of Trustees?
(9 marks)
- To hold trust property and to administer it for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
- Hold the title documents to any trust property.
- Everything they do must be for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
- Invest any cash wisely or pay it out to a beneficiary immediately.
- Take account of the standard investment criteria.
- Monitor investments.
- Avoid conflicts of interest.
- Use utmost diligence.
- Keep proper accounts.
What are the conditions for a deed of variation to be valid?
(13 marks)
- A deed of variation must be drawn up within 2 years of death to be IHT effective.
- Only those giving up benefit need to sign the deed.
- All beneficiaries must agree.
- All beneficiaries must be at least 18.
- All beneficiaries must be of sound mind.
- The deed must refer specifically to the Will.
- The deed must state that is it to be effective for inheritance tax purposes.
- The deed must state who the bequest is being re-directed to.
- Must be in writing/legal document.
- Deed states what is being varied in Will/intestacy, the ‘what’.
- It will be treated as taking place on the donor’s death.
- The deed should not be for consideration of money or money’s worth.
- The deed should contain a statement that the variation is to have effect for either CGT, IHT, or both.
If a client earns over £60,000 and are entitled to Child Benefit, what will be the tax implications if they receive it?
(3 marks)
- As they earn over £50,000 they will be liable for the High Income Child Benefit charge.
- As their income exceeds £60,000, they will have an additional income tax charge.
- This will be equal to the Child Benefit received.
State the process that a financial adviser should follow when providing appropriate financial advice.
(8 marks)
Establish/define relationship/confirm scope of service/fees
Fact-find/obtain goals and objectives/confirm capacity for loss/ATR
Analyse current situation/existing investments/identify shortfalls
Develop financial plan/research
Present financial plan/recommendation/discuss
Provide suitability report/information documents
Implement plan/obtain client agreement
Monitor/review.
Explain the process a financial adviser should follow to establish a client’s aims and objectives.
(9 marks)
Recognise needs and objectives
Help clients understand general aims and specific objectives
Ask open and closed questions/obtain hard and soft facts
Ensure objectives are SMART
Identify which are short-term/long-term/emphasis importance of long-term needs
Establish views on family/dependents
Establish timescales
Quantify and qualify objectives
Prioritisation/different views/not feasible to achieve all goals
Explain how lifetime cash flow modelling is used.
(3 marks)
Lifetime cash flow projections are used to forecast clients’ income and expenditure profiles over the long term
They provide a year-by-year summary of cash paid to and paid out by the client, showing the years where there will be a surplus or a deficit.
The main variables are:
o The level of income and capital inputs
o The level of expenditure
o Assumptions made about future increases in income, capital values, spending and
inflation
o Projections can then be amended to include the effect of recommendations
Explain the importance of reviewing attitudes to risk on a regular basis.
(7 marks)
ATR differs for different objectives
Changes based on investment experience/knowledge
Changes based on personal circumstances/health
Changes based on income/any recent inheritance
Changes over time
Fund performance/market performance/ensure investments match ATR
Capacity for loss
What does Term Assurance provide?
(2 marks)
Tax-free lump sum on death during term
(Usually includes Terminal Illness benefit)
What does Critical Illness cover provide?
(1 mark)
Tax-free lump sum upon diagnosis of critical illness after survival period of up to 30 days
Types of Term Assurance?
(7 marks)
Level
Increasing
Term 100
Decreasing
Increasable
Renewable
Convertible
Types of CIC?
(2 marks)
Standalone or combined with life assurance
Free children’s cover
Options of Term Assurance?
(2 marks)
Waiver of Premium
Can include CIC
Options of CIC?
(4 marks)
Reviewable (every 5 or 10 years) or guaranteed premiums
Sum assured can be index linked (set % or in line with inflation - no further underwriting)
Waiver of premium
Life cover buy-back
Can Term Assurance be written in Trust?
(1 mark)
Yes
Can CIC be written in Trust?
(1 mark)
Life and earlier CIC policies should use a split benefit trust
What is Level Term Assurance?
(1 mark)
Fixed sum assured throughout term
What is Increasing Term Assurance?
(2 marks)
Sum assured increases throughout term
Either on fixed % or in line with index such as RPI
What is Term 100 Assurance?
