Pensions & divorce – SIPPs & unquoted shares

Posted August 23rd, 2010

In my last blog entitled “Self Invested Personal Pensions – What are the risks?” I set out the wide range of investments into which a SIPP can invest.

With some divorces taking years to conclude it is important to consider what risks are being taken within the SIPPs.

One of the highest risk investments that could be encountered is private equity or unquoted shares.  This is an investment into a private business often one which the SIPP member has a stake in privately or an interest in.

The key here is that this is usually a small business with a closed shareholding which are not quoted on a recognised stock exchange.

Unquoted shares

The attraction of holding unquoted shares in a SIPP is that any profits (which can be high given the high risk being taken) are free from capital gains tax.   However, the risk of failure is very high and so for many SIPP providers this is an investment which is to risky for them to allow.

The main issue for the providers is the lack of liquidity and the difficulty of obtaining a valuation.  Just like business valuations such investments need to be handled with care and the use of an accountant who specialises in business valuations is highly recommended.

If you would like an impartial review of the SIPP involved in your divorce, please contact us on 0800 092 1229 or email advice@thedivorceifa.co.uk

Pensions & Divorce – Self Invested Personal Pensions – What are the risks?

Posted August 20th, 2010

Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) are designed to allow individuals to control their pension, using a wide range of investments. Their popularity has soared in recent years and they are becoming more and more common when dealing with pensions on divorce.

However, they have only recently (April 2007) become regulated and there are risks associated with SIPPs which are worth knowing. This is especially so if you know that the financial aspects of your divorce will take time to be agreed.

The list below illustrates the broad range of investments available.

• UK and overseas shares
• Gilts and overseas securities
• OEICs and unit trusts
• Exchange Traded Funds
• Investment Trusts
• Insurance Company Funds
• Unquoted shares
• Warrants
• Hedge funds
• Deposit accounts
• Commercial Property

With such a wide range of investments available and the potential for these to fall in value over time, it would be prudent to understand what lies beneath. I will expand on this issue in future blogs so watch this space.

If you would like an impartial review of the SIPP involved in your divorce, please contact us on 0800 092 1229 or email advice@thedivorceifa.co.uk