Our new Flexible Reversionary Trust is here

Exciting news!

We’re proud to launch the Aviva Flexible Reversionary Trust (FRT), a powerful new estate planning solution that gives your clients more control, flexibility, and tax efficiency than ever before.

Built to work seamlessly with our new Onshore Bond , the FRT helps clients reduce inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities while still allowing access to capital. It’s a smart, modern approach to wealth preservation that puts flexibility at the heart of estate planning.

The need for flexibility is growing

As more clients face IHT due to the extended freeze on the nil-rate band and upcoming changes to inherited pensions, estate planning is becoming a priority for a wider audience, not just the very wealthy.

That’s why we’ve designed the FRT to offer a more adaptable alternative to traditional trust structures. It’s ideal for clients who want to retain access to their capital while still planning effectively for the future.

Key features of the FRT

The FRT allows clients to gift their Onshore Bond into a trust while keeping the option to receive capital payments in the future.

• Built for flexibility  - Settlor payments are scheduled at fixed points, but can also be deferred or forgone, providing flexibility.
• Inheritance Tax Efficiency  - The FRT can help reduce the value of a client’s estate If the client survives seven years from the date of the chargeable lifetime transfer, the full value of the bond can fall outside their estate for IHT.
• Control - The trust is designed to avoid issues like the Gift with Reservation of Benefit (GWR). Trustees, not the settlor, control decisions around vesting and beneficiary payments, helping to prevent unintended tax consequences.
• Discretionary structure - The trust allows for flexible beneficiary management and capital distribution, which supports long-term estate planning while maintaining tax efficiency.

How to complete an FRT application

We’ve made setting up the Flexible Reversionary Trust (FRT) as straightforward as possible. First, complete an Onshore Bond application on the Aviva Platform. Once the application is complete, download it and send it to Onshorebond@aviva.com along with the completed Flexible Reversionary Trust Deed. When we have processed the application you'll get told the new Onshore Bond account number and you will be able to send us a single payment at this point (make sure you quote the account number). 

For help and information on the Flexible Reversionary Trust, please speak to your usual Aviva contact. 

Support documentation

Here are some key documents to help you get started:

Flexible Reversionary Trust Customer guide

Flexible Reversionary Trust Deed