(1 mark)
Written to age 100 (can be used as alternative to whole of life)
What is Decreasing Term Assurance?
(5 marks)
Sum assured reduces each year in pre-determined way
Used to protect a capital and interest mortgage
Inter vivos to cover potential IHT liability on recipient of PETs – sum assured reduces in line with effects of taper relief
Family income benefit - sum assured is an amount paid each month/quarter/year from date of death until end of policy term
May be able to commute regular payments for a lump sum
What is Increasable Term Insurance?
(1 mark)
Sum assured can be increased without underwriting
What is Renewable Term Assurance?
(3 marks)
Usually for a 5-year term at outset
At end of term a new 5-year policy can be started without underwriting (premium likely to be higher)
Premium will be based on age at renewal
What is Convertible Term Assurance?
(2 marks)
Policy can be converted into a whole of life or endowment with same or lower sum assured without underwriting
Premium for new policy will be based on age at conversion
What is Income Protection?
(1 mark)
Regular tax-free income when unable to work due to accident/ illness
Deferred periods for Income Protection?
(5 marks)
Deferred period (4, 13, 26, 52 or 104 weeks)
When is Income Protection paid until?
(1 mark)
Paid until return to work, retire, death or policy ends
Income Protection - Rehabilitation Benefit?
(1 mark)
Rehabilitation benefit - proportionately reduced benefit to top up earnings when someone returns to work but on a part time basis
Income Protection - Proportionate Benefit?
(1 mark)
Proportionate benefit - reduced benefit equivalent to reduction in earnings for those who return to work but in a lower paid job
Is there a limit on how many times you can claim under an Income Protection policy?
(1 mark)
No limit on claims
What percentage of your income does Income Protection pay out?
(1 mark)
Benefit limited to 50-65% pre-claim income
Income Protection - 2 types of occupation?
(2 marks)
Own occupation (widest cover) or any occupation
What 2 types of premiums can you have under an Income Protection policy?
(2 marks)
Guaranteed or reviewable premiums
Does Income Protection offer waiver of premium?
(1 mark)
Automatic waiver of premium
What is Personal Accident and Sickness Insurance (PAS)?
(1 mark)
Tax-free income if insured has accident or can’t work due to sickness
What amount does Personal Accident and Sickness Insurance (PAS) pay out?
(1 mark)
Benefit limited to set % of earnings and a monthly max amount
What term does a Personal Accident and Sickness (PAS) policy usually have?
(1 mark)
Usually annual contract but can be for shorter periods – can be cancelled by the insurer
Personal Accident and Sickness (PAS) Insurance - deferred period?
(1 mark)
Shorter deferred period but will only pay benefit for 1 or 2 years
Is a Personal Accident and Sickness (PAS) policy a standalone policy?
(1 mark)
Standalone or bolt on to household, motor or travel insurance
Personal Accident and Sickness (PAS) - Other benefits?
(2 marks)
Refund of medical expenses
Lump sum payments for loss of limb, loss of sight etc.
What is Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Insurance (ASU)?
(1 mark)
Tax-free income if insured has accident or can’t work due to sickness or unemployment
What term does Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Insurance (ASU) usually have?
(1 mark)
Usually annual contract but can be for shorter periods – can be cancelled by the insurer
For how long does an Accident, Sickness and Unemployment (ASU) policy pay out for?
(1 mark)
Max benefit payment period 2 years
Does an Accident, Sickness and Unemployment (ASU) policy have a deferred period?
Yes
Accident, Sickness and Unemployment Insurance (ASU) - Other points?
(3 marks)
Pre-existing medical conditions, excluded
Benefit limited to set % of earnings and a monthly max amount
Possible lump sum payments for loss of limb, loss of sight etc.
What is Mortgage Protection Payment Insurance (MPPI)?
(1 mark)
Amount to cover mortgage if insured has an accident or unable to work due to sickness accident or involuntary unemployment
How long does a Mortgage Protection Payment Insurance policy pay out for?
(1 mark)
Benefit payable for at least 6 months but probably limited to maximum of 1 or 2 years
Mortgage Protection Payment Insurance (MPPI) - deferred period?
