The estate planning landscape is evolving. With major pension reforms taking place from April 2027 and continued uncertainty surrounding inheritance tax policy, advisers have an important opportunity to revisit how they approach estate planning with their clients.
Join us on Wednesday 7 October, at The Westin London City for a practical, CPD-accredited event designed to help advisers navigate this changing landscape with confidence.
Drawing on expertise across estate planning, suitability and probate, our speakers from Adeptli and Kings Court Trust will explore how advisers can navigate changing legislation, segment their client bank, and deliver robust, well-documented estate planning recommendations in line with consumer duty expectations.
October 7, 2026
10:00 AM
Arrival and refreshments
10:30 AM
Introduction - Puma Investments
10:35 AM
Presentation - Dave Lardner, Adeptli
Dave Lardner
Co-founder, Adeptli
Dave Lardner
Co-founder, Adeptli
When financial advice needs to be watertight, Dave is the person advisers and networks turn to. With more than 25 years in the industry, he combines deep technical and regulatory knowledge with a talent for making complex information easy to understand and apply.
His experience spans leadership and technical roles across everything from small advice practices to multinational firms, including nearly 20 years with a FTSE 100 company. This means he understands the pressures advisers face - and knows how to design solutions that are compliant, practical, and client-friendly.
Whether it’s refining advice processes, strengthening compliance frameworks, delivering targeted training, or providing technical case support, Dave’s critical eye ensures nothing is missed. He turns complex regulation into practical steps that advisers can act on with confidence.
Recognised for his expertise in estate planning and adviser best practice, Dave will provide practical guidance across three key areas:
The current landscape: An overview of the latest developments, political discussion and key themes affecting inheritance tax planning.
Segmenting your client bank: How advisers can identify clients who may benefit from reviewing their estate plans, alongside best practice for assessing suitability and documenting recommendations.
Estate planning strategies and suitability: Exploring common client scenarios and the estate planning options available, including pensions, gifting, bonds, annuities and Business Relief solutions. Dave will discuss assessing suitability, evidencing recommendations and helping clients plan confidently despite ongoing legislative uncertainty.
11:20 AM
Presentation - Nigel Merchant, Kings Court Trust
Nigel Merchant
Technical Manager, Kings Court Trust
Nigel Merchant
Technical Manager, Kings Court Trust
Nigel Merchant joined Kings Court Trust in 2006, initially working in the Client Services Team. Over the past 20 years, he has built up extensive knowledge and experience and now works as a Technical Manager, helping to resolve the technical and legal questions that can arise when dealing with an estate.
One of Nigel’s roles has involved meeting with families, and he has conducted well over 2,000 face-to-face family meetings. This is at the heart of Kings Court Trust’s approach to supporting families as they navigate what can be a complex process during an incredibly difficult time in their lives.
Kings Court Trust will deliver a practical session focusing on efficient probate planning and supporting families through intergenerational wealth transfer.
Topics will include: practical probate planning considerations, retaining relationships with beneficiaries after a client's death, and improving outcomes for clients and their families. The session will also explore the essential estate preparation conversations advisers should be having, the importance of wills, documented wishes and organised estate information, and how best to prepare beneficiaries and executors for the future.
12:00 PM
Lunch and networking
01:00 PM
Event finish
Why attend?
- Explore how best to segment your client bank in response to the forthcoming pension changes
- Learn best practice approaches to assessing and documenting suitability
- Examine what emerging best practice could look like across a range of familiar client circumstances
- Hear expert guidance on probate planning and intergenerational wealth transfer
- Earn structured CPD while developing practical knowledge you can apply immediately
- Network with fellow advisers and industry professionals over lunch
This event is for investment professionals only.
Attendees should be mindful that investors' capital may be at risk, past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and tax benefits are subject to change and depend on the individual's circumstances. This event is being hosted to facilitate discussion, it is not intended to provide professional guidance or offer personal recommendations. Opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily represent the opinions of Puma Investments.
Puma Investments is a trading name of Puma Investment Management Limited (FCA no. 590919) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office address: Cassini House, 57 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1LD. Registered as a private limited company in England and Wales No. 08210180.