When opening a UTMA account, a customer has requested not only to designate a Successor Custodian, but also list several people as POD Beneficiaries. Is this advisable?

No - if both the Custodian and Successor Custodian decease, then, depending on the age of the minor (14yo), they may choose their own, new Custodian. If the minor is under a certain age, their guardian of the minor will become the Successor Custodian. No need to cloudy the waters or the signature card with POD's.

UTMA laws typically do not permit POD designations on these accounts. In some cases, they may not permit the pre-designation of a successor custodian. Check your state law.