(1 mark)
Deferred period – often 30-180 days
Mortgage Protection Payment Insurance (MPPI) - Other points?
(3 marks)
Must cover self- employed
MPPI cannot be sold at the same time as a mortgage
Minimum standards set by ABI & CML
What is Private Medical Insurance?
(1 mark)
Covers costs of private treatment e.g. consultant fees, investigations, treatment, accommodation costs
Private Medical Insurance - Other points?
(7 marks)
Indemnity policy - can only claim back expenses incurred
For acute conditions (not chronic conditions that are incurable)
May need to pay excess or co-payment
Basic plan usually restricted to accommodation, drugs, dressings, and doctor’s fees
Mid-range covers more items, longer claim periods and higher limits
Comprehensive plans have longer claim periods, higher limits, and often wider choice of hospital. Home nursing and private ambulance usually covered. May also include alternative medicine, dental treatment. Policies can cover whole family not just one person
Treated as a benefit in kind if premiums paid by employer.
Explain how a purchased life annuity can provide additional income in retirement.
(11 marks)
Use PCLS or savings to pay a lump sum to an insurance company
This is irrevocable/inflexible
Annuity rate agreed for lifetime/fixed term/underwriting required
Income paid as a mix of return of capital and income
Return of capital is tax free
Income element is taxable as savings income
Can use his personal savings allowance
Tax is deducted at source by insurance company
Escalation is available
Joint life available
Capital guarantee available
VCT - Investment?
Minimum 80% in unquoted companies including AIM
Maximum 15% in one company with a minimum of 10% in ordinary shares
VCT - Dividends?
Exempt from Income Tax from VCT investments of up to £200,000 per tax year
VCT - Income Tax Relief?
30% on first £200,000
VCT - Holding Period?
5 years
VCT - CGT?
None (no holding period)
VCT - Reinvestment Relief?
No
VCT - IHT?
Forms part of estate as normal.
EIS - Investment?
Investment in unquoted trading companies including AIM companies
EIS - Dividends?
Liable to Income Tax
EIS - Income Tax Relief?
30% up to a max of £2m - any amount over £1m must be invested in knowledge intensive companies
EIS - Holding Period?
3 Years
EIS - CGT?
Free - after 3 years
EIS - Reinvestment Relief?
Yes
EIS - IHT?
100% business relief after 2 years.
SEIS - Investment?
Designed to help small start- up unquoted companies raise finance
SEIS - Dividends?
Liable to Income Tax
SEIS - Income Tax Relief?
50% on first £100,000
SEIS - Holding Period?
3 Years
SEIS - CGT?
Free - after 3 years
SEIS - Reinvestment Relief?
Yes - 50% exempt of the re-invested amount
SEIS - IHT?
100% business relief after 2 years.
Outline the process a financial adviser should follow to provide clients with suitable advice on their existing investments.
(9 marks)
Disclose status/fee/client agreement.
Fact-finding/goals/objectives
Attitude to risk/capacity for loss
Analysis of the client’s situation/affordability
Undertake research
Formulate recommendation/develop plan
Make a presentation/recommendation to client
Implement/suitability letter
Annual review/monitor
Outline the factors an adviser should consider and the process they should follow when recommending a fund switch.
(11 marks)
Fact-finding/knowing your client/client agreement
Assess attitude to risk/capacity for loss
Timescale
Charges
Performance
Fund choice available
Asset allocation/diversification
Select fund to match attitude to risk
Present client with documentation
Obtain client permission/implement
Suitability Letter/recommendation letter to client
Outline the process you would follow to enable you to review the performance of existing stocks and shares ISAs.
(12 marks)
Letter of authority/obtain plan details
Confirm date of purchase
Base cost/any further investments/withdrawals/fund switches
Identify reinvested income
Calculate gain/performance history
Assess asset allocation
Identify suitable benchmark
Identify Alpha/compare against benchmark
Review charges
Comparison with risk-free return/risk adjusted return
Review volatility/risk rating of fund
Assess funds against attitude to risk/capacity for loss
Bare Trusts
- PET
- IHT free after 7 years
- No IHT initially as it’s a PET
- Beneficiaries CANNOT be changed.
