Pension changes

New rules effective 6 April 2027

This measure will affect individuals inheriting estates within the scope of Inheritance Tax, including beneficiaries of any unused pension funds or death benefits included in those estates. It will also impact personal representatives, their advisors and pension scheme administrators.

New UK Rule
Most UK pension funds will form part of your estate for IHT purposes from 6 April 2027
IHT Rate
Up to 40% of your pension upon death
Jurisdiction
UK pensions will be subject to IHT no matter how long you live outside the UK
01
The Isle of Man has no IHT or Capital Gains Tax (CGT) regime and a maximum personal income tax rate of 21% (with an optional tax cap)
02
When you have lived in the Isle of Man for between 3 and 10 tax years (depending on your personal UK residence history) your non-UK assets are outside of the UK inheritance tax net
03
However, most UK assets, including UK pensions (from April 2027) will remain subject to IHT, regardless of how long you are non-UK resident
04
Transferring your UK pension to an Isle of Man scheme could therefore reduce your exposure to UK assets and your potential UK IHT liability
05
Other benefits include the potential to receive a 30% tax free lump sum, if you haven’t already taken it (rather than 25%)
06
A key consideration in transferring to an appropriate Isle of Man pension (known as a “QROPS”) is what your personal “Overseas Transfer Allowance” is. This is the amount you are allowed to transfer to an Isle of Man QROPS before a 25% charge becomes relevant
01
The above benefits are potentially available if you have a UK pension and are considering moving to the Isle of Man
02
This relates to pensions – numerous other financial and personal considerations should be made as part of such a move – tax should not be the dominant driver
03
You should not transfer your UK pension to the Isle of Man while you are still in the UK as this will trigger a 25% tax charge. You should wait until you get to the Isle of Man and take professional advice
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01
Review your transfer options and the potential benefits (UK pension vs. Isle of Man QROPS)
02
Provide an IHT impact assessment on your current pension arrangements
03
Determine what your “personal” Overseas Transfer Allowance is, and how much could potentially be transferred to an Isle of Man QROPS
04
Advise on the most tax-efficient way to access your pension and draw income from it
05
Consider the most effective way of distributing the pension to your beneficiaries on death
Advisory Team

Meet our Advisory team

Ed Walter
Managing Director (MAC Financial Limited) Director (MFPT)
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Team Advisory Team Ed Walter
Ed Walter FPFS
Managing Director (MAC Financial Limited) Director (MFPT)

Ed is MAC Financial Limited’s Managing Director and Director for MAC Financial Pension Trustees Limited (MFPT).

Ed is a long serving and a highly respected member of the MAC Financial team. Since joining the business in 2012, Ed has played a central role in shaping the direction of the business—building long-lasting relationships with clients, providing thoughtful leadership, and offering unwavering support to colleagues.

With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Ed is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society—reflecting his dedication to excellence and to upholding the highest professional standards. In 2023, he was awarded the Glyn Gilbert Award for outstanding academic success.

Appointed as Managing Director in 2025, Ed leads MAC Financial and MAC Financial Pension Trustees day-to-day operations, ensuring the continued delivery of the high standards of service and advice that clients have come to expect. Both businesses comprise a team of 10 financial advisers supporting both private and corporate clients, alongside paraplanning, compliance, administration, marketing and pension administration teams.

Ed is passionate about nurturing his teams and supporting them through their professional qualifications. He promotes a culture of growth and collaboration within his teams, ensuring his colleagues have the tools and mentorship needed to succeed.

Qualifications:

  • CII Diploma in Financial Planning
  • CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
Areas of Expertise:
  • Pre-retirement planning
  • At retirement planning
  • Investment planning
  • Pension transfer specialist
Tom Wilson
Advisory Manager (MAC Financial)
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Team Advisory Team Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson DipPFS
Advisory Manager (MAC Financial)

Tom is MAC Financial’s Advisory Manager and leads our team of qualified Independent Financial Advisers. 

With over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, Tom specialises in pensions, investments, insurance, and retirement planning. He brings a strong focus on retirement planning and pension schemes, helping our private and corporate clients navigate the complexities of preparing for a financially stable future.

Tom’s approach to financial planning is practical and thorough, ensuring each client’s unique situation is carefully considered. He takes the time to understand his clients’ priorities and concerns, providing advice tailored to their needs. Whether it’s crafting an investment portfolio, selecting the right insurance products, or planning for retirement, Tom is committed to delivering solutions that offer peace of mind and financial security.

