Pension schemes that wish to benefit from pension tax relief are required to register. Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has responsibility for registering pension schemes to protect the exchequer in respect of the significant value this relief represents. In 2014, legislation was changed to introduce a “fit and proper test” for scheme administrators. This has had a significant impact with over 700 schemes being deregistered and an 88% reduction in the number of new applications compared to 2012/13. As a result, it would appear that the primary focus now is on pension investment scams. In those circumstances, there is no tax charge as there is not typically an unauthorised payment, funds are simply transferred from one pension scheme to another. HMRC does not publish a list of registered pension schemes. HMRC does not authorise pension transfers and makes this clear to consumers and the industry in its guidance and through stakeholders. Pension schemes are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pensions schemes and ensuring they comply with the legislation. HMRC guidance encourages individuals to seek professional advice before transferring their pensions. HMRC is continuously looking for ways to improve its communications and published guidance, and will explore how to make it clearer to the public that being registered should not be taken as an endorsement of a pension scheme.