- When can Beneficiaries benefit? Beneficiaries can demand the trust fund at age 18.
- Income is taxed on the beneficiary using their own rates and personal allowance
- Capital gains are taxed on the beneficiary using their rates and full annual exempt amount
- IHT liability on the settlor if death occurs within 7 years of the PET.
The trust fund forms part of the estate of the beneficiary if they should die.
Discretionary trust
- Chargeable lifetime transfer (CLT)
- IHT free after 7 years
- IHT initially only if transfer is over the NRB and then at 20% if trustees pay and 25% if settlor pays
- Trustees have discretion to change beneficiaries
- The trustees have control over who gets income and who gets capital. The beneficiaries do not have a right to either.
- Trust has a standard rate band of £1,000. Above this, trustees are charged at the rates applicable to an additional rate taxpayer.
- The trust has a CGT exempt amount of 1/2 the normal amount (split between number of trusts settlor set up to a minimum of 1/5 each) CGT rate for trustees is 20%
- IHT liability at outset, if gift is over the NRB. Back in estate if death within 7 years.
Trust fund potentially chargeable every 10 years (periodic charge) and when capital is distributed (exit charge (both no more than 6%)
What are advantages of having valid Wills?
(4 marks)
- Provides clear instructions as to how the estate is to be distributed
- Can choose the people that will be responsible for administering the estate
- Avoids the intestacy rules
- Can make specific provision for the guardianship of children
Describe the process of how an estate would be settled if a client does not have a Will in place.
(6 marks)
Administrators will need to be appointed
They apply for letters of administration
Debts will need to be paid
The estate is then valued
The IHT liability is calculated and must be paid within 6 months
The IHT must be paid before the estate is distributed
Explain the key duties of an executor of a Will.
(7 marks)
Administer deceased’s affairs/obtain most up to date copy of Will
Obtain full details of all assets/liabilities/settle debts
Complete IHT return/pay IHT
Obtain/apply for probate
Distribute estate in accordance with Will/inform beneficiaries of entitlements
Complete Income Tax/CGT return
Prepare estate accounts
Explain why Wills should be reviewed regularly.
(4 marks)
Ensure executors/trustees in place and able to act
Considers change in family circumstances/divorce/can change
beneficiaries/grandchildren/ensure wishes are reflected
Financial position may change
IHT planning/changes in legislation
What are the duties of trustees?
(9 marks)
To hold trust property and to administer it for the benefit of the beneficiaries
Hold the title documents to any trust property
Everything they do must be for the benefit of the beneficiaries
Invest any cash wisely or pay it out to a beneficiary immediately
Take account of the standard investment criteria
Monitor investments
Avoid conflicts of interest
Use utmost diligence
Keep proper accounts
Explain how the use of spousal by-pass trusts could reduce any future IHT liabilities.
(7 marks)
If death occurs with uncrystallised pension funds the fund value often paid to spouse
This could then be included in that spouse’s estate when they die and could increase/create an IHT liability
Death benefit should be paid into a spousal by-pass trust
Spouse can be trustee as well as a potential beneficiary
They could receive income/capital/loans from the trust at trustee’s discretion
As they have no right to benefit the value of trust will not be included in their estate
The maximum IHT saving would be fund value x 40%
Jim and Carol - Financial Aims?
(3 marks)
- ensure that they have an adequate income in retirement
- review the suitability of their investments in advance of their retirement
- consider a range of options in respect of Carol’s inheritance and to review their potential inheritance tax liability
State the additional information that a financial adviser would need in order to recommend a suitable strategy to ensure that Jim and Carol have sufficient income in retirement.
(14 marks)
Income needed in retirement/capital needed
Thoughts on how they wish to take their income/benefits in retirement/flexibility/guaranteed income/increasing/tax-free lump sums
Plans to use other assets at retirement/downsizing
Existing workplace schemes:
o Do they have recent valuations?
o Current transfer values/SRA/any penalties for early retirement
o Are there any guarantees - guaranteed annuity rate?
o Charges/fund details
o Death benefit nominations completed/up to date?
Do they have any other deferred benefits?
What is their investment experience?
