SIPP pioneer Geoffrey Pointon has died at the age of 82 from Coronavirus, according to reports in his local newspaper the Rutland and Stamford Mercury.

Tributes have been paid locally and nationally to the industry veteran who died at Kettering General Hospital on 2 April.

A father-of-five, he was active in the local business community for many years.

Nationally, he was best known as one of the earliest pioneers of SIPPs and SSAS through his firm Pointon York SIPP and others.

A family tribute reported in the Mercury read: “He will be missed by all who knew him, his charisma and good humour never failed to make people smile. A great man, and a wonderful father who meant the world to all of us.”

After decades in the pensions sector he sold his business which was eventually taken over by Curtis Banks.

Financial Planning Today editor Kevin O’Donnell said: “I spoke with Geoffrey many times over the years and he was a true industry character. He was always frank and forthright in views, particularly if he didn’t like a particular story, but he always voiced his views with good humour and friendliness.

"In terms of the SIPP sector it is doubtful it would now be such a prominent part of the financial landscape without his energy and enthusiasm. He will be missed by many.”

Financial Planning Today columnist and SIPPs veteran John Moret said: "I first met Geoffrey nearly 30 years ago. This was shortly after SIPPs were established and the company, which bore his name, was one of the first SIPP providers. That was no surprise as he was a pioneer, having set up Pointon York back in the seventies. The company became a major player in the SSAS market in the eighties before moving into SIPPs.

"Geoffrey was a larger than life figure. He could seem quite intimidating but, during the next 20 years, we met on several occasions at conferences and trade events and I always enjoyed his company. He was an entrepreneur and was always keen to talk about new ideas. One lunch I remember was at the Oriental Club off Oxford street where he was a member - somehow Geoffrey seemed totally at home in the surroundings and history of the club. He had a great sense of humour and plenty of anecdotes, often about his travels."

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