Hargreaves Lansdown Vantage SIPP (PO-10413)

Ombudsman Determination

Outcome

Mrs N’s complaint is upheld, and to put matters right Hargreaves Lansdown should review again its decision to pay all the lump sum death benefits to Miss A and none to Mrs N.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mrs N has complained that Hargreaves Lansdown did not comply properly with the terms of the Pensions Ombudsman’s investigator’s opinion of 10 February 2014 (the 2014 Opinion), which Mrs N and Hargreaves Lansdown had accepted, regarding the lump sum death benefits payable under the SIPP following the death of Dr N, her estranged husband.