Growth rates to be assumed/inflation/projections/performance/charges
Use of tax allowances/likely future tax status
Affordability/budget for further contributions before retirement/willingness to
maximise contributions this tax year
History of contributions/use of carry forward
Current health status
State Pension expected/BR19/State Pension age
Other debts/liabilities
Income generated from other savings
Comment on the suitability of their existing pension funds.
(7 marks)
Carol has her entire workplace pension held in one fund and one asset class
Does not match ATR
Does not offer any asset/fund management diversification
Limited long-term growth
Jim has his entire workplace pension fund invested in one UK and one Global equity fund
Although this more closely aligns to his ATR and offers better potential for growth it does not offer the necessary asset or fund management diversification
Need to manage volatility of funds if they are considering annuity purchase.
List the benefits and drawbacks of using phased drawdown as part of the strategy for Jim and Carol’s retirement income.
(7 benefits and 2 drawbacks)
Benefits:
Can choose how much to crystallise and when/can control amount of Income Tax
payable
25% of the value will be tax free
If just takes PCLS then MPAA not triggered
Uncrystallised funds can continue to grow
Any remaining uncrystallised funds will be available for beneficiaries
Tax free if they die before 75 and paid out within 2 years of death
Can be used to top up income before they receive State Pension
Drawbacks:
Any funds not taken remain subject to investment risk
Reviews may be needed in respect of any uncrystallised funds
List the advantages of Jim and Carol buying an annuity with their workplace pension funds.
(8 marks)
Guaranteed income for life/no investment risk
Can include dependant benefits /annuity protection
If death before age 75 ongoing income paid tax free
Can include unlimited guarantee period
Can include annuity protection
Can include indexation
Simple contract/no on-going
advice/reviews required
Benefit from mortality drag
List the disadvantages of Jim and Carol buying an annuity with their workplace pension funds.
(6 marks)
Cannot benefit if annuity rates improve/locked into the annuity rates at time of crystallisation
Death benefits have to be chosen at outset/cannot be passed through generations
No prospect of investment growth (unless investment linked annuity is used)
Risk of mortality cross subsidy
Escalation can be expensive
Annuity does not match ATR
State the advantages of Jim and Carol using flexi‐access drawdown or UFPLS to take retirement benefits from their workplace scheme rather than using a lifetime annuity.
(7 marks)
No income limit/flexibility of income/income can be varied
Not locking into an annuity/poor annuity rates/can purchase later/rates may improve
Tax‐efficient income
Flexible death benefits; annuity/lump
sum/dependants and nominee’s
FAD/pass on through the generations
Tax free death benefits if die before age 75/flexibility of beneficiary/can
nominate beneficiary
Potential for investment growth
Matches ATR
State the disadvantages of Jim and Carol using flexi‐access drawdown or UFPLS to take retirement benefits from their workplace scheme rather than using a lifetime annuity.
(7 marks)
Complexity/ongoing decisions/need for regular reviews
UFPLS or income from FAD will trigger MPAA/£4,000 annual allowance
Investment risk/fund could be depleted
Income not guaranteed
Annuity rates may fall
Legislation may change
Charges
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Maximise pension contributions before retirement.
(3 marks)
40% tax relief on contributions within higher-rate tax band
Tax free growth
Flexible benefits
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Both Carol and Jim to get State Pension forecasts
(2 marks)
To ensure they know when and what they will receive
Pay Class 3 NICs should there be any gaps in NI record
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Use phased drawdown to take income from their pension funds at retirement
Use safe withdrawal rate
(3 marks)
Do not need PCLS/can take lump sums if required from other assets/more tax efficient
Can control amount of Income Tax
Matches ATR/flexible, tax efficient
income/flexible death benefits – tax free before age 75
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Use other investments for income
Review fund choices
(2 marks)
Pensions are IHT efficient/tax efficient fund
Current funds are not diversified, not income producing, do not match ATR
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Take income from ISAs, OEIC and Bank shares
Interspousal transfer to split OEIC and Bank shares/ensures tax-efficient withdrawals
(4 marks)
ISAs are Income Tax-free
Dividend income from Bank shares tax-
free up to £2,000 (will reduce to £1,000
in April 2023 then £500 in April 2024)
Interest from OEIC will use PSA
Interspousal transfer ensures can use
both Jim and Carol’s allowances
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Top up income with encashment of OEIC up to capital gains annual exempt amount
(2 marks)
Locks in gains/no CGT payable/make use of CGT annual exempt amount at current rate of £12,300
Again, interspousal transfers ensure both annual exempt amounts can be used
Recommend and justify actions Jim and Carol could take to ensure they have sufficient, sustainable income in retirement.
