Junior ISA Reform
A small change that could make a big difference for families
We’re calling for a simple update to Junior ISA rules, to allow grandparents to play a part in helping children build financial resilience for the future.
This proposal is grounded in research, shaped by the experience of real families, and supported by ongoing engagement with government and industry. Now we need your help.
What are we asking for?
At the moment, only parents or legal guardians are able to open a Junior ISA for a child.
While this works for many families, we recognise that support often comes from a wider circle. Grandparents regularly help children save and plan for the future.
We’re calling for a small, practical change to allow grandparents to open a Junior ISA, with parental consent. It’s about reflecting how families support one another today, while keeping parents firmly in control.
What is JISA Reform?
Junior ISA reform focuses on making saving and investing for children more accessible for modern families.
This proposal looks at who can open an account, not how accounts are managed. Parents would still have oversight and control, while families would have a little more flexibility in how they plan for a child’s future.
Learn more about the JISA reform proposal and what it could mean for families.
Why this matters for families
Small changes can sometimes make a big difference.
Opening up who can start a Junior ISA could help more families feel confident about saving and investing for children, especially where time, confidence or resources may be stretched.
This change could:
Help families build financial resilience for young people
Support parents by enabling trusted relatives to help from the start
Encourage positive saving and investing habits across generations
For many families, it’s about making saving and investing feel a little simpler and more achievable.
What families are telling us
Our research suggests this is something families would welcome. Of the people we talked to, view some statistic below.
Together, this points to a desire for saving and investment options that feel more inclusive and better reflect family life today.
This is about helping more people take part in long‑term saving and investing, in a way that feels practical and supportive.
47%
in Scotland would like grandparents to be able to open a Junior ISA
57%
in Scotland support allowing non-parents to open an account
36%
in the rest of the UK would like grandparents to be able to open a Junior ISA
48%
in the rest of the UK would be happy for wider family members to be able to do so
34%
overall would consider opening a Junior ISA for a child who is not their own
How we’re working to make this happen
We’re taking a considered and collaborative approach to exploring this change.
We’ve been engaging with government, policymakers and industry bodies to share evidence, listen to different perspectives, and contribute constructively to the conversation around Junior ISA reform.
This work includes:
Discussion with HMRC and Treasury officials
Engagement with MPs and policymakers
Collaboration with industry bodies and public affairs experts
Throughout this process, we’re focused on working openly and responsibly, with families’ interests at the centre of everything we do.
Acting responsibly
Being open about what we’re doing - and why - matters to us.
The Junior ISA reform campaign is guided by a commitment to:
Transparency in how we engage with policymakers
Clear, honest communication with customers and stakeholders
Putting families first, by using our voice thoughtfully and responsibly
It’s about advocating for change in a way that feels proportionate, evidence‑led and aligned with our values, and with our customers at heart.
FAQs
We know families may have questions about Junior ISAs and what this proposed change could mean
As Seen In
Our perspective on Junior ISA reform has been featured in a range of publications and industry platforms.
The Scotsman
Our JISA Reform proposal was featured in The Scotsman