AJ BellNov 8 2017

Tributes paid to AJ Bell's Morrison

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Tributes paid to AJ Bell's Morrison

Tributes have poured in from across the financial services industry for AJ Bell's Mike Morrison, following his sudden death aged 55.

Mr Morrison worked in financial services for, what he often joked, "far too many years."

He passed away at home on Monday (6 November).

Often on the road educating advisers on the latest developments, only last month he was a panellist at FTAdviser's Unpackaging Pensions event in London and back in September in the space of five days visited six cities as part of AJ Bell's roadshows.

It was back in 1990 that he joined Winterthur (now Axa Wealth) as technical manager, playing an instrumental role in the development of their Sipp product and later their pioneering work on income drawdown.

During his career he was also chairman of the Association of Member Directed Pension Schemes and was on the Financial Planning Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. 

He was also an associate of the Pensions Management Institute and the Chartered Insurance Institute, and held both an LLB and a masters in European Law.

An accomplished speaker and writer on financial services matters, he was passionate about retirement and savings issues, and how to better communicate these to a wider audience.

Anyone who ever met him and was fortunate to spend time in his company would also know how passionate he was about sharing a good joke about Brexit, discussing punk music and his wife and young daughter.

As news broke of his death, leading lights in the industry were swift to share their memories of Mr Morrison.

Ron Wheatcroft, technical manager at Swiss Re, said Mr Morrison was always great in taking those less able through the intricacies of pensions. 

He said: "I really enjoyed being with him on the Investment & Llfe Assurance Board and at industry gatherings. He'll be sadly missed."

Ray Chinn, head of retirement options at Nest, said: "Mike will be sorely missed across the industry but I am sure more by his family. Thoughts are with them at this time."

Louise Dolan, partner at PR agency Camarco, said: "Mike was a true gentleman with an easy manner that meant he was seen as someone you ask any question of. I am struggling to comprehend that someone I have known my entire working career has gone. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife and daughter who have lost their rock."

Henry Tapper, director at First Actuarial, said Mr Morrison had brightened our lives and everyone in the industry had good memories of him.

Chartered financial planner Simon Lake said Mr Morrison was always great company and will be missed. 

Mr Lake said: "He was passionate about his craft and was a great industry voice."

Chartered financial planner Tony Slimmings said Mr Morrison was a great character with some great opinions on the future of pensions.

Mr Slimmings said: "55 is way too young. Big loss to financial services."

Andy Bell, chief executive of AJ Bell, said: “Mike was never more comfortable than when he was in a room full of financial advisers talking about complex pension topics in his unique, engaging and light hearted way. 

“He was one of the most popular pension commentators in the industry and leaves behind many friends and colleagues. 

“Most importantly he was a dearly loved husband and father and our thoughts and support are with his family at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by everyone at AJ Bell.”

emma.hughes@ft.com