Ongoing reviews
(1 mark)
Monitor performance/asset diversification/change in their needs and objectives and personal circumstances
What factors would you need to consider before advising Jim and Carol if they should increase their pension contributions to their workplace scheme over the next year including investing Jim’s £6,000 bonus as a single premium?
(14 marks)
Income and expenditure required in retirement
Any surplus income/willingness to use investments to top up pension
Will increase pension income/PCLS/reduces reliance on other assets in retirement
40% tax relief on contributions within higher-rate band/tax-free fund growth
25% tax free PCLS/may not be a higher-rate taxpayer in retirement so income likely to
be taxed at basic-rate
Salary/bonus sacrifice may be available/can reduce National Insurance
costs/employer may share NIC savings
If sacrifice bonus Jim will save Income Tax on £6,000/as well as NICs
Contributions will be immediately outside of the estate for IHT
Can have immediate flexible access to pension funds
No administration/deducted from salary
Low charges/subsidised by employer
Flexible death benefits
State Pension entitlement (from aged 66 to 67 depending on DOB)/if they have other
deferred benefits
Single premiums do not benefit from pound cost averaging/dependent on market at
time of investment
Explain how Jim and Carol’s maximum tax-relievable pension contribution is determined.
(8 marks)
Take current annual allowance/£40,000
Determine pension input amounts for current tax year/employer and employee
contributions are included
Deduct pension input amount (from annual allowance)
This gives remaining allowance for current tax year
Determine pension input amounts for previous three tax years
Calculate any unused carry forward allowance
Must use current year’s allowance first
Total contribution cannot exceed earned income in current tax year (salary plus
bonus)
Identify the factors that a financial adviser should consider when determining an adequate level of annual income for their retirement.
(12 marks)
Current expenditure/planned expenditure/capital needs
Guaranteed income/flexible income
Timescales/plan to retire in 6 months
Assets available to provide income/objectives for inherited money/gifts/further
inheritances/priorities
Safe withdrawal rate/sustainability
State Pension benefits/age
Tax status in retirement/use of tax allowances/ISA allowance/to provide tax-
efficiency
Economic conditions/inflation/market conditions/current annuity rates
Longevity/family health/how long will income be required?
Required/expected rate of return on investments
ATR/prospect of fund growth/inflation/cash flow analysis
Health/longevity/income needs of surviving spouse
State the reasons why Jim and Carol should consider continuing to make regular pension contributions in retirement.
(7 marks)
Entitled to contribute £3,600 gross/£2,880 net each year
Receives 20% tax relief
Can benefit from pound cost averaging
Tax-free pension commencement lump sum
Potential for tax-free growth
IHT-efficient/death benefits
Flexible access to benefits
What factors should an adviser consider when reviewing Jim and Carol’s pension arrangements at the next annual review?
(9 marks)
Retirement options taken/level of income they are receiving and from which sources
How inherited money was used
Target income changes/new requirements for lump sums now in retirement
Use of other allowances e.g., ISAs, CGT
Change of personal circumstances including health
Changes in external factors such as economy and political changes/State benefits
Fund valuations and performance
Asset allocation and rebalancing
Changes to ATR/capacity for loss
Explain to Jim and Carol how their State Pension entitlement will work.
(9 marks)
Jim and Carol will receive their State Pension between age 66 and 67
Minimum of 10 years needed to receive any State Pension
Full rate in 2022/23 = £185.15
For a full new State Pension – 35 qualifying years are needed
Qualifying years can be met through contributions or credits
Starting amount calculated at 5/4/2016
Triple lock/State Pension increased by higher of earnings, prices and 2.5%
Taxed as earned income
Option to defer/must be for at least 9 weeks/rate of increase 1% per 9 weeks which
equates to 5.8% per year
State the additional information that an adviser would require to advise Jim and Carol on their savings and investments.
