The Association of Member-Directed Pension Schemes (AMPS) - the Sipps and SSAS providers' body - has appointed James Hay's head of technical support Neil MacGillivray as chairman.
Mr MacGillivray says that tackling abuses in the so-called 'pensions liberation' sector will be one of AMPS main priorities over the next 12 months. Mr McGillivrary replaces Barnett Waddingham partner Andrew Roberts who is stepping down after two years in the role.
Mr MacGillivray said: "Having been honorary secretary of AMPS for the past two years, I have seen first hand the impact that Andrew has had on the trade body at such a critical time for the SIPP and SSAS industry.
"It is my intention to continue this work and our focus for the coming 12 months will be on three areas. The first is around pensions liberation and the impact that this is having on the SSAS market.
"We are seeing banks refuse banking facilities to SSAS clients due to their concerns regarding the liberation of funds. We will also look to work even more closely and proactively with the FCA and finally we will look to develop the AMPS website and in particular the forum facilities which members find informative and useful."
The committee paid tribute to Mr Roberts who has worked closely with HMRC and the FCA, focusing particularly on the proposed capital adequacy requirements which some Sipp providers have seen as a threat to the sector.
Further changes to the committee include Zachary Gallagher, Berkeley Burke and Co becoming honorary secretary; Geoff Buck, Killik & Co becomes membership secretary and Elaine Turtle of D P Pensions becomes honorary treasurer.
New AMPS chairman to focus on 'pension liberation' abuse
