During these challenging times, we want you to know we’re here to help. We’re continually looking for the best ways to share the latest information with you and your clients. That’s why we’ve created our new Coronavirus Support Hub.

You’ll get the most up-to-date information – from important product and service updates, to industry training and CPD modules – all in one place.

What’s included? 

  • Service and support – Get the latest updates on our service, how we’re supporting you and how to get in touch
  • Training and CPD – Swap your daily commute with industry training and CPD modules from home
  • Our communities – Find out what we’re doing to help our local communities – from volunteering to fundraising
  • Our commitment to you – Our CEO, Doug Brown, sets out our commitment to you during these challenging time

Visit our Coronavirus Support Hub »

Additional support measures

Independent witnessing of Trusts – Flexibility agreed for New Business Only

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 it has become increasingly challenging for some of our customers to obtain a signature from an independent witness on certain documents.

Whilst a trust deed requires a witness that is physically present to attest a signature, there is no statutory requirement for the witness to be independent. However, Canada Life processes require the independent witnessing of trusts as it helps to safeguard fraud, particularly coercion in respect of vulnerable customers.

We have been working with our colleagues in Legal, Risk and Compliance to assess the risk of temporarily relaxing these requirements given the Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing measures implemented by the government.

With immediate effect, to make it easier for clients and advisers we will accept trust deeds with new business applications only which contain trustees’ signatures that have been witnessed, such as, by a person they are self-isolating with, irrespective of whether that person is also a trustee or beneficiary under the trust. Please note that a witness should still be over the age of 18.

These temporary changes will be reviewed when the restrictions are lifted.

Note: we continue to require the independent witnessing of trusts for existing customers as per existing processes given the increased risk of fraud.

If you have any further questions, please contact us. Thank you for your ongoing support.