(12 marks)
Investment experience
Level of emergency fund required
Income or growth required/client objectives/timescale
Interest being received on cash ISAs
Type of money market fund/returns
Use of tax allowances/Capital Gains tax/ISA/pension contributions/uncrystallised
losses
Acquisition date and cost of OEIC/base cost of shares
Level of dividends/interest received
Performance
Charges
Are they willing to transfer ownership of their savings or investments
Plans to make gifts/planned use of inheritance
Comment on the suitability of Jim and Carol’s current savings and investments to use for retirement income.
(7 marks)
Excessive cash/emergency fund and does not match their ATR
Their cash ISAs/Money Market funds are not likely to be earning high interest/savings
would be eroded by inflation
They have ISAs for tax efficiency but have not used their allowance this year
Overall, there is insufficient diversification/overweight in UK/no global equities in ISAs or OEIC/no commercial property or other asset classes
Lack of income producing funds to top up income
Jim’s OEIC fund does not match ATR
Individual shares match ATR and could provide income from dividends/restricted to
one sector so high risk
Explain the benefits and drawbacks of maintaining Jim and Carol’s existing fund choices in their ISAs and OEIC when they retire.
Money Market Funds - ISA
(1 benefit and 3 drawbacks)
Benefits:
Liquid/could be used to supplement
income in short term
Drawbacks:
Low returns/will not keep pace with inflation
Does not match ATR
Have sufficient emergency funds
Explain the benefits and drawbacks of maintaining Jim and Carol’s existing fund choices in their ISAs and OEIC when they retire.
UK Fixed-Interest Funds - OEIC
(1 benefit and 4 drawbacks)
BENEFITS:
Suitable as part of a wider portfolio/as
offers diversification
DRAWBACKS:
No index-linking for inflation proofed income
No global diversification
Amount held in fixed interest does not match ATR
Limited growth potential and funds
have been very volatile recently given risk/reward
Explain the benefits and drawbacks of maintaining Jim and Carol’s existing fund choices in their ISAs and OEIC when they retire.
UK Smaller Companies fund - ISA
(3 benefits and 3 drawbacks)
BENEFITS:
Good potential for growth
Good hedge against inflation
Matches ATR
DRAWBACKS:
Too much of portfolio held in UK smaller companies/needs to be diversified/no geographical diversification
Not normally an income producing fund
Reduced liquidity
Identify the factors to consider when deciding if the Money Market funds are a suitable investment for Carol.
(7 marks)
Amount held in these fund as a percentage of overall portfolio
Returns
Charges
How long would it take to release funds/could be used for short term income needs
Assets contained in the underlying portfolio
ATR
Experience of fund management team
Recommend and justify the actions you would take to ensure Jim and Carol’s investments and savings funds are suitable for when they retire.
Re-direct some fixed interest holdings to global index-linked gilt funds
(2 marks)
Protection against inflation
Geographical diversification
Recommend and justify the actions you would take to ensure Jim and Carol’s investments and savings funds are suitable for when they retire.
Re-direct some holdings to global corporate bond funds
(4 marks)
Diversification - bond funds normally hold a range of bonds of varying maturities/geographical diversification
Liquidity - daily trading
Can provide a regular income
Can match ATR
Recommend and justify the actions you would take to ensure Jim and Carol’s investments and savings funds are suitable for when they retire.
Re-direct some holdings to multi-asset funds
(5 marks)
Can match ATR
Provide income/aim to maintain
income and capital in line with inflation
Asset allocation expertise/uses wider
range of assets/investment strategies
Increases diversification/reduces
volatility within one fund
Can access specialist
investments/institutional funds
State the benefits of Jim and Carol using the services of a DFM to look after their investments.
(7 marks)
Professional active management/wider investment options/diversification
Potential for higher returns
Can target objective of increased income in retirement
Bespoke service to match their ATR
No requirement for ongoing involvement
A DFM may ensure use of CGT annual exempt amounts and ISA allowances
Should provide regular reviews/updates on performance
State the drawbacks of Jim and Carol using the services of a DFM to look after their investments.
(3 marks)
Higher charges
No guarantee of performance
May invest in unacceptable sectors/lack of control