Shares, ISAs and platforms as attorney
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
Investment platforms rarely have a smooth attorney process. Expect paper forms and a wait.
Getting access
- Each platform, registrar and fund manager needs its own attorney registration.
- Certified copies rather than the original, sent separately to each.
- Online access as attorney is often read-only or unavailable.
- Share registrars such as Equiniti and Computershare have their own forms.
What you can do with an ISA
| Action | Position |
|---|---|
| Manage existing investments | Yes |
| Subscribe new money to the donor's ISA | Usually yes, if in their interests |
| Sell holdings to fund care | Yes |
| Transfer the ISA to another provider | Yes |
| Transfer holdings to yourself or family | No — that is a gift |
The standard of care
Attorneys must act in the donor's best interests and take advice where they lack expertise. Speculative trading with a donor's money is indefensible; a cautious, advised portfolio is not. See attorney and investments.
Delegating investment decisions
Attorneys can only hand discretionary investment management to a professional if the LPA authorises it. Check the wording before signing a discretionary mandate.
Common questions
Can I open a new investment account for the donor?
Generally yes where it serves their interests, though many providers will not open new accounts on an attorney's instruction.
What about Premium Bonds?
NS&I has its own attorney process — see LPA and Premium Bonds and NS&I.
Read next
Where this fits
This page is part of Money, tax and property. The pages below take it further.
- Property & Financial Affairs LPA
The LP1F: money, bills, savings, property and everything a bank will ask for.
- Make an LPA online
The whole journey end to end: questions, documents, signing and registration.
Review and sources
Reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner. Last reviewed 13 August 2026. We recheck fees, forms and Office of the Public Guardian guidance whenever they change — see our editorial policy.
Official sources
Ready to make your LPA?
Answer five quick questions to check the service suits you, then start online for £49 per LPA.
The Office of the Public Guardian charges a separate £92 to register each LPA.
This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group