New rules for master trusts

The Pensions Bill made an appearance in the Queen's Speech last week. Natalie Stanton looks at what it might mean for your pension.

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The Queen's Speech: three key pensions rules

Last week, the annual Queen's Speech outlined the laws that the government hopes to get passed by parliament over the coming year. One of the 20 pieces of legislation unveiled was the Pensions Bill, which includes three key measures. Here's a round up of what they might mean for your pension.

Regulating master trusts

Master trusts will face "strict new criteria" before entering the market, including a new capital adequacy requirement. The Pensions Regulator will be handed fresh powers to police the schemes and intervene when necessary to ensure they comply with the rules. These new protections will not just apply to newcomers, they will eventually apply to every master trust on the market.

A cap on early exit fees

The FCA is consulting on where to set the limit, but the move is expected to save some retirees thousands of pounds. The new cap is expected to be implemented before March 2017.

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Restructuring financial guidance

Natalie joined MoneyWeek in March 2015. Prior to that she worked as a reporter for The Lawyer, and a researcher/writer for legal careers publication the Chambers Student Guide. 

She has an undergraduate degree in Politics with Media from the University of East Anglia, and a Master’s degree in International Conflict Studies from King’s College, London.