Power of attorney guidance

You can also view a PDF of this guide if you prefer.

If you would like help managing your affairs, you can appoint one or more persons (known as ‘Attorneys’) to make decisions on your behalf by creating a Power of Attorney (PoA).

Please note that we (abrdn Fund Managers Limited) cannot give legal, tax or financial advice. You need to think carefully about the person(s) you wish to appoint and the powers they should have. We therefore recommend you seek professional advice if you wish to create a PoA.

In some cases, you may wish for a friend or family member to discuss your account with us on your behalf without putting in place a Power of Attorney.

A letter of authority allows you to appoint a trusted individual who is authorised to discuss and receive information on all matters related to your account with us such as: a current valuation of your investment, how to invest further funds or how to sell your investment.

Please remember that only you, as the account holder, have the authority to buy and sell investments. We therefore cannot accept any dealing instructions from an individual who has been authorised by you by way of a letter of authority.

To allow us to accept a letter of authority, the letter should note:

• The investor reference number/s
• Account holder(s) name, address and date of birth
• All appointed individuals’ name, address and date of birth
• Contact information for both
• Wording that clearly states that you wish for this person to have authority to discuss matters and receive information in relation to your account
• The letter must be signed and dated by all account holders and all appointed individuals

How we can help

If you need more information, then please get in touch.

Please remember that whilst our Contact Centre can provide you with guidance and support regarding our own processes, we are unable to offer any financial, legal or tax advice and you should consult with the relevant professional who can review your circumstances on an individual basis.

If you require legal advice to establish a Power of Attorney and you do not have a solicitor, then you may wish to visit the website www.solicitor.info to identify a solicitor.

You can also take a look at the financial advice and legal services abrdn offer. Should you decide this service is right for you, our team of specialists can help draft powers of attorney for clients across the UK.

Other organisations

You can get further information and support from the organisations below.

Office of the Public Guardian (England & Wales)

Visit office of the Public Guardian website 

Email: customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk

Telephone: 0300 456 0300

Text phone: 0115 934 2778

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)

Visit office of the Public Guardian (Scotland) website

Office of Care and Protection (Northern Ireland)

Information on Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA)