AJ Bell and Standard Life have launched the Standard Life International Bond on the AJ Bell Investcentre platform, expanding tax planning options for financial advisers and their clients amid mounting inheritance tax changes and rising UK tax rates.
- Product: Standard Life International Bond available through General Investment Account (GIA) wrapper
- Tax advantage: Offshore bonds grow gross of tax; clients withdraw up to 5% annually with deferred tax treatment
- Policy change: Unused pensions enter inheritance tax calculation from April 2027
- Adviser sentiment: 89% report increased complexity in wrapper decision-making over three years
The partnership addresses growing demand for wealth protection strategies as the UK tax environment tightens. Advisers gain an open architecture structure enabling tax-efficient client asset growth alongside enhanced control over tax planning and reporting. AJ Bell Investcentre now offers a comprehensive suite of solutions including offshore bonds, onshore bonds, and trusts, allowing advisers to tailor strategies to individual client circumstances.
Advisers and clients face a growing challenge to protect and pass on wealth efficiently in the current tax environment, and it is up to providers to ensure that the correct tools and support are available. The launch of a new offshore bond on the AJ Bell Investcentre platform in partnership with Standard Life will deliver yet another option for advisers.
– Mark Rendle, Managing Director, AJ Bell
Research by AJ Bell and Ad Lucem conducted in May found that 79% of advisers would use a wrapper decision framework if available. In response, AJ Bell partnered with Technical Connection to create a practical wrapper reset framework and resource hub, developed with behavioural science input from Cowry.
We’re delighted to partner with AJ Bell to launch the Standard Life International Bond on the Investcentre platform. As estate planning becomes an increasingly important consideration for clients with the upcoming IHT changes, advisers are looking for more tax-efficient solutions that offer flexibility and support a range of needs.
– Lesley Whyte, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Standard Life
Mark Rendle, Managing Director at AJ Bell. Source: ajbell.co.uk
Lesley Whyte, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Standard Life. Source: LinkedIn
