This year has seen a multitude of changes for Sipps. First, the much-talked about Budget was delivered, causing a major upheaval to the pensions industry. Then just a few months later, the regulator released a letter to chief executives of Sipp providers, suggesting most Sipp operators failed to undertake “adequate due diligence” on high-risk, speculative and non-standard investments.

Alongside this, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) issued a warning over Sipp transfers, stating that conduct of some firms means there is potential for “significant consumer detriment” as a result of investors being encouraged to invest their pension funds in high-risk assets.

And still, providers have been patiently waiting for years to find out the rules for their capital adequacy requirements. And now the wait is finally over. Providers now know they will have to hold at least £20,000 in reserve by September 2016. But with more than £100bn of estimated assets administered through Sipps, and according to this year’s survey, an average Sipp pot of £242,575, is this really enough?

The survey discusses all the major issues that lie ahead for the world of the self-invested personal pension. It takes a look at how Sipp set-up numbers have changed over the past 12 months, and how – in the run up to September 2016 – providers are prepared for the proposed requirements.

We also have features looking at how Sipps could be affected and how they need to prepare for April 2015’s new pension rules, how providers need to be undertaking due diligence on both standard and non-standard assets and one feature questioning whether there is a need to rethink Sipp regulation entirely.

As ever, your views on Money Management’s Sipps survey are welcomed along with any suggestions for any issues you think should be covered.