Small Self Administered Schemes (SSAS) are ideal vehicles for directors of family and other privately owned companies to accumulate retirement funds.

They offer greater control and more investment flexibility than many traditional insured arrangements. They are Occupational Pension Schemes linked to a principal employer with appointed trustees.

The investment considerations can be complex where schemes have more than one member, as assets are not earmarked. This means it is important to have the flexibility to deal with members interests where retirement dates are significantly different.

It is possible to operate different strategies within a scheme depending on the aims and objectives of each member. The trustees ultimately control the assets and are made up of the members and a professional trustee.

As SSAS vehicles are used to build up retirement funds the main objective is for growth so that pension benefits can be maximised at retirement. The types of investment vary depending on the risk being taken but typically can include equities, fixed interest, commercial property and cash. These asset classes form the basis of our Corporate Insurance strategies when dealing with pension funds.

It is also important to note that the taxable property rules can impact on certain investments so appointing an Investment Manager who is familiar with the rules will avoid any unnecessary costs. Taylor Patterson has over 25 years experience in administering SSAS Schemes and managing SSAS investments.

We can also manage SSAS investments beyond the normal retirement date where a member defers buying an annuity and takes benefits from the scheme using Unsecured Pension (USP), Scheme Pension or Alternatively Secured Pension (ASP) if over 75.