From April 2027, one of the most significant changes to inheritance tax planning in decades will come into force. Under the new rules, most unused pension funds will form part of a person's estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes, fundamentally changing the way advisers and their clients approach estate planning.

While much of the industry has focused on the tax implications, the changes also introduce new challenges around estate administration, liquidity and intergenerational wealth planning. As a result, financial advisers are increasingly recognising that delivering the best client outcomes will require a more collaborative approach.

BTWC Proud to Support the TFAS Compliance Services 2027 Ready Programme

Beneficial Trust & Will Company (BTWC) is delighted to be working in partnership with TFAS Compliance Services as one of the specialist providers supporting its 2027 Ready Programme.

The programme has been created to help financial advisers understand the far-reaching implications of the 2027 pension reforms, ensuring they are equipped to have meaningful conversations with clients while continuing to meet their Consumer Duty obligations.

As specialists in estate planning for more than 25 years, BTWC brings practical expertise in the areas that naturally complement regulated financial advice, including:

• Wills
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Trusts
• Estate and Inheritance Tax planning
• Probate and estate administration
• Family protection planning

By combining TFAS Compliance Services regulatory and technical expertise with BTWC's specialist estate planning knowledge, advisers can access a joined-up solution that helps clients prepare for the changes with confidence.

Why Estate Planning Has Never Been More Important

Historically, pensions have been viewed as one of the most tax-efficient assets to pass on to future generations. The 2027 reforms will significantly alter that position. However, the impact extends beyond potential inheritance tax liabilities.

Families may face increased complexity when administering estates, including obtaining pension valuations, coordinating with pension scheme administrators and ensuring any tax liabilities are settled before distributions can take place. For many beneficiaries, this could mean delays, additional administration and increased financial pressure during an already difficult time.

These developments make comprehensive estate planning more important than ever.

Clients are increasingly asking questions such as:

• Is my current Will still appropriate?
• Are my beneficiary nominations up to date?
• Should I be considering trusts?
• Have I put Lasting Powers of Attorney in place?
• Will my family be able to administer my estate efficiently?

These conversations often extend beyond the scope of regulated financial advice, highlighting the importance of trusted partnerships between advisers and estate planning specialists.

Delivering Better Client Outcomes Together

The FCA's Consumer Duty places a strong emphasis on achieving good outcomes for customers. Helping clients understand the wider consequences of legislative change—and ensuring they receive specialist support where appropriate—is an important part of meeting those expectations.

This is where collaboration makes a real difference.

Through the TFAS Compliance Services 2027 Ready Programme, advisers can confidently introduce clients to BTWC, knowing they will receive professional, specialist estate planning advice that complements the financial planning process rather than replacing it.

Our role is to work alongside advisers—not compete with them—helping clients make informed decisions that protect their families, preserve wealth where appropriate and simplify estate administration for future generations.

Flexible Partnership Models for Financial Advisers

Every advice business is different, which is why BTWC offers a range of partnership options designed to integrate seamlessly with existing client journeys.

Whether advisers wish to:

• Simply signpost clients for specialist estate planning advice;
• Operate through a referral or introducer arrangement; or
• Develop a fully integrated estate planning proposition within their own business,

our experienced team provides the technical expertise, operational support and client-focused service needed to enhance the overall advice proposition.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The April 2027 pension reforms represent one of the biggest shifts in estate and inheritance tax planning for a generation.

Advisers who begin these conversations today will be better placed to help clients understand their options, reduce future complexity and demonstrate the value of proactive, holistic financial planning.

BTWC is proud to be supporting this journey as a specialist partner within the TFAS Compliance Services 2027 Ready Programme, working together to help advisers deliver outstanding client outcomes in an increasingly complex planning landscape.

If your firm would like to learn more about how BTWC can support your clients through the 2027 reforms, or how our partnership with TFAS Compliance Services can enhance your estate planning proposition, we'd be delighted to speak with you.

Read more about the programme here.