We have made some fundamental changes to our range and it is important for Financial Planners to be aware of these alterations. The changes to Savings Certificates, Guaranteed Growth/Income Bonds and Children's Bonus Bonds are part of our extensive modernisation programme designed to simplify our range and provide an efficient platform for savers to manage their finances.
NS&I's range of savings has evolved over many years (for instance, Savings Certificates date back to 1916) – and consequently their features vary widely. The changes, which will apply to investments renewed or purchased from 20 September 2012, will simplify these and make it easier for planners to consider when making recommendations to clients.

They include a common minimum age of 16 across all of NS&I's products, and a change to the penalty arrangements for the early encashment of Bonds/ Certificates. The detailed changes can be seen at nsandi.com/changes. Clients will also receive details in their maturity packs around 30 days before their investments mature and do not need to take action until then.
At the same time we've been modernising our main banking system, which will host those Bonds/ Certificates maturing from 20 September 2012. Consequently, clients will have the facility to keep up to date with the progress of their investment. When all of NS&I's savings range has moved to the new banking system customers will be able to see and securely manage their entire NS&I portfolio online (except for NS&I's postal Investment Account). Our Premium Bonds, Direct Saver and Direct ISA products are already on the new banking system. Clients who would benefit from this arrangement should be directed to nsandi.com/register-our-online-service.
The improvements made to our systems and proposition should also lead in time to benefits for Financial Planners. We continually strive to provide our customers with the information they need to make good financial decisions, and we thank you for your support in helping us to do that.