He holds a Regulated Diploma in Financial Planning, among other qualifications, and regularly attends industry seminars and workshops to stay current with trends and regulations in the financial sector.

Qualifications

  • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
  • CII Certificate in Mortgage Advice
  • CII Certificate in Securities Advice and Dealing
  • CII Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
Areas of Expertise:
  • Financial planning
  • Wealth generation
  • At retirement advice
  • Personal insurance
  • Keyman insurances
  • Pensions and investments
Ciaran Broad
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Ciaran Broad
Ciaran Broad DipPFS, Cert CII
Senior Independent Financial Adviser

Ciaran is a Senior Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, specialising in providing tailored financial solutions for both private and corporate clients.

With close to two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Ciaran built his knowledge with a solid foundation in paraplanning, before moving into an advisory role in 2013. He helps clients confidently navigate complex financial decisions by combining his technical expertise with a personal approach.

Ciaran’s expertise spans a wide range of advice areas from investment strategies to retirement planning. He tailors his advice to meet each client’s specific financial needs, ensuring they receive strategies that align with their goals and objectives.

Dedicated to building long-lasting client relationships, Ciaran invests time into understanding his clients financial goals. His advice equips clients to make confident decisions and achieve a more secure financial future.

Qualifications

  • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
  • CII Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement planning
  • Investments
  • Personal protection
  • Employee benefits
  • Pension scheme implementation
John Condon
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team John Condon
John Condon APFS, TEP, Chartered FCSI
Senior Independent Financial Adviser

John is a Senior Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, specialising in tailored financial solutions for both private and corporate clients.

He joined MAC Financial in 2025 following the acquisition of Thornton Chartered Financial Planners book of business. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, including technical roles at an international life assurance company, John draws on this depth of knowledge to provide his clients with comprehensive, personalised financial advice.

John is committed to building long-term relationships, taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs and aspirations. This approach empowers clients to make informed, confident decisions about their financial future.

As a Chartered Financial Planner and qualified Trust & Estate Practitioner, John combines technical expertise with a client-centred ethos, advising across a broad range of financial areas, from investment strategies to retirement planning.

Qualifications

  • CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
  • STEP Diploma in Wills & Estates
  • CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance
  • CISI Investment Management Certificate
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement and pension planning
  • Investments
  • Estate planning
Mark Murley
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Mark Murley
Mark Murley Chartered MCSI
Senior Independent Financial Adviser

Mark is a Senior Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, specialising in providing tailored financial solutions for both private and corporate clients.

He joined MAC Financial in September 2024, bringing over 15 years of financial services experience, including expertise in relationship and wealth management. Mark draws upon this experience to offer his clients comprehensive, personalised financial  advice.

Mark is dedicated to building long-term relationships with clients, taking the time to understand their unique financial needs and aspirations. By doing so, he empowers them to navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.

As a Chartered MCSI professional, Mark combines his technical expertise with a client-centred approach, offering advice on a range of financial areas, from investment strategies to retirement planning.

Qualifications

  • CISI Investment Advice Diploma
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement planning
  • Investments
  • Personal protection
  • Employee benefits
  • Pension scheme implementation
Natalie Bush
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Natalie Bush
Natalie Bush Chartered FPFS
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
Natalie is one of our Senior Independent Financial Advisers, providing specialised financial advice to both private and corporate clients.

She joined MAC Financial in 2025 following the acquisition of Thornton Chartered Financial Planners’ book of business. Natalie worked in life assurance for seven years before qualifying as an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), and her diverse background enables her to draw on a broad base of knowledge to deliver tailored financial solutions.

Natalie is committed to building long-term client relationships, taking the time to understand each individual’s unique needs and aspirations. Her client-first approach empowers clients to make confident, informed financial decisions.

As a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Chartered Financial Planner, Natalie combines strong technical expertise with a personalised, client-focused ethos. She advises across a wide range of areas, from investment strategies to retirement planning. Natalie was awarded the CII Glyn Gilbert Award for Outstanding Academic Success in both 2014/15 and 2019/20.

Qualifications

  • CII Diploma in Financial Planning
  • CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement and pension planning
  • Investments
  • Estate planning
  • DPO
  • Compliance
Colin Moore
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Colin Moore
Colin Moore Chartered FCSI
Senior Independent Financial Adviser

Colin is a Senior Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, specialising in providing tailored financial solutions for both private and corporate clients.

He joined MAC Financial in May 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial services, with a distinguished background in investment strategy, financial planning, and client relationship management.

Colin is dedicated to building long-term relationships with clients, taking the time to understand their unique financial needs and aspirations. By doing so, he empowers them to navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.

As a Chartered FCSI professional, Colin combines his technical expertise with a client-centred approach, offering advice across a range of financial areas—from investment strategies to retirement planning.

Qualifications

  • CISI Investment Advice Diploma
  • CISI Level 6 Certificate in Private Client Investment Advice & Management
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement planning
  • Investments
  • Personal protection
  • Employee benefits
  • Pension scheme implementation
Mike Stringer
Senior Group Risk Consultant
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Team Advisory Team Mike Stringer
Mike Stringer
Senior Group Risk Consultant

Mike is our Senior Group Risk Consultant and oversees our employee benefits clients, specialising in group protection products. 

With over 14 years of experience in financial services, Mike has a proven track record of delivering tailored solutions in Group Life, Income Protection, Added Value Services and Critical Illness cover. He also holds the CII Diploma in Financial Planning.

Since joining MAC Group in 2020, Mike has played a key role in expanding the firm’s Group Risk services. In 2024, he was promoted to Senior Group Risk Consultant. He now manages a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring they receive comprehensive, cost-effective cover that meets their specific needs.

On behalf of our clients, Mike negotiates competitive rates with insurers, manages policy renewals, and oversees claims. He also helps businesses access additional well-being services through their policies, which can enhance workplace health and retention.

He is also an active member of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Wellbeing Forum that aims to improve workplace wellbeing across the Island.

Qualifications

  • CII Diploma in Financial Planning
Areas of Expertise:
  • Group life insurance
  • Group income protection
  • Group critical illness
  • Added value services
Samantha Hall
Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Samantha Hall
Samantha Hall DipPFS
Independent Financial Adviser

Samantha is an Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, specialising in providing tailored financial solutions for both private and corporate clients.

With over nine years of experience in financial services, including four years working as an adviser, Samantha is dedicated to building strong relationships and helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning. Samantha joined MAC Financial in 2023 and offers personalised advice across key areas of financial planning, including retirement planning, investment strategies, budgeting, and cash flow management.

The CII Isle of Man recognised Samantha’s professional achievements, awarding her ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ in 2017 and the Glyn Gilbert Award for ‘Outstanding Academic Success’ in 2018. Samantha also holds the Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management and the Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice.

Qualifications

  • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
  • CII Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
  • CII Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement planning
  • Investments
  • Personal protection
  • Employee benefits
  • Pension scheme implementation
Kinry Glassey
Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Kinry Glassey
Kinry Glassey DipPFS
Independent Financial Adviser

Kinry is an Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, specialising in providing tailored financial solutions for both private and corporate clients.

With nearly a decade of financial services experience, and four years working in financial advice, Kinry is committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning and empowering them to achieve financial success.

Kinry provides personalised advice across key areas of financial planning, including retirement planning, investment strategies, budgeting, and cash flow management.

In 2021, Kinry completed the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and won the Isle of Man Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Young Achiever of the Year award in 2022.

Qualifications

  • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement planning
  • Investments
  • Personal protection
  • Employee benefits
  • Pension scheme implementation
Chris Biddulph
Independent Financial Adviser
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Team Advisory Team Chris Biddulph
Chris Biddulph DipPFS
Independent Financial Adviser

Chris is an Independent Financial Adviser at MAC Financial, focusing on tailored retirement and pension planning for corporate and private clients. 

Chris joined MAC Financial in 2022 as a Trainee Paraplanner, bringing three years of global life assurance experience. After completing the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, Chris was promoted to Pension Adviser, before being signed-off to provide full financial advice.

Drawing on his background as a Paraplanner, he provides straightforward, relevant advice to help clients make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Qualified across all areas of financial planning, Chris offers clear and practical advice on retirement planning, making it easier for clients to achieve long-term financial security.

Qualifications

  • BA Business Administration/Marketing
  • CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
  • CII Certificate in Financial Services
Areas of Expertise:
  • Retirement planning
  • Investments
  • Personal protection
  • Employee benefits
  • Pension scheme implementation